On November 7, EFFRA held its Board of Directors meeting in Lisbon to address the future of European manufacturing research and innovation. This high-level gathering centered on shaping the upcoming Framework Programme 10 (FP10) and the next steps for bolstering Europe’s R&I landscape. We were privileged to host Manuel Heitor, a prominent European R&I figure who shared essential insights from the “Align, Act, Accelerate” report. This report outlines three primary priorities for FP10:
1️⃣ Building a Strong Research Framework – Creating a cohesive, strategic research program to drive impactful research and innovation across Europe. This framework aims to foster collaboration, advance cutting-edge technologies, and ensure European competitiveness in the global manufacturing landscape.
2️⃣ Securing a Robust Budget – Ensuring sufficient funding to fuel growth and sustain innovation efforts. With an adequate budget, Europe can maintain its leadership in manufacturing and ensure that ambitious projects have the resources they need to succeed.
3️⃣ Radical Simplification – Making access to funding simpler, faster, and more user-friendly ensures that innovators and researchers can focus on their work without being hindered by bureaucratic hurdles.
Following the meeting, the Board visited the Instituto Superior Técnico (IST) in Lisbon, a leading institution known for its research and innovation. The IST visit offered an up-close look at Portuguese technological advancements, where researchers are pushing the boundaries of manufacturing innovation, from sustainable production methods to digital transformation initiatives.
Portugal’s research and innovation scene is rapidly growing, particularly in manufacturing, focusing on digitalisation, sustainability, and advanced production technologies. Portuguese institutions, including IST, play a vital role in developing new manufacturing solutions that align with EU-wide goals for sustainability and competitiveness. Through collaborations with industry and EU research programs, Portugal has become a hub for developing pioneering approaches like smart manufacturing, renewable energy, and circular economy practices.
The day following the board meeting, EFFRA’s Executive Director, Željko Pazin, and President of the Board, Olaf Pannenbäcker, participated in ANI’s event, “Research and Innovation Challenges and Opportunities for the Portuguese Manufacturing Industry,” also held at IST. This event brought together industry experts and stakeholders from across the sector to explore both challenges and growth areas within Portuguese manufacturing, with a particular focus on the Made in Europe partnership.
