European exchange of experience strengthens efforts towards net zero

How can European collaboration support industry’s transition and strengthen Swedish companies’ ability to achieve net zero? Net Zero Industry recently took part in a meeting of ERA Action 16, where the exchange of experience between European countries was a key focus.

ERA Action 16 is part of European cooperation on research and innovation and aims to strengthen access to excellence and innovation capacity across Europe. The latest meeting focused, among other things, on how small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) can gain better access to technological infrastructure and how different countries are working to reduce emissions.

Net Zero Industry was represented by Boel Wadman from RISE, who works on the programme’s internationalisation activities. She presented the programme’s background and mission, the central role of industry in the transition, and examples of projects within the programme. The opportunities for international collaboration and Net Zero Industry’s focus on industrial value chains attracted particular interest.

– Net Zero Industry stands out through our clear focus on the manufacturing industry. In a European exchange of experience, we can contribute knowledge and perspectives on this part of the value chain, while also learning from how other countries are approaching the transition, says Boel Wadman.

Collaboration across borders

For Sweden’s manufacturing industry, which is highly integrated into global value chains, greater European collaboration can create new opportunities. By sharing experiences, building partnerships and participating in joint initiatives, solutions can be developed and gain traction in more markets.

– I see significant opportunities to move closer to Net Zero Industry’s mission through international collaboration. Sweden has a substantial manufacturing industry that is part of international value chains. This makes cross-border collaboration particularly important, says Boel Wadman.

The next steps in Net Zero Industry’s internationalisation efforts include participating in initiatives together with Business Sweden and contributing perspectives ahead of the EU’s next Framework Programme for Research and Innovation. One important question going forward is how European initiatives to strengthen industrial competitiveness can combine advanced manufacturing with reduced resource use.