SusChem and KETs in Horizon Europe

SusChem has updated and enlarged its position paper on the potential impact of Key Enabling Technologies (KETs) in the next EU Research and Innovation (R&I) Framework Programme: Horizon Europe. The paper, originally published in February, outlines SusChem’s views on KETs in relation to sustainable chemistry and now includes 11 case study examples derived from SusChem inspired FP7 and Horizon 2020 projects.

The paper 'Impact: Key Enabling Technologies in Horizon Europe' calls for strong support for EU future technology competitiveness and argues that sustainable chemistry is essential for the technological advance of many KETs from advanced materials to photonics and industrial biotechnology.

SusChem believes that that Horizon Europe should firmly embrace KETs as drivers of technology development for jobs and growth and the white paper focuses on their potential positive impact on society.

KETs of specific interest to SusChem, such as advanced materials, advanced process technologies and industrial biotechnology, are essential to address societal challenges and accelerate the development of a low-carbon economy, circular economy and enable the energy transition.

SusChem also recognises the need to integrate digital technologies into process technologies, materials development and new business models. SusChem believes that synergies between current KETs and new digital KETs can accelerate the creation of new markets, growth and jobs.

Create, develop, leverage

The SusChem White Paper details the major technology developments and initiatives needed to:

• Create Advanced Materials for use in energy efficiency (e.g., light weight), renewable electricity production and energy storage (e.g., batteries elements), or smart functionalities responding to stimuli (e.g., self-repair).
• Develop Advanced Process Technologies, including Industrial Biotechnology, for more sustainable production including through utilisation of alternative carbon feedstock (waste, biomass, CO2) and alternative energy sources.
• Leverage Digital Technologies for use in advanced process control and materials modelling, to enable disruptive business models and to create new customer experiences.

Examples

All three areas give examples of how the KETs can make a difference to achieving societal policy goals and are illustrated by case study examples from completed SusChem projects.

The paper calls for on the European Commission to ensure strong support for KETs in Horizon Europe. You can download and read the report here.