On 27 February 2024, the European Commission presented a strategy on advanced materials to enhance the EU’s long-term competitiveness and to reduce dependencies on critical materials. The demand for advanced materials is expected to increase significantly in the coming years, for instance for the production of renewable energy, batteries, zero-emission buildings, semiconductors, medicines and medical devices, satellites, space launchers, planes or for other dual-use applications as well as defence equipment. This initiative is the first step towards a common European approach for advanced materials, laying the groundwork for further action.
The Communication proposes actions along five main pillars to be implemented together with EU Member states, industry players and other key stakeholders:
- Strengthening the European research & innovation ecosystem on advanced materials.
- Fast-tracking innovative materials to the market. This includes developing a “materials commons”, a European digital infrastructure for advanced materials research and innovation. It will significantly accelerate the design, development and testing of new advanced materials in a controlled environment, also using AI.
- Increasing capital investment and access to financing. As part of this package of actions, the EU will set up a new partnership with the industry under Horizon Europe, aiming at €500 million of investments for 2025-2027, with at least €250 million coming from private sources.
- Fostering the production and use of advanced materials. This includes procurement for innovation, standard setting and the launch of an Advanced Materials Academy with the European Institute of Innovation and Technology to make sure European workforce has the necessary skills.
- Creating a Technology Council for advanced materials to advise on the steering of this initiative with Member States, countries associated to Horizon Europe and industry.