01/24/2023 | News release | Distributed by Public on 01/24/2023 05:06
The Commission published today the new European Research Area (ERA) industrial technology roadmap for circular technologies and business models. It identifies key circular technologies and innovation needs for the textile, construction and energy-intensive industries. It calls for a comprehensive approach to develop and adopt those technologies at all stages of the materials and products life cycle. Use of circular technologies in the theses industrial sectors will contribute to reducing pressure on natural resources and to EU's climate neutrality target for 2050.
The roadmap highlights investment needs which will help EU industry to further strengthen its position as a global leader. The EU has the highest share (32%) of companies worldwide active in circular economy technologies compared to e.g. the US (20%) and China (4.4%). The EU is also leading in circular economy technology inventions in absolute terms and as a share of green inventions at global level.
Commissioner for Innovation, Research, Education, Culture and Youth, Mariya Gabriel, said:
The impact of climate change is tangible and action is needed now. The transition to a circular economy is not an option but a necessity. Circular technologies will reduce industrial emissions and pollution and allow European industry to remain at the forefront of technological development and green-tech based competitiveness.
Key findings for research and innovation in the three sectors include:
The report, prepared with input from Member States, industry and other stakeholders, assesses R&I investments and programmes and key technologies, their maturity and potential and suggests means to develop and scale them up. It looks at the framework conditions impacting the development of technologies and business models, including incentives and barriers to innovation. Its analysis builds on Horizon Europe partnerships with industry which address key challenges of circularity in processing and manufacturing, building, and bio-based industries. This is the second report on industrial technologies supporting the green transition, following the publication of the ERA industrial technology roadmap for low-carbon technologies in energy-intensive industries in April 2022. Its findings will also feed into the upcoming transition pathway for the textiles, construction and chemicals ecosystems, as announced in the updated Industrial strategy.
Report: ERA industrial technology roadmap for circular technologies and business models
Website: ERA industrial technologies roadmaps
Video: ERA industrial technology roadmap for circular technologies and business models
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