EUROPEAN European Industrial

COMMISSION Research Area Technologies

Working Paper: Forward-Looking Activities on Industrial

Technologies within FP6-FP7

Jesús Alquézar Sabadie and Ioannis Anastasiou Directorate-General for Research

Directorate G — Industrial Technologies Unit G.1 — Horizontal aspects and coordination

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Contact: Jesús Alquézar Sabadie European Commission DG RTD- Unit G.1 Office CDMA 6/112 B-1049 Brussels Tel. (32-2) 29-51167 E-mail: jesus-maria.alquezar-sabadie@ec.europa.eu

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Table of contents

I- Background 3 II- Main findings 6 III- Conclusions 12 References 14 Annex 15

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I- Background Forward-looking activities, foresights… Just a fashion? There is an increasing interest on foresight activities. For public administrations, forward looking exercises are considered as a governance tool, in particular in the areas of science, technology and innovation (Borup, 2003; Saritas, 2007). The European Union is also following this trend. For the European Commission, foresights and forward-looking activities are becoming a priority, especially to orientate research policy. President Barroso's "Europe 2020" plan underlines the need for a transition towards green economy, based on the modernisation of existing industrial sectors and on eco-innovation. To reach this goal, the role of research and development is critical and, in this context, more anticipatory and forward looking approaches are a key factor. Europe needs to think more for the long term and to translate these thoughts and visions into operational reality and policy decisions. This is particularly true when talking about industrial technologies, an area where several member states have established governmental foresight institutions (Borup, 2003). Indeed, the Swedish Presidency of the European Union proposed to the Council to include in its conclusions an invitation for the Member States and the Commission to develop forward looking activities (European Commission, 2009). Forward looking activities are not monopolised by public institutions. In the current global economic environment, forecasting changes is becoming an essential element of corporate management. Innovation relies on the capacity of organisations to anticipate and prepare for changes, "looking for options and opportunities for change before the business is forced to change" (Willenius, 2008, p.67). Thus, both industry (Becker, 2002) and innovation-supporting institutions (e.g. associations of engineers in Germany, Sweden, and Denmark) have engaged on technology foresight activities (Borup, 2003). In fact, foresight activities are not at all new. There are precedents since at least the 16th century, but it is after the II World War when they evolve towards their current forms and methodologies (Saritas, 2007). The most recent interest for forward looking activities is probably due to the growing complexity of the World: global challenges (demography, sustainable development, poverty, etc.), global competition, rising of new economic powers… Two decades ago the World looked completely different. Some authors even talked about the "End of Story" (Fukuyama, 1992), while nowadays we seem to be living a period of transition (Faroult, 2009) … transition towards what? What do we mean by forward looking activities? Foresight studies are not the oracle of Delphi. The objective is not to predict the future, but of thinking, debating and shaping the future: "foresight refers to a set of systematic and purposeful processes of future-oriented deliberation between (innovation system) actors with a view to identifying actions to be taken today for a better future tomorrow" (Keenan, 2007, p. 12). Forward looking exercises use to be open, participatory and action-oriented. Research on future scenarios is just a part of a longer and deeper process, which should involve the participation of more actors: policy-makers, society and other stakeholders (experts, academia, industry, NGOs…). These activities typically imply three phases (European Commission, 2009):

- Identification of shared-long term perspectives, macro-variables and wild cards, which is generally a qualitative process.

- Operationalisation of such conclusions, normally through qualitative models. - Definition of recommendations and policy messages.

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A combination of techniques is used in forward looking activities (Figure 1):

Figure 1: Forward looking activities methodologies Source: Rossetti di Valdalbero (2010). Forward looking activities within FP6-FP7 The Directorate-General for Research of the European Commission has funded in the last years several projects with a forward looking content, in different areas. A good example is the publication and seminar organised in November 2009 presenting the results of a wide ranging prospective analysis, The World in 2025 (Faroult 2009), inviting to further work in specific areas. Industrial technologies have not been excluded from this trend. A number of research projects with a forward looking component (see Annex 1) have been financed under the 6th and 7th Framework Programmes. Industrial technologies under these Framework Programmes refer more specifically to "Nano-sciences, Nano-technologies, Materials and New Production Technologies" (NMP). The FP7 "Cooperation" programme decision states the following overall objectives for NMP:

Improve the competitiveness of European industry and generate knowledge to ensure its transformation from a resource-intensive to a knowledge-intensive industry, by generating step changes in knowledge and implementing decisive knowledge for new applications at the crossroads between different technologies and disciplines. This will benefit both new, high-tech industries and higher-value, knowledge-based traditional industries, with a special focus to the appropriate dissemination of RTD results to SMEs. These activities are primarily concerned with enabling technologies which impact all industrial sectors and many other Seventh Framework Programme Themes.

The relevance NMP to reach the goal of ensuring such industrial transition was already underlined by FP6, which mentioned the need for "new paradigms of production and new concepts of product-services".

Expert-based(Non-part.)

Techno-eco.Problem solving

Socio-politicalwide scope

Stakeholder-based

(Participatory)

Qualitativeapproach

Quantitativeapproach

Foresight & Vision

Delphi survey

Technology Roadmap

Forecasting & Modelling

Source: D. Rossetti

Expert-based(Non-part.)

Techno-eco.Problem solving

Socio-politicalwide scope

Stakeholder-based

(Participatory)

Qualitativeapproach

Quantitativeapproach

Foresight & Vision

Delphi survey

Technology Roadmap

Forecasting & Modelling

Source: D. Rossetti

Techno-eco.Problem solving

Socio-politicalwide scope

Stakeholder-based

(Participatory)

Qualitativeapproach

Quantitativeapproach

Foresight & Vision

Delphi survey

Technology Roadmap

Forecasting & Modelling

Source: D. Rossetti

Stakeholder-based

(Participatory)

Qualitativeapproach

Quantitativeapproach

Foresight & Vision

Delphi survey

Technology Roadmap

Forecasting & Modelling

Qualitativeapproach

Quantitativeapproach

Foresight & Vision

Delphi surveyDelphi survey

Technology RoadmapTechnology Roadmap

Forecasting & Modelling

Source: D. Rossetti

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The FP7 Cooperation programme mentions also that "the implementation of the Framework Programme should contribute towards promoting sustainable development", implying that "the principle of sustainable development will be duly taken into account" in each theme of the programme. So, Europe must face two interrelated challenges:

- It must maintain (or increase) its competitiveness. This is a basic requirement in the current globalised environment and under the current demographic threat (i.e. aging population).

- It must fight the environmental issues (e.g. climate change, environmental degradation), through a sustainable model of production and consumption.

