‘The future started yesterday. New technologies need to be embedded in existing systems that resist change. Analysis of the systems developments helps in identifying opportunities for sustainable innovation’

Frank Veraart is an Assistant Professor of history of technology at Eindhoven University of Technology. His areas of expertise include Modern and Contemporary History, Environmental Studies, History of Mobility, Spatial Planning and Computing. Frank’s studies focus on how societal developments are influences by technology and choices of actors. Frank researches the historical development of sustainability trade-offs in transnational resource chains. International trade influences well-being and sustainability (social, economic and ecologic) at places of excavation, production and consumption. Frank studies the origins and historical development of the resources chains and its local impacts on sustainability and well-being. 

Frank has been involved in the research Historical Roots of the Dutch Sustainability Challenges, 1850-2010, granted by the Dutch science foundation NWO. In this research sustainable developments in Dutch society are analyzed using quantitative and qualitative analysis. Quantitative monitors and series sketch the sustainability developments. A qualitative analysis is applied to analyze choices of actors in applying biological, mineral and fossil resources.

Frank Veraart received his PhD in History of Technology from TU/e in 2008, At this time, he was also a member of WTMC, The Netherlands Graduate School of Science, Technology and Modern Culture He also holds an MSc in Technology and Society from TU/e. 

Frank is currently one or the research directors of the research network ‘Drivers and Carriers of Globalisation’ of the NW Posthumus research School for Economic and Social History and board member of the Dutch Business History Foundation (SBG). He has authored several book chapters and publishes regularly in key journals, such as Well-being, Sustainability and Social Development, Builders and Planners, Cycling Cities: The European Experience and Hacking Europe. Frank is also involved with the organization, and holds presentations and keynote speeches at, workshops, seminars, courses and exhibitions. Recent examples include NW Posthumus conference Global Inequality Trends and Theories, workshop Well-Being and Sustainability in the Netherlands, Tensions of Europe Conference and Changing Society and Sustainability.