The European Institute of Innovation and Technology (EIT) has officially presented its two newest innovation communities: EIT Manufacturing and EIT Urban Mobility. Together with some of their leading partners TomTom, COMAU, Siemens, CEA, Czech Technical University Prague, Technical University of Vienna, and the City of Barcelona, they offered a glimpse of what society could look like in 15 years.
A society with a sustainable, resource-efficient, digital and above all competitive manufacturing industry. One that contributes to a circular economy and allows for growth, with different types of job opportunities for a diverse, highly qualified workforce. Where logistics and traffic are smart-managed. Where people use highly efficient modes of electric, shared or individualised and on-demand (public) transport. Where cities provide more space for living, walking and playing. Where no one worries about air quality, traffic jams or finding a parking spot.
Is this what Europe will look like in 15 years? One thing is for sure; impact like this is precisely what the EIT aims for.
“I’m thrilled to be presenting our two new innovation communities that will find solutions to these crucial global challenges and will effectively contribute to the industrial revolution needed to build a sustainable world,” Gioia Ghezzi, member of the EIT governing board, said.
“They are great examples of what the EIT strives for: stimulating tangible innovations by bringing together business, education and research with concrete impact that ultimately creates better, sustainable lives for citizens across Europe.”
Maria Tsavachidis, CEO of EIT Urban Mobility, added: “The current mobility model is simply not sustainable. To change it, we need solutions to a number of key challenges – decongestion, sustainable urban growth and eco-efficient transport. We need to do it now, by deploying and scaling technologies, by pushing change in regulations and infrastructure. We want to reclaim the public space for what the ancient Greeks used to call the “agora” functions: living, working and meeting. This is exactly what we will achieve with EIT Urban Mobility.”
In the EU, the manufacturing sector employs close to 30 million people in 2.1 million enterprises and accounts for close to 20 per cent of the GDP on average. However, the manufacturing industry is under pressure from various factors, varying from rapid technological advancements to the need for a more circular economy.
“If we want to create sustainable growth in the European manufacturing sector, we need to innovate and embrace industry 4.0. Such a shift requires investment and education,” said George Chryssolouris from the University of Patras, EIT Manufacturing’s key coordinating partner.
“The EIT’s innovation model is perfect for this: by bringing together business, industry, research and education as well as the public sector, it not only acts as a catalyst for change, but also creates new investments and opportunities. There’s no other initiative like the EIT in the world.”