I want to better understand the possibilities and limitations with new technologies - André Månberger, Programme Director
André Månberger is Programme Director for Mistra Mineral Governance, and senior lecturer at Environmental and Energy Systems Studies at Lund University. He is leading work package one, which focuses on the interaction dynamics between sustainability transitions, technological development and raw material criticality. In this short interview, he highlights what research him and his colleagues will explore in the programme, and what motivates him as a researcher.
What are you going to explore in your work package?
We will study how technological innovation has been, is now and could in the future change the demand for certain raw materials perceived as critical. We will also study these materials supply chains to learn more about constraints and limitations after the mine is built, as we see that this is often overlooked.
How would you like your research to be used?
Technologies for low carbon transitions develop rapidly and this impacts which materials are needed. Current criticality assessments often depart from current technologies and material use. By developing approaches that include technological learning and how resources are used, we aim to assess how raw materials level of criticality can change. I hope that this can contribute to making more informed decisions of the possibilities and limitations with new technologies and what to prioritise to make supply chains less vulnerable.
Who can gain from your results?
The main beneficiary of our research in this work package are society and policymakers but companies involved in the metal supply chain and investors can also learn from our research. Society and policymakers can take our results on board when designing regulations and policies for sustainability transitions and supply security. Our forward looking analysis of material requirements can inform companies, for example their investment decisions in a new capacity, to extract and refine metals.
Why is this field of research important?
Sustainability transitions require raw materials. It is currently unclear to what extent some of the raw materials are essential for enabling some sustainability transitions and what the impacts could be if supply is insufficient. By studding these questions we will contribute to more informed decisions that make it possible to prioritise different societal goals in democratic processes.
What drives you as a researcher?
In my research I want to better understand how technologies and societies are co-evolving over time. Societies have several challenges that they are responding too. Sustainability, environmental in particular, is one that has received a lot of attention over the years. I want to better understand the possibilities and limitations with new technologies to respond to these challenges and how decisions can be made that are robust and resilient in light of uncertainties that cannot be predicted.