Advanced materials are intentionally designed and engineered materials 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 example, for innovation in energy, electronics, construction, and mobility, and therefore crucial for the green and digital transition. They are needed for instance to produce 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. The European Commission has proposed an encompassing strategy to move towards EU industrial leadership in advanced materials, putting forward concrete steps enabling to align research and innovation priorities and investments in the EU.

The European Cluster Collaboration Platform, on behalf of the European Commission, organised the EU Clusters Talk “Leading the twin transition: Advanced materials as key enabling technology” on 10 April. The talk presented the strategy to move towards EU industrial leadership in advanced materials, discussed the challenges, and heard about cluster activity in this field.

Watch the recording 

Speakers included:

• Eva Milella, President, IMAST Italian technological district for the engineering of polymeric and composite materials and structures

• Magdalena Cholewińska-Falarz, Chief Innovation Officer, Silesian Nano Cluster

This event was 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 to discuss cluster-relevant topics, which will change with every meeting.