Witold-Roger Poganietz

Dr. Witold-Roger Poganietz serves as Research Group Leader of the “Sociotechnical Energy Futures” group at the Institute for Technology Assessment and Systems Analysis (ITAS) at Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT), where he has been a research associate since 2008. His position places him at the intersection of technological systems analysis and societal transformation processes, with a particular focus on sustainable energy transitions.

Dr. Poganietz’s research program centers on the complex interrelationships between technological systems and social structures. His primary expertise lies in sociotechnical energy analysis, water-energy-waste nexus studies, industrial ecology applications, and circular economy models. His work consistently adopts a systems perspective that examines how different elements of resource management interact across technical, social, and institutional dimensions. This approach is particularly evident in his internationally recognized research on integrated sustainability assessment methodologies.

His recent publications (2023-2025) reveal a strong emphasis on context-specific applications of integrated resource management, particularly examining the water-energy-waste nexus in diverse geographic settings including Chile, Colombia, and Germany. His work frequently employs stakeholder analysis and participatory methods to understand the social dimensions of technical systems, reflecting a commitment to developing solutions that are both technically sound and socially just.

Dr. Poganietz has made significant contributions through major research initiatives such as the Kopernikus-Project ENSURE, which focuses on participation mechanisms and knowledge transfer in Germany’s energy transition. His research bridges technical analysis with social considerations, addressing practical implementation challenges while maintaining strong theoretical foundations in systems analysis and technology assessment.