Functional electronics for green and circular economy (RIA)

Proposals are expected to make technological breakthroughs in the development of functional electronics technologies[[Area at the convergence of unconventional nano-electronics, flexible/printed electronics and electronic smart systems that enables shifting from purely physical integration to functional integration.]]

to address the challenges and opportunities associated with green and digital transformation. Eco-design principles[[Complying with the EU Ecodesign directive.]],

in particular reduction of energy and resource consumption should be taken into account. The emphasis of this topic will be on the advancement in the area of flexible, printed and organic electronics as low-cost/light- weight/less energy intensive approach to complement inorganic-based mainstream semiconductors.

It is expected that proposals will focus on activities related to:

• Development of beyond state-of-the-art processes for electronic components and systems by making use of different types of substrates (e.g. flexible, stretchable and conformable) and their integration in various structures and materials (e.g. textiles, plastics, glass, paper and metal). Proposals should address the improvement of system characteristics (e.g. performance, robustness, reliability) and progress in high throughput and low-cost manufacturing processes.
• Increasing capability to integrate flexible and printed electronics in various application domains (e.g. wearables, mobility, health/well-being, agriculture and environment, energy and smart logistics) including in hybrid IC or flexible systems.
• Activities related to the development of new methodologies for next generation components and systems taking into account Eco-design principles, such as more efficient recovery and recycling solutions or/and optimisation of the use of resources (e.g. energy efficiency at system and manufacturing level, material consumption) will be encouraged.

Issues related to life cycle, end-of life, standardisation, certification and regulation compliance should be considered whenever appropriate.

Proposals should include targets and metrics for decreasing use of resources in their chosen approaches.

In this topic the integration of the gender dimension (sex and gender analysis) in research and innovation content is not a mandatory requirement.