The European research & innovation agenda
Since its launch in 2004 SusChem has established the chemical sciences and sustainability as central components of the European Union’s essential knowledge base to make Europe more successful and improve its citizens’ quality of life.
Through highlighting the critical role of sustainable chemistry in addressing society’s challenges
SusChem thinking has made a strong impact on the European Commission’s Research Framework Programmes
FP6 and
FP7. Analysis of SusChem’s direct input to the European research agenda shows that between 2007 and 2009 FP7 research projects funded to the tune of over € 900 million were inspired by
SusChem thinking.
SusChem’s complementary Innovation strategy and programme makes a concrete contribution to the new Common Framework Programme for Research and Innovation:
Horizon 2020. Within this strategy, and its recognised contribution by the European Commission, SusChem also drives to improve the effectiveness and accessibility of funding instruments and to further enhance the industry commitment to EU research and innovation programmes. This iterative process promotes incentives for wider EU collaborations between industry partners in pre-competitive research and innovation areas and through this value chain approach to improve the time to market for future products and services.
As an active and acknowledged partner, SusChem has made a significant contribution to policy development in the European Institutions for example in the
Key Enabling Technologies initiative. The chemical and process industries hold key positions within critical value chains across Europe. Their active contributions are essential to achieve the smart, sustainable and inclusive growth that Europe desires.
Bridging activities
As well as inspiring new research and innovation projects SusChem has provided the framework to bring academia and industry together. SusChem has enabled an improved industry involvement in European research projects and increased enthusiasm for European collaboration with national governments.
SusChem makes valuable contributions in all aspects of European collaborative activities:
- SusChem helps formulate the research & innovation agenda by presenting the real needs of industry and understanding what benefits new breakthroughs can deliver
- Through its Brokerage Database and Brokerage events, SusChem presents calls and helps bring partners together
- With its tools, such as the Cefic Grant-it initiative, SusChem can evaluate projects, help to develop proposals and suggest the most appropriate funding opportunities
These activities help speed up and facilitate the funding process – in particular making it easier for smaller industrial enterprises to get involved.
The future
By integrating innovation into its mission, SusChem will contribute to making Europe more successful and support the achievement of the
EUROPE2020 Policy objectives for sustainable, smart and inclusive growth.
SusChem will contribute to catalyse proposals for sustainable solutions to society’s major challenges in partnership with the European and national public authorities by developing and leading large-scale, integrated research and innovation programmes where chemistry plays a significant role. These initiatives will link research and partners along the value chain to real world markets through accelerated innovations, with a public private incentive.
Sustainable chemistry
creating solutions together!