Advanced materials contribute to the competitiveness, resilience, and strategic autonomy of European industries. Advanced materials are intentionally designed and engineered to display superior performance or special functions, which can be developed with unprecedented speed thanks to today's scientific understanding and computing power. They are fundamental for innovation in energy, electronics, construction, and mobility, and therefore crucial for the green and digital transitions.
Examples of advanced materials include bio-based materials with increased insulation and circularity capacity, recyclable carbon reinforced plastics for wind-mill blades or airplane wings, sodium-ion based batteries with the potential to avoid the use of raw materials such as lithium.
The demand for materials with novel properties is projected to surge in the near future, in particular as a consequence of the EU’s ambitious initiatives for deploying green technologies and deep tech innovations. This is linked to their potential capability to substitute critical raw materials, the shift away from fossil fuels to other energy sources, and circularity.
Advanced materials for industrial leadership
In February 2022, key industrial stakeholders called on the Commission in the Materials 2030 Manifesto to establish a strategic roadmap and effective governance for R&I on advanced materials.
Following wider consultations with EU countries and a first structured dialogue with industry, the Communication on Advanced Materials for Industrial Leadership was published on 27 February 2024.
These proposals highlighted the critical importance of advanced materials. The communication aims to ensure that Europe has the necessary capacities and resources to lead innovation and deployment in advanced materials.
This communication also sets out a strategy on R&I needs. It addition, its details approaches for strengthening the production, use and uptake of advanced materials. The overall objective is to establish a dynamic, secure, and inclusive materials ecosystem in Europe that ensures leadership in research and fast-tracks innovations to market.
Industry dialogues
In January 2024, industry had the opportunity to take part in a structured dialogue with the European Commission on setting up a strategy on advanced materials for industrial leadership. On 6 June 2024, the European Commission organised a second structured dialogue to gather insights from stakeholders to ensure that actions laid out in this strategy could be swiftly and effectively implemented.
The 5 pillars of boosting advanced materials
In order to achieve industrial leadership, the Communication has proposed actions along 5 main pillars. These objectives are to be implemented together with EU countries, industry players and other key stakeholders.
- European research and innovation on advanced materials
A launchpad for the twin transition, EU resilience and open strategic autonomy
Fast track from lab to fab
Increasing capital investment and access to finance
Fostering the production and use of advanced materials
- Overall governance framework
Establishment of the Technology Council
Priority areas
The Communication has identified initial priority areas that are particularly important for achieving the twin green and digital transition.
- Energy
Advanced materials are vital for converting and storing renewable energy, sustainable fuel production and aligning with EU energy transition goals.
- Mobility
Advanced materials enable energy-efficient and safer transport options. They also contribute to the sector's environmental sustainability.
- Construction
Advanced materials enhance the energy efficiency of buildings. They also enable durability and circularity, leading to more sustainable living spaces.
- Electronics
Advanced materials improve performance and energy efficiency in electronics. This is crucial for digital technology to advance.