Towards sustainable development of industry: networking, complexity and eco-clusters

This paper is concerned with the sustainable development of society, its economy and in particular with the future industry–environment partnership. As a working hypothesis we interpret sustainable development as an evolutionary step taken by society and its economy. The path to be taken will be one of increasing complexity. Consequently, it is argued that efficiency improvements are the first step of development but will by far not be sufficient for a radical breakthrough toward sustainable development. Currently, the most appropriate guiding model for industrial development is assumed to be the industrial ecology model. Networks of industrial and various other activities comprising the three essential areas of effect, ecology, economy and sociology, are important components of the complex industrial systems under discussion. It is these comprehensive networks, intermeshed with society as a whole, that will encourage sustainable development. In conclusion, we will discuss alternative development possibilities available to cities and regions. New forms of Eco-Clusters (ECOFIT-Parks) shall become the germ cells of development for a sustainable industry.