Call for EU to support key industrial technologies of the future

The main conclusions of the expert group call for a single and comprehensive approach to the development of the key industrial technologies of the future, telling on policy-makers to adopt radical objectives to retain critical capability and capacity in Europe.

In particular, the group recommends that the vital importance of KETs should be reflected in the structure and funding in the upcoming framework for research and innovation and in the priorities of the EU's future regional policy.

European Commission Vice-President Antonio Tajani warned that Europe’s industry, “Would suffer losses in competitiveness,” if it fails to successfully exploit the six KETs of micro- and nanoelectronics, advanced materials, industrial biotechnology, photonics, nanotechnology and advanced manufacturing systems.

“Europe's innovation depends on the development and growth of KETs. We need to focus our policies better and align them to create more synergies between our instruments to boost Europe's capabilities in the area of KETS.”

Tajani said applications arising from KETs will allow Europe to create more jobs and promote growth. “The commitment of private stakeholders to investing in Europe will also be vital for success,” he added.

The guidelines call for technological research and product demonstration projects to be given a high priority.

Further recommendations cover the combination of funding mechanisms at EU and national level, and action to enhance the related skills base. A mechanism for monitoring and analysing market developments on KETs is also proposed.

The Commission will report back on the policy recommendations in a communication at the beginning of 2012.

The High-Level Group was launched on 13 July 2010 by Vice-Presidents Antonio Tajani and Neelie Kroes and Commissioner Maire Geoghegan-Quinn and met three times.