According to Moore´s Law the functionality of electronic devices has to double every 1,5 to 2 years in order to survive on the market place. This aggressive cost reduction usually is achieved by rapid shrinking of the device feature size and holds for both: passive and active components. This straightforward “down-scaling” approach more and more reaches its physical limits. However, integration of new ceramic materials helps to extend the timeline for “More Moore”. With Ta-capacitor technology as an example for passive components and DRAM CMOS technology as an example for active devices the paramount role of material innovations is illustrated. In both cases new ceramic materials play a mayor role as “high k” dielectrics for front end of line processes. Contrary, “low k” materials are important for the interconnect level.
Beyond conventional down scaling new key technologies, e.g. nanotechnology allows for “More than Moore”. Ceramic nanomaterials such as Carbon Nanotubes allow for promising new integration concepts. Besides these “high end” approaches in order to achieve a maximum integration density also “low end” solutions are pursued for applications which do not require high integration density. For simple circuits the current Si-technology already is too expensive but polymer electronics known as “polytronics” is a viable alternative in this sector. With low cost electronic polymers and low cost production technologies new applications such as soft circuits and displays or simple radio controlled systems for smart price tags can be realized. Another field driven by material innovation is “Adaptronics”. Here piezoceramic materials are applied which show both sensor and actor behaviour in one component. These electromechanical systems allow for a big variety of new applications. Prototypes of such systems reduce noise in cars or vibrations in trains.  The application of piezoceramics as actors in electronically controlled fuel injectors of the Diesel common rail system for automotives already is well established.
Consequently, new materials will open windows for more cost reduction and new applications of electronic systems. Therefore, the penetration of daily life with electronic devices will further expedite. One important side effect is the need for reliable and effective energy supply systems to cope with the energy demand of electronics. Especially mobile energy systems will show significant growth rates. Again, material innovation plays a dominant role to come up with new concepts for high efficient systems. In this field, fuel cells have big potential for both, mobile and small stationary, decentralized energy generation. This is illustrated with SOFC (solid oxide fuel cell) technology as an example. Due to optimized ceramic/metal/ glass compounds SOFC systems are currently on the verge of commercialization with a big market prospective.

Vortragssprache: Englisch