Newsletter October 2022
Manufacturing "Made in Europe"
The manufacturing sector accounts for approximately 20% of EU GDP. Additionally, it is the backbone of much of the economy. Think about it this way: the airline business cannot exist without aircraft; the health sector cannot function without medical equipment.
Europe used to be at the forefront of the manufacturing sector, but this advantage is being continuously eroded due to new challenges associated with the digital and green transition, competition outside Europe, and global supply chain disruptions.
How can the lost ground be recovered? One way is coordinated investment in research and innovation. To this purpose, the European Commission has set up a so-called “co-programmed partnership” between the Commission itself and key players in the manufacturing sector, such as manufacturers and researchers/innovators. The partnership is called “Made in Europe”. The advantage? A coordinated and strategic approach. The vision and plan of the partnership is detailed in the Strategic Research and Innovation Agenda (SRIA), and investments are being channelled according to the priorities identified there. Funding opportunities are published in the Horizon Europe Cluster 4 Work Programme and Swiss entities are eligible to participate. All projects, results and demonstrators can be easily browsed through using the user-friendly online Innovation Portal.
Becoming a member of the partnership is possible – yes, even for Swiss entities – and is furthermore recommended, as it offers opportunities to learn about the latest developments and plans, work with other key players and most importantly, shape the direction of future research and innovation strategy.
Are you interested in knowing more? Euresearch is always at your disposal to discuss further details.
Matthew Whellens, National Contact Point for
Industry and Space (Cluster 4)
Alexandra Rosakis, Illustration
