The Royal Swedish Academy of Engineering Sciences, IVA, is an independent arena for the exchange of knowledge. By initiating and stimulating contacts between experts from different disciplines and countries the Academy promotes cross fertilisation between industry, academia, public administration and various interest groups. Bringing people together to take part in lectures, conferences, research exchanges and other projects serves to generate new ideas and knowledge. The Academy has a longstanding tradition of clarifying the implications of strategic choices. Projects and studies describe the potential of technology and problems in society, the economic consequences of new technology and prerequisites for sustainable development.