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The increasing dynamism and complexity of business environments necessitate early recognition and monitoring of technological, market, political, and social developments for innovative success. To effectively identify innovation opportunities and risks, key questions must be addressed: What changes can be anticipated? What opportunities and challenges will arise? What future is desirable? What disruptive events could occur? What successful strategies can be derived? Roadmaps serve as effective tools to answer these questions, consolidating various topics, identifying possible actions, and establishing priorities. While traditional roadmaps focus on technological forecasts, the rapid pace of change in market and social contexts limits their potential. Innovations now require a broader perspective that includes socio-economic aspects and early customer input. The Institute for Futures Studies and Technology Assessment (IZT) has developed the integrated technology roadmap (ITR), which examines multiple dimensions of business strategies in dynamic technological areas. This approach seeks technological solutions for social, economic, political, and ecological challenges, prioritizing user viewpoints. The ITR method has been successfully tested with the ZVEI Fachverband Automation, producing the ITR ‘Automation 2015+’. This guide summarizes the development experience of the roadmap and is intended for ZVEI associations, which can ef

Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) are vital for fostering innovative ideas and initiatives essential for achieving sustainable production and consumption. Europe, as the historical center of industrialization, is poised to lead the transition to sustainable industrial practices, provided that the right conditions and motivated entrepreneurs emerge. Key to this transition are values related to resource availability, product functionality, and environmental impact, both locally and globally. Imagination, information, and encouragement will also play crucial roles. This manual offers SMEs a wealth of ideas, tools, examples, and guidance for developing environmentally conscious products. It emphasizes a holistic approach to product development and design, considering the entire life cycle—from identifying needs in the early stages to the disposal of the product after its use. Special attention is given to the principles and criteria for designing complex products, ensuring that sustainability is integrated at every phase of development.