The technologies developed in NMP research and industry have the potential to generate new processes and production patterns, new products and applications, new business models, etc., contributing to reach these goals. Not to mention the difficulties to the traditional European industry in a changing global market, with new competitors, delocalisation, etc. The FP6-FP7 projects with a forward-looking content in the industrial technologies area are very diverse, both because of their focus and in methodological terms. The techniques followed covered a very wide range: roadmaps, forecasting, Delphi groups, foresights… Even awareness-raising and networking actions have been funded, in order to promote future trends in some sectors (e.g. construction, with ENABLE). On the other hand, the scope of the project varies from technical foresights in specific sectors or branches (e.g. NANOFOREST, on wood industry, CLEVERTEX, on textiles, or I*PROMS, on machine-tools), to very comprehensive analysis covering socio-economic aspects and manufacturing trends (e.g. FUTMAN). The aim of this paper is contribute to the debate on forward looking initiatives, through a synthesis of these FP6-FP7 funded research projects. This is an attempt to extract the main commonalities and differences regarding societal, industrial and technological trends, as well as uncertainties, continuities or disruptions likely to affect European industry and to influence research agendas. The analysis presented below has been confronted in some cases with knowledge gained from relevant work carried out outside the framework of the NMP projects considered, confirming or expanding the reflection and the issues raised. Reference to these papers is clearly indicated. This synthesis has, however, some limitations:

i) The methodological diversity mentioned above implies difficulties to compare results. Indeed, amongst the research projects selected, only few are based on an explicit foresight analysis. As explained, they also cover roadmaps, networking or awareness-raising activities. They are however relevant, because they try to assess future trends for specific sectors or technologies. ii) Both the FP6 and FP7 programmes established specific policy objectives. One of them is sustainability, which appears in practically all projects without necessarily addressing the whole set of the scientific and technological consequences of this objective, neither giving space for innovative views or paradigms. iii) The projects analysed cover around a decade. Nowadays, the social and economic environment evolves very quickly. Who was thinking on technological phenomena like Facebook or the smartphones ten years ago? Indeed, very few anticipated the current economic crisis, during years of growth. This implies that the initial conditions of forward looking activities are different from one project to another, and in particular between an early FP6 project and a FP7 one. iv) Last but not least, when this synthesis has been written, not all projects were finished. What follows is an incomplete view of the forward looking component of FP6-FP7 in the industrial technologies area.

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Despite of these limitations, this exercise pretends to be useful as a state of the art of the question and to ground a basis for discussion between forward looking experts and users. It is just a first step of a more ambitious reflexion and discussion about the future, which will continue with the "Economic foresight study on industrial trends and the research needed to support the competitiveness of European industry around 2025"1 and other EU-funded research initiatives.

II- Main findings As explained above, the NMP research projects analysed focus on two main objectives: sustainable development and competitiveness of industry, which support FP6 and FP7 activities on industrial technologies. New behaviours for a new society? FUTMAN (FUTure of MANufacturing, 2002-2003) may be considered as the most comprehensive forward looking project funded under FP6 in the field of industrial technologies. This short (15 months) but ambitious project combined an analysis of three strands of manufacturing (materials, transformation processes and structure of industry) with a socio-political framework. The scenarios proposed by FUTMAN were structured along two qualitative dimensions of social and political change: governance and prevailing public values.

- Governance: Will the modality of policy making become more dispersed or more concerted? What will be the geo-political developments in terms of balance of powers? In Europe, for instance, are we going towards a more centralised decision-making or towards an increase of subsidiarity? To what extent different policy areas will be more co-ordinated or more autonomous?

- Prevailing public values, consumer behaviour and demand patterns: Will they become more collective or more individual?

Such dimensions can be represented long two axes, creating four basic scenarios (Figure 2):

1 Call for tender S 245-350273, published in the Official Journal on 19/12/2009. Results expected mid-2011.

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Figure 2: Four FUTMAN's scenarios Collective

values

Independent governance Concerted governance Individualistic values

Such scenarios can be summarised as follows: - two "extremes" of (a) increasingly individualistic attitudes and looser policy, leading to a laisser-faire of the global economy and (b) to a more collective and responsible consumer behaviour and more concerted policy making leading to sustainable times, to - two "intermediate scenarios" of (c) more concerted (EU) policy but more individualised public values leading to a Europe focusing on itself and (d) more loose policies but increasingly collective values which implies to the establishment of local standards of doing. The basic conclusion is that the way towards a sustainable economy is not possible without the development and adoption of new socio-political paradigms and, consequently, of both new production and consumption patterns. This will require long efforts, shared between citizens, political leaders, researchers and industry. Indeed, the underlying question is whether European manufacturing, its customers and political leaders may be dissuaded from making the great efforts required to reach long-term sustainable development, because of the medium-term disruption this would cause to individuals and to society. There are examples of socio-economic innovations (probably not yet "trends") going in that sense. EMUDE (2004-2006) analysed the emergence of active, enterprising people inventing and implementing original ways of dealing with everyday problems (childcare, care of the elderly, alternative means of transport, shared facilities and services, etc.), in what has been called "creative communities". According to the authors, these new forms of solidarity are promising under the point of view of sustainability, and may lead to opening new innovative markets. They could even evolve towards so-called "diffused social enterprises", a more mature form of organisation that could enable a socio-technical transition towards a more active welfare society, with real positive impacts on sustainability. These initiatives have also the effect of strengthening social links and conciliating family and social life with work. They are also analysed through some FP7-funded research projects in the socio-economic area (i.e. SELUSI and KATARSIS). SCORE! (2005-2008) followed a similar logic. This project aimed at increasing awareness for sustainability issues all along the value chain, especially for mobility, agro-food and housing energy. SCORE! underlined the gap between dominant social paradigms and values (i.e. consumption sovereignty in a market economy) and sustainability. It mentions inspiring

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examples, like the Slow Food Movement or the Centre for American Dream, inspiring the possibility of higher standards of living combined with strong reduction in material consumption. The problem is that the initiatives mentioned by EMUDE and SCORE! remain at very low scale. Indeed, such micro-scale is one of their characteristics and assets, because they are based on close social links, between people and between people and their environment. Can the concepts proposed be reproduced in other environments, without deriving towards an elitist fashion or being denaturalised2? Will the common economic crisis be an incentive for such activities or a handicap? SCORE! coincided with FUTMAN on the need of joint actions by green consumers, green businesses and policy-makers, the so-called "triangle of change". SCORE! insisted also on the need for leadership in the (expected) transition. Policy-makers should create incentives to move towards new "meta-values", through higher transparency about environmental and social performance (see Stiglitz's and Sen's critique of GDP and its use (Stiglitz, 2009; Stiglitz, Sen and Fitoussi, 2010)) or with actions like flexibilisation of working patters, facilitation the use of public spaces, new forms of taxes for alternative economies, creating incentives for companies offering complementary services and products (e.g. multi-user products, semi-professional products, etc.), amongst others (EMUDE)3. Integrating industry: from product to holistic performance The study of European industry all along the value-chain, from manufacturing and assembling to delivery, maintenance and end-of-life management, it is not an easy task. The European industry combines innovative segments or applications (e.g. nanotechnologies) with traditional industries suffering strong competition from low-wage economies. What is the role of research and innovation for them? What are the paths that European industry has to follow in order to maintain or increase its competitiveness? The transition toward a sustainable economy requires new values, new attitudes, new ethics of development (see Kliksberg and Sen, 2008). Such change must be realised by society, policy-makers and industry together, in an integrated way. The project SUST PROD CONSUM (SUStainable PRODuction and CONSUMption, 2000-2001) shared this point of view. It focused more on industry, for which the integration has many dimensions. It requires the redesign of technologies and socio-technical systems. Moreover, as social-technical systems span both production and consumption, integration involves many actors in identifying and working towards purposeful change. It involves assessment of the economic, environmental and social performance of designs as well as the connection between global pressures and local conditions. Today's approaches are based on the efficiency strategy of the industrial economy, focused primarily on selling products. A major shift is thus required towards a sufficiency strategy of a services economy (see below) aiming at selling a performance. To favour such an evolution, production systems should be addressed and designed within the larger context of socio-technical systems. This was the case of the vision promoted by ENABLE (2005-2006). Its objective was "raising awareness amongst Europeans of the benefits that will result from investing in a more sustainable environment", with a special emphasis on construction. Under this project, the European Construction Sector established a "Strategic Research Agenda" with three levels of priorities: 2 See the evolution of cultural innovations in ECO, U. (1964). 3 The World Bank has promoted this kind of societal organisation in some areas of the World (i.e. CIS countries), as a way to reduce the effects of ageing population on the public expenditure on the care of the elderly. Their recommendations are similar: creating a legal framework to facilitate these activities. See CHAWLA, M. et al. (2007).

