Towards a new European vision for research and innovation
To face the societal challenges imposed by globalisation and avoid economic and social decline in Europe, it is essential to mobilise all talents in culture, science, technology and innovation. Key enabling technologies can play an important role in linking the frontier research to the market. LEIT2014 (Leadership in enabling and industrial technologies for European societal challenges 2014 (nanotechnologies and advanced materials, manufacturing and processing)) focused on how nanotechnology, advanced materials, advanced manufacturing, processing and biotechnology can help tackle such challenges through new products, processes and services. With its support, the LET'S 2014 conference highlighted that industry needs the capacity for integrating creativity, culture, knowledge and competitiveness through a systemic approach to move towards high-quality products and services. Europe should thus join efforts to build up a competitive and well-coordinated research and innovation system characterised by advanced infrastructures, young talents and strong frontier research production. Small and medium-sized enterprises, including start-ups, will mobilise society and attract investments and talented people. Research can provide disruptive innovation that will help create new industry sectors and regenerate existing ones. This can lead to unique opportunities for long-term development, high-quality jobs and wealth. Coordinating finance instruments, bringing different funding mechanisms together in one supportive framework and reducing regulation differences across Member States will more rapidly help transform knowledge into innovation outputs. Collaboration between industry and research centres and universities will provide a competitive edge to the former and help it meet specific needs with innovative products and processes. Factories should apply high-performance technologies, additive manufacturing and end-of-life innovative services. A human-centred approach will fuel product development and drive growth. Since people are more and more important assets for the future of Europe, unleashing their potential through effective education is a key factor in development. At each level, education must be brought to the point where knowledge leads to the capability of solving problems. A new type of lifelong education is required to valorise existing European culture, understand other cultures, and create new paradigms that better serve and address future society.
Keywords
Innovation, enabling technologies, societal challenges, frontier research, manufacturing, processing
