Quantum Dots for Quantum Information Processing: Controlling and Exploiting the Quantum Dot Environment This thesis offers a comprehensive introduction to surface acoustic waves in the quantum regime. It addresses two of the most significant technological challenges in developing a scalable quantum information processor based on spins in quantum dots: (i) decoherence of the electronic spin qubit due to the surrounding nuclear spin bath and (ii) long range spin spin coupling between remote qubits. Electron spins confined in quantum dots (QDs) are among the leading contenders for implementing quantum information processing. To this end the author pursues novel strategies that turn the unavoidable coupling to the solid state environment (in particular nuclear spins and phonons) into a valuable asset rather than a liability. Introduction Superradiance Like Electron Transport Through a Quantum Dot Nuclear Spin Dynamics in Double Quantum Dots Universal Quantum Transducers Based on Surface Acoustic Waves Outlook.