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- Meeting clients/users requirements, through the provision of healthy and comfortable habitat for all, with a new image of European cities, developing use of underground to free surface space and enhancing mobility with efficient networks. - Becoming sustainable, reducing energy consumption, reducing the human impact on the environment, developing transports, enhancing the cultural heritage and improving safety. - Transforming the construction sector, through a knowledge-base orientation and client-driven construction processes. This clearly implies the use of brand new materials.

Some questions about the realisation of this ambitious vision can be raised: to what extent is it really shared amongst construction industry? How many time will it take to put in practice this ideas at a large scale? Have customers and construction industry enough incentives to do so? Is the short-term vision (low costs for industry and clients) still prevailing when construction projects are launched? Are public authorities creating the right environment (e.g. creating good public transport, establishing incentives to sustainable choices) to make this vision a reality? Integration has technical implications for industry and, thus, for research. I*PROMS (2004-2009), an ambitious network of excellence (NoE) integrating the activities of 30 research centres and industries in the field of production research from 14 European countries focused precisely on "integration activities". It produced state-of-the-art surveys, foresights, identification of common research priorities and definition of roadmaps, combining them with joint research activities, presented as examples. In order to be competitive, manufacturing requires flexible, re-configurable, sustainable, fault-tolerant, and eco- and user-friendly production systems. In technical terms, I*Proms considered that:

- Advanced production machines are the workmen of the future. Such machines have to process new/nano/high-performance materials, they must be rapid (rapid prototyping and rapid tooling) and include robots. A key characteristic is that they require cross-technology: they must be multifunctional (including machines for multimaterial parts) and reconfigurable, to meet changing customer needs. - Production Automation and Control is another key element of the future manufacturing industries. This includes self-adaptative control, flexible and reconfigurable manufacturing, adaptative quality systems and user-friendly human-machine interaction. - Innovative Design Technology should include product knowledge management, computer-aided innovation and computer aided manufacture. Design will be more and more complex, necessitating an increasing level of computer assistance like AI-optimisation techniques.

Cross-technology, multifunctionality, adaptative and reconfigurable systems… These terms evoke a high level of flexibility in the way of working, to adapt very quickly the products to the changing customers' needs. Similar concepts appeared in the projects LEADERSHIP (2006-2007), a roadmap based on interviews with industrial partners, covering 25 sectors. Real-time appear as another key element to safeguard competitiveness in the future; and in MANTYS (2001-2005), which developed the concept of "agile enterprise" (mainly on machinery and machine tools). New materials for a new (or renewed) European industry Traditional European industrial sectors must deal with an (even higher) international competition than those producing more innovative products. This is clearly the case of textile, handicapped by much higher labour costs than in emerging or developing countries. Competitiveness should come, in such a case, through the use of new materials for more

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added-value products. CLEVERTEX (2005-2008) analysed the future perspectives of smart textiles. Namely:

1. Conductive materials and lighting fibres 2. Electronic components, sensors and actuators 3. Materials generating energy and power supply 4. Materials allowing Encapsulation and grafting of advanced properties (as

microencapsulation) 5. Advanced polymers (Shape Memory Polymers, Piezoelectric, Stimuli sensitive,

Colour changing polymers) 6. Other advanced materials (Metallic, Ceramic,…like Shape Memory Alloys)

These textiles can be applied in Healthcare, Automotive, Protective clothing, Interior textiles, and Communication and Entertainment markets. This Delphi study covered the state of the art and presented a gap and maturity analysis for the technical fields and application areas considered, in a framework of detailed studies about consumers' needs and the outlook of tomorrow's society (e.g., people's health and comfort, workers' protection, ageing society and elderly people's care, etc).

In some fields smart textiles are close to be adopted: - Clothing, which represents the most promising application area; - Healthcare & protective clothes; - Electronic materials (textiles with electronic components, behaving as actuators or

sensors) have the brightest future in the textile sector; - Healthcare and entertainment could be the future markets.

Some issues still need to be solved, such as:

- Establishment of standards and quality systems, in order to obtain authorisation for new products (healthcare). Consequently, due the specificities of this market, financing is difficult to obtain.

- Production processes, which have to be standardised in sectors like healthcare, automotive or interior textiles.

- Interconnection of components remains problematic in most of the mentioned areas. This is linked with the already underlined idea of integration mentioned above.

Experts considered that intelligent textiles could represent around 10% of all textile market by 2020, especially in the clothing branch. NANOFOREST (2004-2005) followed a similar logic concerning the forest products industry. It stated that a "close and symbiotic relation between the European chemical industry and the forest products industry cluster in the development of nanotechnology for the refinement of wood-based raw materials will be a substantial step to maintaining and possibly increasing the global competitiveness of the European forest products sector", contributing also to sustainability. The idea on integration between different fields of activity and knowledge is again underlined, in order to create new wood products, with improved performance and added-value (i.e. better wood properties like moisture sensitivity, microbial or thermal decay; new types of adhesives and surface coatings with enhanced durability at different moisture conditions, different climates and UV exposure; excellent fire properties; eco-efficiency and sustainability of the truly renewable raw material; etc.). However, efforts are necessary to make industry (in particular, SME) aware about the need for increasing added-value in their traditional activities. Other issues are the public

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acceptance of those new products or the integration between different sectors and activities. One branch or company could be very innovative in its products, but the rest of the value-chain (suppliers, in particular) is not necessarily ready to adapt their processing methods and materials. This is clearly the case when talking about the application of nanomaterials in forest industry or textile. The availability of some components to develop research and products is still reduced, without a critical mass of technology and personnel for the necessary cross-disciplinary melting pots. Nanotechnologies, because of the ubiquity of their applications, are considered as the potential largest segment of development, with a pivotal role. The obstacles and barriers to go ahead in the field of nanotechnologies were analysed by the project NANOROADMAP (2004-2005). Its assessment partly coincided with the issues mentioned by NANOFOREST:

- Need for further (costly) basic research to improve understanding of materials' work,

- Lack of suitable raw materials or equipments.

