University-industry cooperation has become not only a need, but a major opportunity for applied research, transfer of knowledge and development of entrepreneurship. An important task of these centres is to involve different types of expertise in harmonious cooperation leading to synergetic effects. It is hoped that this contribution to the WCS will help delegates to clarify elements of the policy for sustainable development and its implementation. Bled Declaration on Sustainable consumption - a European viewpoint Consumption is defined here as the human transformation of materials, fluids and energy. It is of concern when the transformed materials, fluids and energy become less available for future use or negatively impact biophysical systems in such a way as to threaten human health, welfare or other things people value.
Unsustainable consumption is a serious impediment to sustainable development.
Drivers of consumption are multiple and complex. They should not be attributed to a single factor such as population growth since they involve economic activity, unequal distribution, technology choices, social values and lifestyle, institutions and policies. Scientific and technological advances can address food production efficiency, solar energy capture, new energy sources, creation of new materials and better quality products, and clean technologies. Doing more from less is of paramount importance if we are to shift towards sustainable consumption. Radical attempts to raise awareness about the problem of unsustainable consumption lead to questions about material and non-material values in multicultural societies.