EIC Pathfinder Challenge: Responsible Electronics

Background and scope

Responsible electronics represents a unique opportunity for the future of EU industrial autonomy in a decarbonised and digital society, however fundamental scientific and technological challenges remain to be addressed. It has been predicted that by 2050, the production of electronics components and devices will rise exponentially and thus the use of raw materials in the sector will increase accordingly. As a result, the amount of electronic waste is also set to rise massively.

Responsible electronics can contribute to drastically reducing the environmental load of the electronic industry by shifting from traditional manufacturing industrial methods to innovative methods and materials with a lower environmental impact. This is in line with the EU Circular Economy Action Plan [[Circular economy action plan (europa.eu)]] fostering research towards a circular economy with e