- Price of production, which remains too expensive because of the lack of economies of scale.

- Long and arduous process to legally approve some applications (particularly, health-related)

- Need for suitable computer modelling tools. Consequently, NANOROADMAP provided a set of recommendations, such as developing a regulatory framework and common approval procedures, in order to facilitate the identification of applications responding to mass production needs and, consequently, pushing for production up-scaling. Upstream, it is essential to better link academia and industry to boost technology transfer and to provide adequate education and skills for young researchers and co-workers. All this cannot be done without and a more transparent discussion between stakeholders. The general public is sometimes concerned about nanotechnology applications and their possible effects on health. It is thus essential to promote an open debate amongst stakeholders and with society. This was the scope of NANOFORUM (2002-2005), an European network and platform for dissemination of information about nanotechnologies, in part through a very comprehensive website (www.nanoforum.org). This project produced also 39 reports, covering all kinds of themes (energy, health, education, ethical and societal issues, indicators, etc.) and organised a huge amount of events, like conference, seminars, workshops, etc. The FP7-funded OBSERVATORY NANO (2008-2012) has similar objectives. Its aim is to support European decision-making through cooperation between stakeholders, for a safe and responsible development of nanotechnologies. It thus covers ethical and societal aspects, impacts on environment, health and safety, as well as developments in regulation and standardisation. NANOIMPACTNET is another project aiming at creating a scientific basis to ensure the safe and responsible development of nanoparticles and other nanotechnology based materials, as a basis to define and implement regulatory measures in Europe. Manufacturing is not alone: the need for service innovation Different projects underlined the need for industry to go beyond just producing and selling products. Nowadays, in order to be competitive, European industry need to sell a performance (SUST PROD CONSUM), implying complementary service innovation. According to FUTMAN, the service dimension should be integrated in the product during all its life, from design to after-sales. Indeed, there will be a pressure towards closed loop systems, in which waste outputs from one process are used as inputs to other processes.

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Is European industry ready for such innovations? Are the current industrial structures (e.g. management style, labour skills and its use) optimal for a comprehensive innovation? Even if the need for service innovation is mentioned by different projects, there are few details on it. What does it means precisely? May the "creative communities" or "social enterprises" studied by EMUDE provide good examples to develop something new? Further research seems to be needed on service innovation. A basic premise: human capital! "Human capital will replace physical capital at the core of competitive advantage", FUTMAN project said. The importance of human capital was underlined by several projects, as an obstacle for development. It is for example the case in the field of nanotechnologies and nanosciences (NANOFORUM), where multidisciplinarity appears as a major gap (nanosciences for engineers, as well as need for knowledge of material science, nanobiology interface and nanoscale effects). SMART (2005-2007), a foresight analysis on multifunctional materials technologies, mentioned also skills as a potential gap for development, together with access to finance and infrastructure. MANVIS (MANufacturing VISions, 2004-2006) underlined also the need for securing a competent workforce as a critical challenge. This implies that competent people should be attracted by industry (in particular, women) and that a balance between individual and organisational learning should be reached, with new ways of acquiring skills for manufacturing. Human capital appears as a critical factor of economic competitiveness, but it is also a premise for a sustainable society. But what kind of human capital (skills, attitudes, values) are we referring to? The projects analysed provide some clues. On the one hand, forward looking exercises like I*PROMS underlined that future tools should require a user-friendly human-machine interaction. Thus, the technical skills of workers would be more specific and more multidisciplinary, while a larger set of soft skills will be required: i.e. attitudes, behaviours and values like communication, creativity, risk-taking, analytical skills, problem-solving, interest for learning, methodological rigor, adaptation to a changing environment, critical spirit, etc. To use this potential, new styles of management and team leadership are needed, together with a greater adaptability of all team players (FUTMAN). Foresight visions within companies, able to integrate short- and long-term thinking, as well as the ability to recognise weak signals and to learn from front-line workers' skills and expertise are key elements of the management style required for innovation (Willenius, 2008). Is this vision shared by current CEOs and managers in Europe? On the contrary, is the short-term vision prevailing, as the reasons of the economic crisis we are leaving suggest? What values, attitudes and styles are management schools promoting among the future élite? Indeed, the question could be even larger: Are the current education and training systems promoting the right attitudes, knowledge and skills for a sustainable and competitive Europe4? III- Conclusions This paper is an attempt to make a synthesis of some of the FP6 and FP7 funded projects with a forward looking content, in the field of industrial technologies. It is just a partial

4 See the critics to the current rationale of our education and training systems in Robinson (2001), Salhberg (2006) or Salhberg (2009). According to them, such systems, through their marketisation, standardisation of contents and processes, and consequential accountability, are not the right environment to promote innovation and creativity skills.

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analysis, because more examples of roadmaps, with a more technical content, could be provided (De Baas, 2009). The basic premise or rationale of FP6 and FP7 was that the EU has to face two grand challenges: it must contribute to sustainability and, at the same time, it has to maintain or increase its competitiveness. This occurs in a globalised economy, where European industry is challenged by other technically advanced countries, low-wage economies and emergent nations or regions. Under this framework, the role of research and its application in industrial technologies appears as crucial. But one of the important messages underpinning most of the abovementioned studies is that research and industry cannot respond to the grand challenges alone. A more sustainable economy requires shared efforts from citizens, authorities, researchers and economic stakeholders. Indeed, it implies new socio-political paradigms and, consequently, of new production and consumption patterns. The key word to lead to the future seems to be integration: integration between different stakeholders towards common goals, integration between technologies and socio-technical systems, integration between different technologies and materials (and therefore between one industry, its suppliers and its customers), integration between production and services… To be competitive, the way of working and, consequently, machines and tools have to be more and more flexible, in order to adapt very quickly the products to the changing customers' needs. This means that manufacturing must be self-adaptative, reconfigurable, multi-functional and cross-technological, with an user-friendly human-machine interaction. The role of ICT will still increase, because industrial processes are more and more complex, implying the need for computer-aided modelling and simulations. The use of new materials can allow traditional industries challenged by low-wage economies to be competitive, creating new products or giving better properties to those existent. This requires, again, integration between different sectors or activities, something that appears sometimes difficult because suppliers are not always ready to follow the needs of an innovative enterprise.

