European Commission publishes industrial strategy for a globally competitive, green and digital Europe

On 10th March 2020 the European Commission published a strategy entitled "A New Industrial Strategy for Europe" that aims to support European industry in its double transition towards carbon neutrality and digital leadership.

Research, technological development and innovation, which represent funding activities under the forthcoming framework programme Horizon Europe, play a key role in the strategy. Part of the planned measures for implementing the strategy is already contained in the Horizon Europe Strategic Plan 2021-2024. It is also expected that many of the initiatives of the new industrial strategy will form the political basis for corresponding structures and calls for proposals in Horizon Europe. These include the expected EU strategies and action plans for clean steel production (EU Strategy on Clean Steel) and sustainable chemicals (Chemicals Strategy for Sustainability), recycling management (Circular Economy Action Plan) or sustainable management of the built environment (Strategy on the built environment).

Further impetus for the implementation of the industrial strategy is expected from the forthcoming Commission Communication "Future of Research and Innovation and the European Research Area". It is intended to work out new concepts for innovation and ensure the best possible use of EU funding.

These include the expected EU strategies and action plans for clean steel production (EU Strategy on Clean Steel) and sustainable chemicals (Chemicals Strategy for Sustainability), recycling management (Circular Economy Action Plan) or sustainable management of the built environment (Strategy on the built environment).

The European Commission press release on the industrial strategy can be found here.