The European Manufacturing Conference 2024, co-organised by EFFRA, EIT Manufacturing, and ManuFuture, has brought together in Brussels leaders from industry, research, and public institutions to discuss the future of manufacturing in Europe. The event opened with a panel discussion featuring Caroline Viarouge (CEO of EIT Manufacturing), Maurizio Gattiglio (Chairman of ManuFuture), and Olaf Pannenbäcker (Chairman of EFFRA).
Starting with the context in which this conference takes place, the panellists highlighted a broad array of challenges confronting European manufacturing. These include rising global tensions and geopolitical rivalries, increasing competition, and technological shifts, all occurring against a backdrop of significant mega-trends such as digitalisation, climate change, decarbonisation, and AI development. The risk of de-industrialisation was a central concern, with Maurizio Gattiglio emphasising its potential negative impact on Europe’s social and economic fabric to the extent that it could lead to the end of the European Union. He noted that manufacturing remains the continent’s largest sector in terms of employment and value, making it critical to Europe’s prosperity.
Collaboration and strategic focus
Caroline Viarouge underscored the importance of collaboration, particularly between research institutions and industry, as essential to addressing the sector’s challenges. The diversity of participants — 50% from universities and RTOs, and 50% from business, finance, and public institutions — highlighted the need for a collective approach. Viarouge stressed that the manufacturing sector needs to rebuild competitiveness, foster education for skills transformation, and accelerate technological and scientific advancements. She also called for innovative, collaborative efforts to boost competitiveness and adaptability in the face of rapid technological change.
Olaf Pannenbäcker, representing EFFRA, shared a similar view. He pointed out that Europe’s manufacturing sector already has strong networks and associations in place. However, he emphasised the need to ensure that these structures continue to work closely with policymakers, particularly as the European Commission enters a new legislative period. Pannenbäcker emphasised the urgency of better data-sharing and collaboration within the manufacturing industry, noting that reluctance to share information hampers growth. “Sharing is a new way of owning,” he remarked, advocating for more transparent and cooperative manufacturing processes.
Strategic priorities: Technology, sustainability, and geopolitics
Looking ahead, the panellists identified several strategic priorities. Pannenbäcker emphasised the importance of addressing geopolitical challenges and leveraging new technologies such as generative AI. Manufacturing, he noted, must become more connected, with increased openness to data sharing and technological collaboration.
Maurizio Gattiglio spoke of the need to bridge the gap between civil and defence economies, especially in research and manufacturing. He pointed out that Europe’s defence value chains are currently weak, and strengthening these will require involving the existing manufacturing base. Gattiglio urged for greater synergy between civilian and defence sectors, both in terms of research and economic integration.
Viarouge highlighted key topics about shaping the future of manufacturing that would be discussed over the next two days, including sustainability, AI, defence, and investment. She expressed optimism that these discussions would yield disruptive, innovative ideas to help Europe stay competitive on the global stage. The panel’s consensus was that Europe needs a comprehensive and forward-looking industrial strategy that aligns with global developments while addressing local needs.
Conclusion
The opening panel of the European Manufacturing Conference 2024 set the stage for critical discussions on how Europe can navigate the challenges facing its manufacturing sector. Collaboration, innovation, and a strong focus on technological integration, sustainability, and geopolitical awareness were identified as key areas of focus.
The panellists were united in their belief that only through collective efforts and forward-thinking strategies could Europe ensure the resilience and competitiveness of its manufacturing industry in the face of global shifts.