This issue is especially true when talking about nanotechnologies. Their potential pivotal role for development is recognised, but they are still in front of several issues. They need for further (costly) basic research to improve understanding of materials' work, suitable raw materials or equipments have to be developed, their production price remain too expensive and, last but not least, they need to follow a long and arduous process to legally approve some applications (particularly, health-related). Not to mention ethical and societal aspects, to be openly discussed at all levels. On the basis of industrial transition, a basic component emerges: human capital. Several projects underlined the critical role of skills for competitiveness. According to them, multidisciplinary knowledge and competencies of workers will be essential, but also a new style of management and leadership are needed, more open to creativity, innovation and adaptability. Is currently the education and training system providing such skills5?

5 A call for tenders on "Assessment of impacts of NMP technologies and changing industrial patterns on skills and human resources" (S 171 – 246101) was launched by Directorate G (Industrial technologies) of the European Commission. Results expected by end 2011.

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References - BECKER, P. (2002) Corporate Foresight in Europe: A First Overview (European Commission, Working Paper). - BORUP, M. (2003) "Green Technology Foresight as Instrument in Governance for Sustainability" (paper for ‘Governance for Industrial Transformation’, Berlin Conference on the Human Dimensions of Global Environmental Change, 5-6 December) - CHAWLA, M. et al. (2007) From Red to Gray. "The Third Transition" of Aging Populations in Eastern Europe and the former Soviet Union (Washington, The World Bank). - DE BAAS, A. (2009, ed.) Research Road Mapping in Materials (European Commission, Directorate-General for Research) - ECO, U. (1964) Apocalittici e Integrati: la cultura italiana e la comunicazione di massa (Milano, Bompianti). - FAROULT, E. (ed., 2009) The World in 2025. Contributions from an expert group (Luxembourg, Office for Official Publications of the European Communities). - EUROPEAN COMMISSION (2009) The role of Forward looking activities in strengthening the European Research Area (note submitted to CREST for discussion, with the aim to achieve agreement on how to proceed with the FLA governance – November). - FUKUYAMA, F. (1992) The End of History and The Last Man (New York, The Free Press). - KEENAN, M. (2007) "Possible rationales for foresight", in CAGNIN, P. and SCAPOLO, F. (eds.) Technical Report on a Foresight Training Course (Seville, Joint Research Centre- Institute for Prospective Technological Studies). - KLIKSBERG, B. and SEN, A. (2008) Primero la gente. Una mirada desde la ética del desarrollo a los principales problemas del mundo globalizado (Madrid, Ediciones Deusto). - ROBINSON, K. (2001) Out of our minds. Learning to be creative (Chichester, Clapstone). - D. ROSSETTI di VALDALBERO (2010) The Power of Science (Brussels, Peter Lang). - SALHBERG, P. (2006) "Education reform for raising economic competitiveness", in Journal of Educational Change, 7 (4), pp.259-287. - SALHBERG, P. (2009) "Creativity and innovation through lifelong learning", in Lifelong learning in Europe I, pp.53-60. - SARITAS, O. (2007) "The evolution of Foresight practice", in CAGNIN, C. and SCAPOLO, F. (eds.) Technical Report on a Foresight Training Course (Sevilla, European Commission, Joint Research Centre- Institute for Prospective Technological Studies). - STIGLITZ, J. (2009) "GDP Fetishism", in The Economists' Voice, 6 (8). - STIGLITZ, J.; SEN, A. and FITOUSSI, J.-P.(2010) Mismeasuring Our Lives: Why GDP Doesn't Add Up -The report of the Commission on the Measurement of Economic Performance and Social Progress (The New York Press) - WILLENIUS, M. (2008) "Taming the dragon: how to tackle the challenge of future foresight", in Business Strategy Series, vol. 9, No. 2.

15

ANNEX: Forward-looking activities in NMP (Nanosciences & Nanotechnologies, intelligent

Materials and New Production) - A review in a nutshell -

Activities in Industrial Technologies are intrinsically forward-looking – about 34 M€ spent during the last 10 years – A general view

NMP-related technologies are by their nature pluri-disciplinary and are instrumental in quasi-all fields of human endeavour, and they are applied to a vast spectrum of industrial sectors. Furthermore, they are fundamental in the efforts towards a strong global competitiveness, a major engine of EU growth, within the framework of the challenging sustainable development. Capacities and competences throughout Europe form a vast patchwork where large synergies have to be drawn from. It is thus a natural element of the EC RTD efforts in this field to include forward-looking activities in order to grasp the complexity of the technological fields and its players. These NMP efforts have traditionally been pro-active and this is demonstrated by the number of various studies, the breadth of the issues covered, the importance of the stakeholders involved and the variety of the funding schemes used to introduce versatility. The end result has been a permanent EU mobilisation which also builds up concretely the foundations of ERA. During the last 10 years, a total of about 30 forward-looking activities were undertaken (FP6, including some FP5-Growth studies who came into completion after year 2000) or studies which about to be launched (FP7). A total of about 34 million Euros were mobilised with about 32 million Euros of EC contribution, on top of ERA-nets and ETP-related efforts. The various dimensions covered by these efforts are listed below, also illustrating the NMP strategy in that respect.

NMP strategy of pro-active and continuous efforts in forward-looking

NMP (previously "Growth") has launched forward-looking activities which were complementary and progressively building on each other:

Fully understanding the RTD way forward in the manufacturing domain required building up on initial explorations at the EU level ("Sustainable Production", "FUTMAN", "MANTYS"-Machining, "MANVIS"-Delphi study on Manufacturing, "NanoForum"-Continuous data base, on top of participating in larger EU efforts such as in the EUREKA-led "INFOMAN" project or the ETAP – Environmental Technologies Action Plan).

This has been completed with more focused studies ("EU_MECHA"-Mechatronics, "LEADERSHIP"-Factories of the future, -"I*PROMS"-Machines and Systems) including more general issues such as sustainable consumption (EMUDE, SCORE!, CLEAN_PRO) or sectoral investigations (CLEVERTEX-Textiles, ENABLE-Construction, Nano_FOREST-Forest based industries).

The domains of Nanotechnologies and Materials were included in some of the vaster forward-looking activities but they were also the target of specific efforts such as "SMART"-Materials and a number of studies on Nano-related issues. The latter are attracting the major part of the more recent NMP forward-looking efforts ("NanoRoadMap", "Nano_Road_SME", "Nano_STRAND"-standardisation) due to the special challenges in terms of novelty of technologies, competition, potential risks, industrial involvement, pubic awareness etc. Thus, while NMP is now reaching a stabilised image on the way forward in manufacturing RTD, Nano-related efforts are steadily continuing in order to meet the new and /or updated challenges, also an integral part of the Nanotechnologies Action Plan. This is illustrated by studies recently launched (first two years of FP7, 2007 & 2008) such as: "Nano2Market"-IPR issues, ENRHES-Nanosafety, "Nano_IMPACT_net"-Health safety, "Nano_MED_roundtable"-Nanomedicine analysis, "C-NanoMET"-Nanometrology, "EuroNanoBIO"-Nanobiology infrastructures, "OBSERVATORY_Nano".

