The European Commission has introduced a comprehensive strategy to establish the European Union (EU) as a leader in the field of advanced materials, crucial for the green and digital transition. The communication on advanced materials for industrial leadership presents a detailed plan to align research and innovation priorities with investments throughout the EU, marking a significant step towards a unified approach in the advanced materials sector. This initiative is eagerly awaited by member states and industry stakeholders and is poised to lay the foundation for further developments in this critical field.

Advanced materials, characterised by their exceptional performance and unique functions, are pivotal for innovation in key sectors such as energy, construction, and mobility, thereby playing a vital role in the green and digital transition. The demand for these materials is expected to surge in the coming years across various applications, including renewable energy. The strategy not only aims to enhance the EU's competitiveness and secure its position at the forefront of material technologies but also to improve its strategic autonomy and economic security by reducing dependencies on critical materials through substitution, recycling, and reuse, the commission said in a press release.

The strategy's comprehensive approach encompasses several actions to be undertaken in collaboration with EU member states, industry players, and other stakeholders. It includes strengthening the European research and innovation ecosystem for advanced materials, which is essential for fostering a collaborative and innovative environment. Another key action involves fast-tracking innovative materials to the market through the development of a ‘materials commons,’ a European digital infrastructure designed to accelerate the design, development, and testing of new advanced materials with the help of artificial intelligence.

Furthermore, the strategy emphasises increasing capital investment and access to financing, with the EU setting up a new partnership under Horizon Europe targeting €500 million in investments for 2025-2027, with a substantial portion expected from private sources. It also focuses on promoting the production and use of advanced materials by incorporating innovative procurement, setting standards, and launching an advanced materials academy with the European Institute of Innovation and Technology to ensure the European workforce possesses the necessary skills. Lastly, the creation of a Technology Council for advanced materials is proposed to provide guidance on steering this initiative, involving member states, countries associated to Horizon Europe, and industry stakeholders.