"When RTD collaboration makes sense: The European Aluminium Technology Platform"
Globalisation and the complexity of the challenges facing the metal industry need new responses and new models for partnerships to promote competitiveness and innovation processes, enhancing sustainability. In response, the European aluminium industry has developed and committed to the European Aluminium Technology Platform (EATP).
This technology platform is the instrument to mobilise and maximise the impact of research & technological development (RTD) investments of joint interest to the aluminium value chain. Its mission is to:
- Provide a pan-European view on technology needs, focusing on a 2030 horizon, including identification and prioritisation of actions required to ensure that these needs are met
- Create a single cross-industry forum to discuss technology issues, rather than remaining at company level
- Generate true inter-company RTD, with the related benefits of cost sharing
- Ensure that the European aluminium technology network pulls together, and in the same direction (universities and R&D institutions)
The Vision 2030 document was launched last November. Stakeholders (national and European authorities, suppliers, customers, academics, financial institutions, etc) are invited to join the process in order to boost the platform development and momentum. The 12 EATP WGs are currently developing roadmaps and collaborative projects.