Optimisation by using all funding schemes available

The NMP forward-looking activities are exploiting the different modalities of all instruments / funding schemes to ensure proper coverage. Several studies are Support Actions, others are Coordination

16

actions, while efforts through networking underline the pan-European character of the tasks: Thematic networks (FP5), Networks of Excellence, ERA nets).

Pan-European character of efforts – blending findings of relevant national activities

Pan-European expert groups constitute integral parts of the efforts in NMP forward-looking activities as natural ingredient of the methods used in knowledge-collection and assessment; they are also used as "ad hoc" expert groups, while multiple workshops and conferences with their participation are being fundamental to create the necessary synergy of distributed expertise.

The findings of national foresight and other forward-looking efforts are either assimilated through specific modules of the NMP-funded studies or through the participation of national experts in workshops, conferences, Delphi studies, debates of the Members of the NMP Expert Advisory Group (EAG), consultations of the Members States through their Programme Committee Members, etc. There is a natural blending and cross-fertilisation of forward-looking activities, building on established expertise and experience of those involved.

Each MS with important activity of this nature is drawing its own conclusions on RTD priorities and such choices are related to national objectives, nature of industries present and priorities. However, the bulk of the objective knowledge and findings generated in forward-looking activities throughout Europe (global state of the art technologies, global competition, socio-economic trends in the global economy, potential technological advances, etc.) provide a fertile ground of synergies in existing knowledge. This common ground of generating objective knowledge would be an important element in designing potential joint programming of such activities and subsequently possible international science and technology cooperation.

Multiple exploitation of outcomes towards the ERA

All NMP forward-looking efforts are been exploited towards the central objective of optimising the NMP choices of future RTD priorities. Furthermore, these efforts have generated a number of valuable impacts still:

(a) mobilisation of all stakeholders of the RTD activity, generating a large momentum in various industrial sectors, thus contributing to the emergence of several European Technology Platforms (ETPs)

(b) support to the decision making in different policy issues;

(c) synergies and networking of a large number of experts from all MS, participating in common studies;

(d) build up and facilitate public awareness, especially in emerging challenges of societal nature.

All these activities are the basic ingredients for the development and strengthening of the ERA.

The way forward could further strengthen ERA

EC-MS potential joint efforts in RTD forward-looking activities?

Some key drivers for joining forces are the increasing complexity and interlinks among technologies, the global breadth of challenges and the increasing complexity of the global competitive environment. The European "mosaic" of competences and possibilities should be transformed into an asset of great added value facing non-EU global competitors who naturally develop common vision and strategy within their countries. Such joint programming would enrich final findings, formalise MS specificities and eventually enhance integration of national research policies in the ERA. The Directorates of the "Research" family could contribute through e.g. their existing dense networking in this type of activities and existing and ongoing efforts.

17

NMP FORWARD-LOOKING ACTIVITIES – FP6 AND FP7

Acronym and title of the study

Total

budget

EC

contrib. Objectives / Scope How was it (or will be) used?

e.g. policy, dissemination, etc

What were (or will be) the consequences of the study's outputs? Its usefulness? What proposals for further action could

then be made out of that effort?

FP6 (Industrial Technologies, Nano-Materials-Production-NMP Programme), incl. some FP5 thematic networks SUSTAINABLE PRUDUCTION (EXPERTS' VISION on SUST PROD & CONS) FP5, Ad hoc expert group "Competitive and sustainable production and related service industries in Europe in the period to 2020"

200 000

200 000

A group of independent experts was put together by the "Competitive and Sustainable Growth" programme (FP5) to debate and report on innovative concepts and solutions facing the challenges of competitive and sustainable production and related service industries in Europe.

Provided strategic guidance for future EU policies and actions in support of RTD & Innovation in the production and related service industry sectors. It elaborated new concepts on the dynamics of sustainable production and consumption, targeting the awareness of decision makers. Large dissemination of the final report.

It introduced new concepts and also awareness for the need and the solutions to balance competitiveness and sustainability targets. It was one of the important initial steps in creating the dynamics for subsequent comprehensive strategic foresight efforts, such as FutMan and Manvis; the latter then gave rise to the dynamics of the Manufure ETP and its large consequences on the structuring of EU manufacturing.

FUTMAN (MANUFACTURING - SCENARIOS) "Future of Manufacturing" FP6 Ad hoc study, incl. IPTS

1 100 000

1 100 000

Assist the EC for FP6 and beyond in examining what technological, knowledge and organisational capabilities might be required by European manufacturing, if it was to remain both competitive and sustainable by the year 2020.

Particular attention was paid both to technological priority areas and to any policy changes required. There was a large dissemination of its results (scenarios for the future of manufacturing) to European stakeholders, and it gave rise to several dedicated workshops with their large participation, helping a dense networking of EU-wide experts.

FutMaN set forth a bold agenda for sustainable manufacturing to 2020 – echoing the Lisbon Declaration of 2000. It was one key input for the elaboration of subsequent work programmes of the NMP Theme and for the Strategic agenda of the Manufuture ETP.

MANTYS (MACHNING) FP5, Thematic Net

500 000

500 000

The Mantys thematic network represented the European critical mass in the field of machining, which is at the core of production and manufacturing for many industrial sectors. A roadmap for the Machine tool sector was delivered.

Mantys project created a EU network with representatives of industry, research centres and academia in the field of machining. This network was able to discuss the future of the sector and provided a unified vision and research needs of the sector in 2020. This network was the originator of the Manufuture Platform and its main activities.

The Roadmap for the Machine Tool sector was used in the LEADERSHIP SSA. Also the Manufuture Platform used this result in order to find out the enabling production technologies for the factory of the future. It was also used as base for inspiration for some NMP Call topics in FP6.

EUMECHA-PRO FP6, Coordination

1 200 000

1 200 000

Increase the ability of the European

A follow-on effort of the MANTYS project

Provided a common structured view on

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(MECHATRONICS) "EU Mechatronics for a new generation of production systems"

mechatronics research community to conceive the production systems for the factories of the future.

(FP5, SSA) It developed industry roadmaps and research roadmaps.

future industrial expectations for the different production equipment sectors. Work also used in the emergence of the Manufuture ETP.

NanoFORUM FP5, Thematic Net www.nanoforum.org

2,760,000

2,760,000

Comprehensive source of information (website) on all areas of nanotechnology to the business, the scientific and social communities. The Nanoforum consortium produces reports, conducts survey and organises workshops on different aspects of nanotechnology, including prospective aspects.

Nanoforum served European policies in various aspects, e.g. by conducting an open consultation on the European strategy for nanotechnology (resulting in the Nanotechnology Action Plan), organising workshops on topics of actual concern and by writing reports on various aspects of nanotechnology. All activities have been carried out in close relationship with the European Commission - in some cases on short notice demand.

The Nanoforum website is now a well established gateway to nanotechnology in Europe. Nanoforum reports form a basis for further research in those topics. The Nanoforum core consortium won two more Support Actions in the FP7-NMP call for proposal – the observatoryNANO (see www.observatory-nano.eu) and the ICPCNanonet (see http://www.icpcnanonet.org).

