Željko Pazin, Executive Director at EFFRA, set the tone at the opening session of The Manufacturing Partnership Days in Brussels by reflecting briefly on how the industry-driven association has successfully evolved since its inception in 2009. Over the past 15 years, he said, the organisation has been instrumental in promoting the development of new and innovative production technologies by funding projects that are catalysing industrial innovation, collaborating closely with entities such as DG Connect, DG RTD, and HADEA.
Pazin emphasised the collaborative nature of the event, which aims to showcase the progress of more than 30 Horizon Europe-funded projects that are focused on the development of digital technologies. These technologies are pivotal in realising Europe’s green agenda and fostering a sustainable manufacturing ecosystem. The conference, he said, serves as the perfect platform for projects to demonstrate their contributions and explore avenues for transitioning research outcomes into practical applications.
Gaspad Demur, Deputy Head of Unit for Digital Transformation of Industrial Ecosystems at DG Connect, underscored the significance of sustained cooperation with EFFRA. Recognising the imperative of digitalising the manufacturing sector, Demur highlighted ongoing efforts to facilitate the integration of innovative solutions into European industries. Central to this endeavour is the collaboration with European digital innovation hubs to support SMEs in embracing digitalisation.
Amid the proliferation of AI-related EFFRA projects, Demur noted the establishment of an AI office within the European Commission, signalling a commitment to harnessing the potential of artificial intelligence across various domains, including manufacturing.
He reminded delegates that DG Connect’s focus also extends beyond AI to encompass data utilisation in manufacturing processes, aligning with the broader objective of advancing industrial innovation, perfectly aligning it with EFFRA’s and DG RTD’s overarching goals.
Pazin echoed the sentiment of collaboration, emphasising the need to inspire both industry stakeholders and the next generation of innovators. The event serves as a platform to celebrate achievements, foster dialogue, and chart the course for future endeavours. Reminding delegates of the importance of bridging the gap between research and industry, Pazin highlighted initiatives such as Projects Magazine, aimed at facilitating knowledge exchange and collaboration.
Looking ahead, Pazin invited attendees to the forthcoming European Manufacturing Conference in September 2024, reaffirming EFFRA’s commitment to fostering synergies between industry and research. The event promises to further galvanise efforts towards advancing Europe’s manufacturing landscape through collaborative innovation.
The opening session marked the start of many fascinating project presentations highlighting the successful development EFFRA has funded. These projects, together with EFFRA’s support, exemplifies a collective commitment to driving industrial transformation, fostering collaboration, and inspiring innovation across Europe’s manufacturing ecosystem.