The Strategic Technologies for Europe Platform (STEP) is a new EU initiative launched on 1 March 2024, which aims to strengthen the EU’s industrial competitiveness and reduce external dependencies by funding the development and manufacturing of critical technologies in the EU, namely digital and deep innovation tech, clean and resource-efficient tech, and biotech. STEP will help mobilise funding across 11 existing programmes financed by the EU, and it is estimated to boost investments in these three sectors by up to EUR 50 billion through existing EU instruments combined with other public and private funds.

The European Cluster Collaboration Platform, on behalf of the European Commission, organised the EU Clusters Talk “EU Funding for Critical Technologies: Special Session on the STEP Initiative” on 3 July, 8:30 – 9:45 CET, to present the Strategic Technologies for Europe Platform, discuss challenges in accessing EU funding, and hear about interesting advancements in digital and deep innovation tech, clean and resource-efficient tech, and biotech.

RECORDING FROM THE SESSION:

Please find the factsheet on the Strategic Technologies for Europe Platform (STEP) here.

Speakers included:

1. Benoit Esmanne, Task Force Member STEP, DG BUDG, European Commission
2. Kädi Ristkok, CEO, Cleantech Estonia and Cleantech for Baltics
3. Margot Jehle, Project Lead, BioRegio STERN Management

This event is part of regular online meetings brought to the cluster community by the European Cluster Collaboration Platform. They offer up-to-date insights into the latest industrial policies and clusters’ involvement, projects, and best practices, the latest ECCP news, and funding opportunities. The EU Clusters Talks are a space to exchange knowledge and discuss cluster-relevant topics, which will change with every meeting.