MANVIS (MANUFACTURING – DELPHI study) FP6, Support action "Manufacturing Visions - Integrating Diverse Perspectives into Pan-European Foresight"

1 570 000

1 570 000

A pan-European Delphi survey of 3 000 experts in 22 states, covering all relevant aspects of manufacturing, from technologies to working environment and sustainability.

Explored possible futures for manufacturing industries. Identified enabling technologies for developments in all these areas. Dissemination through conferences and websites.

Established the EC strategic lines towards a knowledge-based industry. Contributed to the Manufuture vision. Helped focusing the work under the "Leadership" support action project.

LEADERSHIP (MANUFACTURING – FACTORIES OF THE FUTURE) FP6, Support action "Leading European RTD Sustained High Value Innovative Production for Manufuture"

1 500 000

1 500 000

Road mapping activities to enhance the sectoral implementation of the Manufuture Strategic Research Agenda (SRA)

Prioritise RTD topics by detailing the various technical elements. Develop implementation plans for a best practice and concept system. Shaped up the current structure of the FP7 work programme. Dissemination through workshops, websites and Manufuture conferences.

Manufacturing gained a high political visibility (EU President). Instrumental in establishing EU priorities, including in the recent private-public recovery package "Factories of the future". Support to the cross-platform collaboration on enabling technologies.

EMUDE (CONSUMPTION PATTERNS) FP6, Support action "Emerging Users Demands for

450 000

450 000

New approaches for sustainable product design by outlining comprehensive maps of emerging sustainable users demands. The qualitative scenarios generated are used in roadmaps for future RTD

Inform and inspire decision-makers and influence the future end-users perception and demands. Prepare future researches and innovation activities through clear visions on the emerging users demands.

Provide visibility to emerging users' demands and to the corresponding needs in terms of research in the field of product-services systems. Support sustainable development through the understanding and integration of

19

Sustainable Solutions"

activities. sustainable consumption.

I*PROMS (MACHINES & SYSTEMS) FP6, NoE "Innovative Production Machines and Systems"

7 500 000

7 500 000

Assemble a critical mass of world-class researchers focused upon jointly generating the innovative design and manufacturing concepts, tools and techniques needed to realise I*PROMS's vision of a knowledge-based "Autonomous Factory".

The Manufuture Technology Platform used the technological roadmaps in order to find out the enabling production technologies for the factory of the future. The creation of the ERA in the field of production technologies is the major achievement of the project.

The results of IPROMS have been used - by the Manufuture Platform for the definition of the Manufuture Strategic Research Agenda - by the Commission for the preparation of the multi-annual NMP calls in FP7 as far as the process area and integration area of NMP are concerned.

CLEVERTEX (TEXTILES) FP6, Support action "Master Plan for the transformation of the traditional textile and clothing into a knowledge driven industrial sector by 2015."

487 000

487 000

Identify the available European know/ledge base and socio-economic framework. Foresight: Design of the Delphi study strategic analysis

Developed a master plan and framework for future actions in research, education and technology transfer in the field of multi-functional intelligent textile materials In Europe.

Laid out the basis for a comprehensive understanding of this sector and of the dynamics for its renewal. Contributed to the emergence of the SRA of the Textiles ETP and inspired the first RTD topics chosen in the FP7 calls.

ENABLE (CONSTRUCTION) FP6, Support action "Raising European Awareness of a Sustainable Built Environment"

1 278 000

834 000

Gather industry and user-led visions EU-wide and research priorities for a sustainable environment in a common 2030 EU Vision. Map technologies influencing the future of the built environment and distinguish between EU, national and regional priorities for research and innovation.

It was continuation of the FP5 E-CORE thematic network that had prepared the ground, extended to all industrial stakeholders and users, on top of RTD communities. The first basic European study on energy efficiency in buildings and awareness of the urgency to address it.

It triggered the crystallisation of the various parts of the construction sector into a unified whole for the first time, and this under industry's leadership. Creation of the SRA of the Construction ETP and of its implementation plan. Contribution to the choice of the first 2007 FP7 RTD topics under NMP, addressing issues now found under the 2009 recovery package.

SMART (MATERIALS) FP6, Support Action "Foresight Action for Knowledge Based Multifunctional Materials Technology"

526 000

478 000

Identify current hot spots and future trends in materials research areas over the next 5 to 15 years. Interviewing world-wide experts, analysing foresight studies and organising three thematic workshops.

Support the emerging RTD topics in FP7 and prepare for following years. Take into account the effect of society and industry upon the environment. Efforts in materials research should thus also include renewable energy, CO2 emissions, safety and security concerns, ageing population issues etc. Large dissemination of results completed.

Used for the preparation of NMP work programme in FP7. Proper inclusion of the sustainable development issues. Common understanding of priorities among EU-wide stakeholders

NanoRoadSME

1,100,000

1,100,000

NanoRoadSME developed technology roadmaps in the domain

Adaptation to the SME industrial culture in

Generated a common understanding through the common data base accessed by

20

FP6, Support action "Development of Advanced Tech Roadmaps in Nano-material Sciences and Industrial Adaptation to SMEs"

of nanomaterials to identify trends in research and development and to associate them to product and application visions (criteria on technologies and their potential, economics, risks, societal issues).

order to facilitate the integration of the European RTD results in the different industrial branches. A database on nanotechnology materials, their technological development and their economic use (markets, costs) has been established..

all stakeholders. A continuous effort by the consortium members for a work with the database and potential implementation seminars in order to identify promising technology developments and markets in nanotechnology.

NanoRoadMap FP6, Support action "Technological roadmaps till 2014 in nanoscience and nanotechnologies in materials, health and medical systems, energy fields"

816,000

650,000

Roadmaps for the application of nanotech in three industrial fields (materials, health & medical systems and energy). Assessment on drivers of change, S&T challenges and barriers, market demands and funding needs, R&D strategies, infrastructures relevant for R&D and application of Nanotech, social and ethical issues.

The project organised 2 International Symposia and 8 National Conferences. The reports have been distributed widely via printed copies and website – outside and inside the Commission.

The roadmaps form a basis for similar roadmap exercises in the field of nanotechnology. These roadmaps are being used as inputs for the design of priorities for future calls in the Themes of NMP (materials), Energy and Health (medical systems).

NanoSTRAND (STANDARDISTION) FP6, Support action "Standardization related to Research and Development for Nanotechnologies"

660,000

450,000

NanoStrand developed a roadmap of the European standardisation and metrology for nanotechnologies in order to enable Europe to internationally play an active role in standardisation/ metrology of nanotechnology.

Roadmaps on standardisation and metrology have been delivered to the Commission, to the Nanotechnology Technical Committees of CEN and ISO and the standardisation / metrology community in Europe and worldwide.

The roadmaps help to better structure future steps in standardisation and pre-normative research. Strengthened a cooperation which lasts between Commission and CEN / ISO continues.

