Traditional and slow to respond. Not at all alert and creative. Judgments regarding the state of the Swedish construction sector are not favourable. But there are high points, such as the increasing cooperation between Swedish researchers and research funding agencies and their European counterparts. The ongoing internationalisation accelerates and assists efforts to institute changes.
In this issue of the new online journal Sustainability we give you an insight into the cooperation that is taking place and in which Research Council Formas is involved. The article "International approach for a creative construction sector" describes the European construction technology platform (ECTP). This brings together clients, designers, people from the materials industry and researchers. These have all realised that there are great similarities between countries as regards challenges and the demands by customers. They also appreciate the value of cooperation, both in regard to research and access to knowledge.
The new network Eracobuild is continuing the work of Erabuild. The intention is that Eracobuild will strengthen and expand the existing network of research programmes; one of the goals is to finance transnational research.
Another cooperative initiative is Urban-net. In this network for research on sustainable urban development, the 13 member countries have agreed on four themes that, in the order given, are of the greatest importance in these countries. The four themes are Compact city or urban sprawl, Trans-sectoral processes, Health and quality of life, and Climate change and risks.
Risk is also highlighted in the article "Nanotechnology in our homes". This not only sets out all the fantastic opportunities that the new technology offers, but also gives a reminder that there may be dangers. Formas is supporting research concerning the risks posed by nanotechnology.
I hope you will enjoy reading this issue.