Investing in the next 'smart material' industrial revolution

Pieter Busscher, portfolio manager of the RobecoSAM Smart Materials fund, looks at the manufacturing and technological innovations - from robots to 3D printers - which will continue to push production ahead, despite the significant decline of raw materials

Over the past 30 years, a total of 70 billion tonnes of raw materials have been excavated on our planet. Over 70% of these materials have been non-renewable. Population growth, increased life expectancy and increased urbanisation are placing continued strained on resources and both companies and governments must exploit new technologies to meet growing demand.  Mankind is learning to treat resources ever more efficiently, driving innovation. Technological innovations in manufacturing techniques have the potential to lay the groundwork for the third and fourth industrial revolution.  ...