| The Institute for
Prospective Technological Studies (IPTS, Seville), Technologies for Sustainable
Development, IPTS, is one of the eighth institutes of the European Commission's
Joint Research Centre. It maintains a European Science and Technology Observatory
(ESTO), and, in response to issues confronting the European Union, performs
forward studies focusing on the relationships between science, economy
and society, with the objective of contributing to debates on problem-solving
growth, competitiveness, employment and sustainability. The principle tools
used in its research are expert consultation and scenario development.
IPTS has been working
in the area of water resource management since 1995. IPTS's water resource
activities focus on how water can be properly managed to ensure the maximum
good to society in terms of socio-economic wellbeing for both the present
and future generations. The institute undertakes inter-disciplinary analyses
of the potential role of technological, economic and administrative options
to ensure that sufficient water of adequate quality can be provided to
meet the needs of society, including assessment of realistic and sustainable
means of reducing the water demand through both technological and structural
changes.
Currently, IPTS’ ongoing
projects in the area of water involves the study of water management in
regards to the scientific, technological, and institutional developments
of agricultural, urban, regional and environmental issues. Realistic means
of reducing water demand through both technological, societal, and institutional
changes are being analysed in the agricultural, rural, and urban sectors
of a number of countries (e.g., technology assessment of wastewater recycling,
desalination, and urban use reduction devices). Regional development issues
are being evaluated in regards to its ecological and socio-economic needs. |
