The project has just come to the end of its 30 months duration as a Horizon 2020 funded CSA. A large amount of background work was done to lay the foundations for the vision and roadmap – this included the launch of an online platform that gathers data on current and past projects in the area of raw materials, both at national and EU level, which has contributed towards the gap analysis. A wide ranging study has also been carried out on the relevant players and their roles in the raw materials research and innovation network, the current funding landscape and future scenarios, along with their possible societal challenges and the corresponding needs of global markets and EU industries. Alongside a series of stakeholder consultations and expert workshops, these studies have all contributed towards shaping a substantial 2050 Roadmap for European Raw Materials Research and Innovation, that is practical for both policy makers and research programming authorities, as well as current industry players and other stakeholders across the value chain. The final product, now available to download on the VERAM website, contains detailed recommendations on future research and innovation actions to undertake in the medium term, by 2030, and longer term, by 2050, which should help maintain a sustainable and secure supply of raw materials required by European industry in the long term.
Throughout the process, it has been crucial to maintain regular and open communication channels in order to keep the relevant stakeholders and policy makers aware of the progress and allow for their feedback to be considered in the roadmap development. VERAM participated in a number of conferences and workshops, often with a keynote presentation, which helped to fulfill this key aspect of the project and to ensure its success. By involving a wide network of key players within the project from the very beginning, the recommendations laid out within the VERAM Roadmap are ready to be taken up without delay.