NANOFOREST (FOREST-BASED) FP6, Support action " A nanotechnology roadmap for the forest products industry"

200 000

200 000

Recognize new and emerging developments in nanotechnology and related areas suitable for practical application in the forest products sector. Also interdisciplinary RTD, clustering of textile products

Identified intersections between nano technologies and suitable areas within the spectrum of forest-based products and processes. Proposed a list of recommendations for most relevant areas in future RTD efforts.

It contributed to the emergence of the Strategic Research Agenda of the "Forest Based Industries" ETP and of its implementation plan. Contribution to the choice of the first 2007 FP7 RTD topics under NMP.

CLEAN_PROD (SUST PROD & IT use) FP6, CA "Sustainable production and use of IT technologies"

1 750 000

1 000 000

Observing, Linking, Coordinating and Consolidating RTD actions in Europe by 2010 in order to support effective and efficient innovation on sustaiNable Production processes with the use of IT technology.

Led by the chemical industry (CETIM) it observed, linked, coordinated and consolidated RTD activities between 8 MS (B, Fin, Fr, D, I, P, Es and UK) on 3 classes (forming / tooling, surface treatment, coating) of environmentally unfriendly processes to improve using IT technologies. Proposed RTD roadmaps based on FutMan 2020 scenarios.

Identified barriers that prevent effective coordination. Learnt from past or existing coordinated research projects in Europe and beyond. Designed 2020 European visions. Improved creative interactions between professional associations, environmental agencies and technology research centres. Impact on many industrial sectors (aerospace, automotive, energy, agrofood).

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SCORE ! FP6, CA (SUSTAINABLE PRODUCTION & CONSUMPTION) "Sustainable Consumption Research Exchanges"

940 000

900 000

Put together (a) experts that understand business development, (sustainable) solution design, consumer behaviour and effectiveness of (policy) instruments (b) experiences of actors (industry, consumer groups, ecolabelling organisations) in real-life consumption areas

Achieved "user awareness" for sustainable consumption, involving key expertise covering all relevant steps of the value chain in the domains of Mobility, Agro-Food, and Energy/electronics

Generated awareness in EU. Contributed to ETAP scheme since it covered over 70% of the life cycle impacts of household consumption, a priority in ETAP (Environmental Technologies Action Plan)

Total

budget Total NMP

contribution

Totals FP6

In Forward-looking activities

(incl. some FP5 Thematic Net)

23 800 000

22 750 000

FP7 (Industrial Technologies, Nano-Materials-Production-NMP Programme) - Years 2007 & 2008

Nano2MARKET FP7, Support action (IPR-TECH TRANSFER) "Best practices for IPR & technology transfer in Nanotech developments"

745 000

690,000

Nano2Market aims at providing guidelines for technology transfer and rules for IPR and license agreements in nanotechnology developments.

Specific guidelines will be given for research institutions and SMEs for efficient transfer of their prototypes to the market.

Contribute to the valorisation of EU FP7 funded research projects. Conclude business models and set efficient rules for technology transfer.

ENRHES FP7, Support action (NANO-SAFETY) "Engineered Nanoparticles: Review of Health and Environmental Safety"

498 000

200 000

Gather and evaluate studies on the toxicological characteristics of certain classes of nano-materials

Build up and disseminated an evaluated weighting of the scientific evidence concerning such materials in order to support EU policy making and regulations

Bridge scientific knowledge and policy making for a safer Europe. Strengthen the pan-European importance of this knowledge and the implication of EU stakeholders.

NanoMed Round Table FP7, Support action

784 000

687 000

Work towards the genuine engagement and involvement of all

Prepare the groundwork for optimised and collective decision-making at the European

A proactive initiative to reduce the hurdles for the introduction of NanoMedicine in

22

(NANOMED-SOCIOECO)"Nanomedicine ethical, regulatory, social and economic environment"

key stakeholders (P&P) in the nanomedical field. It addresses the ancillary (non-RTD) issues of NanoMedicine (societal, economic, ethical, regulatory)

and National levels. Designed as a operational document for decision makers.

Europe, including public perception. Answers to issues will be available before they become part of the awaited public debate.

OBSERVATORY NANO FP7, Support action "EU obs for science-based and eco-expert analysis of nano-tech, cognisant of barriers and risks, to engage with relevant stake-holders regarding benefits & opportunities"

4 000 000

4 000 000

Expertise in the technological, economic, societal/ethical, health, safety, and environmental issues of nanotechnologies. Though cooperation with the key EU stakeholders, it should form a balanced governing board in Europe towards the safe and responsible development of nanotechnologies.

Look at the opportunities and risks associated to nanotechnologies in an array of industrial sectors, including economic analysis. Generate a wide European cooperation. Dissemination through workshops, conferences and websites.

Provide a service to all potential players in nanotechnologies as an aid in their involvement to real-life development, by taking into account the various issues and various visions of EU stakeholders.

NANO IMPACT net FP7, Coordination action

(NANO-HEALTH IMPACT) " European Network on the Health and Environmental Impact of Nanomaterials"

2 000 000

2 000 000

It brings together 24 EU organisations of stakeholders around the theme of safety of nanotechnology-based materials and products.

Create a scientific basis to ensure the safe and responsible development of engineered nanoparticles and nanotechnology-based materials and products, and support the definition of regulatory measures and implementation of legislation in Europe. Dissemination of strategies and methodologies through workshops.

Establish a solid framework of supporting the safety of nanotechnology-based materials and products. It will help implement the EU Action Plan for Nanotechnology and inspire the choice of FP7 RTD topics. Draft guidelines to reflect the consensus reached.

EURONANOBIO FP7, Support action

(EU INFRASTRUCTURES) "EUROpean scale infrastructure in NANOBIOtechnology"

794 000

794 000

Define the key features of the future EU capacity in nano-biotechnology (stakeholders, infrastructures) and the roadmap to reach this goal. Wide panel of stakeholders in governments, industry, education, regulation, ethics.

The consortium will act as a catalyst for these stakeholders to collect their contribution and make them build together the roadmap for establishing the EU capacity in nanobiotechnology. Large dissemination of the results.

Thorough examination and then action on capacity building in nano-bio-technology: its key features and the way to establish it. A key step in supporting a very promising high added value activity in Europe.

CO-NANOMET FP7, Coordination action (NANOMETROLOGY) "COordination of NANOMETrology in

1 500 000

1 000 000

Develop the required measurement frame to successfully support the development and economic exploitation of nanotechnology.

A European Strategy Plan for Nanometrology will be delivered and 5 European Action Groups will be implemented. The dimensions of education, training, infrastructures will also be addressed. Diffusion of results.

Put in place a strong and harmonised EU framework on metrology techniques, via the close coordination of all players. This will support the huge potential of the effective commercial development of nanotechnology.

23

Europe" Dissemination of metrology techniques.

FP7 Totals In Forward-looking activities

10 000 000

9 370 000

Total Budget

Total NMP contribution

Totals for NMP

Forward-looking activities 2001-2010

33 800 000

32 100 00