The EFFRA journey began with small steps and a collaborative effort involving industry associations, end-user organisations from different sectors and manufacturing technology suppliers. The association quickly evolved into a dynamic network, attracting a wide range of industrial members, research organisations, and academia. Together, they embarked on the ambitious task of creating a strategic research and innovation agenda, fostering further collaborations with industry and research that spanned across manufacturing sectors.
This exercise was certainly no top-down exercise. EFFRA’s commitment to inclusivity led to extensive public consultations as it sought feedback on its strategic agenda. The association recognised the importance of incorporating diverse perspectives, particularly when considering the impacts new technologies can have on people, and not just on a planet striving for economic sustainability. The result has been an agenda that focuses not only on cutting-edge technologies that emerge from research but also on the broader implications these technologies have for manufacturing practices and manufacturing workers.
As EFFRA’s General Consultant responsible for gathering consensus, Chris Decubber is convinced that this diversity within EFFRA is a key strength. Research technology organisations (RTOs) play a pivotal role in bridging the gap between research and daily industrial challenges. Academia contributes by delving into fundamental aspects, ensuring a seamless transition from theory to practical implementation, while companies bring the perspective of industrial practices into play, along with the real-world application of innovation into processes, machinery and products.
This interplay that exists between research outcomes and their practical application in the commercial and industrial world is a persistent challenge, and Decubber acknowledges the difficulty that exists in quantifying the direct impact of research on specific products, especially when dealing with diverse end-user industries. As such, EFFRA’s efforts to measure success in this sense take a holistic approach. Key performance indicators (KPIs) focus on impact-oriented metrics such as energy efficiency and waste reduction, while the association also recognises the need for clear metrics in terms of impacts on workers, for example, and is in permanent interaction with the European Commission to refine evaluation methods. In doing so, EFFRA is continually refining its focus on demonstrable outcomes. “By emphasising the importance of measurable results, especially in terms of exploitable technologies, we are always looking to communicate a clearer picture of the tangible impact of EFFRA’s initiatives,” explains Decubber.
Addressing the research-industry gap
In response to questions about the challenges of translating research into these tangible impacts and products, Decubber further acknowledges the complexities involved. “Industry members participating in projects focused on themes like zero-defect manufacturing and high-quality production find themselves part of demonstrations testing new algorithms, AI, robotics and new approaches,” he says.
“At EFFRA, we want to emphasise that the integration of these findings into existing products is not a linear process. Companies collaborating on these projects, including robotics manufacturers and equipment suppliers, not only play a crucial role in developing these innovations but are often responsible for embedding them into their product portfolios as well.”
“Providing a clearer explanation of this process that better explains how innovations – particularly in AI, green manufacturing, and in circular manufacturing – have influenced the product portfolios of the participating industries is crucial,” Decubber continues.
“So while traditional market-oriented studies have their place, we place an increased emphasis on evaluating the success of demonstrable outcomes and we focus on exploitable technologies. Indeed, the Horizon Europe programme demands we do this and this helps us focus on providing a comprehensive overview of the tangible impact of our initiatives.”
Decubber is clear about the value of this process of providing such a comprehensive account of how research findings have translated into technologies that are ready for implementation in the broader industrial landscape. “This is a valuable initiative. By bridging the gap between research projects and industry, we are helping businesses understand the potential benefits and opportunities emerging from initiatives like EFFRA’s and the EC’s strategic manufacturing partnership Made in Europe,” he explains.
“Highlighting advancements in manufacturing technologies, sustainability efforts, and the integration of emerging materials, can contribute to a more informed and collaborative industrial landscape.
“And by disseminating this information to a targeted audience, you are fostering awareness and potentially sparking interest from industry players who may find value in adopting or collaborating on these innovations. It also provides a platform for experts and stakeholders, like the ones involved in Made in Europe, to share insights and perspectives, further enriching the discourse around the future of manufacturing. The landscape of manufacturing technologies is constantly evolving, so establishing effective channels of communication and knowledge exchange is paramount.
“Our efforts to bring different projects together in clusters and at events to share insights and develop a consolidated view are also instrumental in driving collaboration, innovation, and the successful integration of cutting-edge technologies into industrial practices.”
As EFFRA navigates these complexities, it remains determined to meet the challenges faced by European industry, challenges which serve as stepping stones, guiding the association towards a future where the gap between innovation and industrial implementation is bridged more seamlessly. As such, its efforts are poised to play a pivotal role in shaping Europe’s manufacturing landscape, ensuring that research translates into practical solutions for a more sustainable and efficient future.
“Our journey is testament to the power of collaboration in shaping the future of manufacturing,” concludes Decubber. “By bringing together a diverse array of stakeholders, we are helping to drive innovation and address the great challenges we face in manufacturing in Europe. And, as we look towards this future, EFFRA’s commitment will undoubtedly contribute to the continued evolution of manufacturing practices through the adoption of new technologies.”