Chemicals sector sees new funding framework as vital to European competitiveness
BRUSSELS, November 30, 2011 – Cefic strongly supports the European Commission’s proposal published today on Horizon2020, the new funding framework for research and innovation. The chemicals sector sees the proposal as a key component in implementing the Innovation Union flagship under the Europe 2020 strategy.
The Commission communication outlines an ambitious programme that forms a key part to European competitiveness in a global market. The chemical sector confirms its commitment to innovation in Europe and looks forward to its engagement in the implementation of Horizon 2020.
Responding to the communication, Cefic Executive Director of Research & Innovation Gernot Klotz said: “Cefic and the chemical industry fully support this EU-wide approach to research and innovation. The significant increase in the proposed budget in comparison to FP7 is particularly welcome, especially in the area of innovation.”
“Horizon 2020 must have a clear focus on output rather than being over prescriptive. We support the use of bridging actions to coordinate programmes and the inclusion of pilot plant and scale-up activities that are essential to quickly moving ideas to the market.”
Fit for innovation
To accelerate the European Union into becoming a competitive and sustainable region, Cefic sees the need that the whole value chain, from processes and advanced materials to consumer-products, is stimulated simultaneously. Horizon 2020 must support and catalyse this process.
The proposals for a single set of rules for participation and dissemination are attractive, but often drivers for research and innovation are different.
Klotz added: “We need to make sure that the instruments proposed in Horizon2020 are also fit for innovation. Shaping a pilot plant is different from working in a university lab. It has to be ensured that these instruments address issues such as value chain inclusion and speed towards market.”
The chemical sector – a key driver for innovation
Cefic is currently working on the development of four innovation initiatives in the areas of water-efficiency, raw material, resource-efficiency and smart cities. The chemical industry will also contribute strongly to the area of Key Enabling Technologies (KETs), especially on advanced materials, biotechnology and nanotechnologies, for the development of which strong commitment has been shown in Horizon2020.
These areas are essential for Europe as well as a strong and well-equipped funding programme for research and innovation, especially now when Europe needs its strengths and critical mass. Cefic urges therefore Member States, European industries at large and other stakeholders to join forces in supporting Horizon2020.
To support its implementation and delivery, Cefic is keen to improve industry’s role in programme and project selection and evaluation, especially for programmes with larger innovation components.
Klotz concluded: “European Technology Platforms (ETPs), such as SusChem, could help here. The formation of advisory groups involving relevant ETPs and other stakeholder could ensure funding is most appropriately and beneficially allocated”.
“We also think that ETPs should now function as EU Technology and Innovation Platforms covering research and innovation and education – all three components are vital for future economic success.”
For more information, contact James Pieper on +32 (0)2 676 7398 or via email at jpi@cefic.org
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About Cefic
Cefic, the European Chemical Industry Council, is the Brussels-based organisation representing the European chemical industry. Created in 1972, it represents 29,000 companies that produce 21 per cent of the world’s chemicals and employ 1.2 million people. To learn more about Cefic and nanotechnology, visit its new website at www.cefic.org.