[en] Full text: The International Atomic Energy Agency, in co-operation with the World Nuclear Association, the World Energy Council, the International Science and Technology Center and the Electric Utilities Cost Group, organized the International Conference on Innovative Technologies for Nuclear Fuel Cycles and Nuclear Power, in Vienna from 23 to 26 June 2003. The main objectives of the Conference were to facilitate exchange of information between senior experts and policy makers from Member States and international organizations on important aspects of the development of innovative technologies for future generations of nuclear power reactors and fuel cycles; to create an understanding of the social, environmental and economic conditions that would facilitate innovative and sustainable nuclear technologies; and to identify opportunities for collaborative work between Member States and international organizations and programmes. There were seven sessions; four were devoted to talks on specific topics by 21 invited speakers drawn from 11 Member States and one full-day session to 21 oral presentations and 26 poster presentations of accepted papers. Part of the opening session and two half-day sessions were devoted to panel discussions in which 23 panellists from 9 Member States and 5 international organizations took part. The conference succeeded in bringing together top managers, policy makers and specialists from developed and developing countries as well as representatives of R and D activities in MS and international projects. All relevant aspects of innovative technologies for nuclear fuel cycles and nuclear power were discussed in an open, frank and objective manner with the following conclusions. No large increase in the use of nuclear energy is foreseen in the near and medium term, but is likely in the long term if developing country per-capita electricity consumption reaches that of the developed world. The nuclear sector including regulators view an increased use of nuclear energy as the solution for global sustainable energy needs considering that significant reductions in CO₂ emissions would be required. Although the current nuclear technology is considered to have matured as an industry, innovation is foreseen for further improvement of safety, economy, sustainability, non-proliferation, etc. On the other hand, the general public, politicians and environmental NGO's (Non Governmental Organizations) in many countries view nuclear specialists with distrust. In their view nuclear energy is not needed in the short and medium term and likely not also in the long term. Innovative fuel cycles and nuclear power technologies have to achieve inherent safety, proliferation resistance, foolproof measures against terrorist acts and sabotage, etc., even for being considered as an option. Thus there is a gap to be bridged if the potential benefits of nuclear energy are to be realized for peace and prosperity of humanity. Technical measures such as well defined user-requirements, improved design concepts and applications in addition to electricity generation, have to be developed. Communication has to be substantially improved both within the nuclear community and with the public and society at large. Apart from achieving acceptable economic targets in terms of cost per installed kilowatt and investment cost, it would be necessary to seek appropriate solutions for improving the investment attractiveness of nuclear plants in developing countries. There was a broad agreement amongst the participants that international collaboration in general and the collaboration especially between Gen IV and INPRO initiatives should be improved and substantially expanded. The IAEA is expected by all to play a key role in coordinating international efforts to develop innovative technologies. (author)