Meet the New EU Commissioners Shaping the Future of Manufacturing Research and Innovation

As the European Commission prepares for parliamentary hearings, the European Factories of the Future Research Association (EFFRA) is pleased to provide an overview of the key commissioners who will play a pivotal role in shaping the future of manufacturing research and innovation (R&I). With Europe striving to remain competitive in a rapidly evolving global landscape, Mario Draghi’s insights highlight the importance of pushing boundaries to maintain a leading edge.

Ursula von der Leyen and her new team of commissioners will face the critical task of addressing pressing issues such as climate change, digital transformation and strengthening the EU’s geopolitical influence. EFFRA has compiled profiles of the key commissioners who will steer the development of a robust Manufacturing R&I ecosystem, paving the way for Europe’s industrial future.

Ekaterina Zaharieva (Bulgaria) – Commissioner for Startups, Research, and Innovation

Innovation Ecosystem Development: Zaharieva is charged with nurturing innovation ecosystems across Europe, positioning the EU as a leader in technological advancements. She will spearhead cross-border partnerships and collaborative projects to accelerate the development of cutting-edge manufacturing technologies.

Digital and Green Transitions: A key focus of her portfolio will be driving Europe’s twin transition towards a green and digital economy. For manufacturing, this means backing initiatives integrating AI, automation, and IoT to enhance efficiency and sustainability across production processes.

Research and Development (R&D): Zaharieva will support R&D efforts in critical areas like biotechnology, advanced materials, and industrial innovation. Ensuring adequate funding and translating research into practical applications will be central to her mission of advancing the European manufacturing sector.

Regulatory Framework: By streamlining regulatory environments for innovation, Zaharieva aims to reduce barriers for emerging technologies to enter the market, enabling the manufacturing sector to adopt innovative processes and develop new products at a faster pace.

Teresa Ribera Rodríguez (Spain) – Executive Vice-President for Clean, Just, and Competitive Transition

Sustainable Manufacturing: Ribera’s mission is to align manufacturing processes with the EU’s ambitious climate goals. She will implement policies to promote greener technologies and reduce emissions within industrial production, ensuring that European manufacturers lead in sustainability.

Circular Economy: Ribera will champion the circular economy, pushing manufacturers to innovate in areas like resource efficiency, waste reduction, and recycling. This shift will foster sustainable production models that enhance competitiveness while meeting environmental objectives.

Green Innovation: Ribera will need to support the development of cutting-edge green technologies, particularly in energy-intensive manufacturing sectors. She will focus on driving clean energy innovations that can transform industrial processes.

Henna Virkkunen (Finland) – Executive Vice-President for Tech Sovereignty, Security, and Democracy

Innovation for Global Competitiveness: Virkkunen’s portfolio centers on bolstering Europe’s industrial competitiveness on the global stage through innovation. By fostering new technological solutions, she aims to enhance productivity and position the EU as a leader in industrial innovation.

Digital Transformation in Manufacturing: Her efforts will prioritize the digitalization of the manufacturing sector, focusing on adopting smart technologies that will revolutionize production processes, improve efficiency, and drive sustainable growth.

Stéphane Séjourné (France) – Executive Vice-President for Prosperity and Industrial Strategy

Promotion of Advanced Manufacturing: Séjourné is tasked with modernizing and expanding the EU’s manufacturing sector. His strategy involves leveraging automation, AI, and other advanced technologies to increase productivity and foster industrial efficiency.

Innovation as a Core Driver: Central to his mission is supporting the integration of emerging technologies into manufacturing, ensuring that innovation is the driving force behind enhanced competitiveness and sustainable growth in the industry.

Roxana Mînzatu (Romania) – Executive Vice-President for People, Skills, and Preparedness

Skills Development for Industry 4.0: Mînzatu focuses on equipping Europe’s workforce with the skills needed for the digital age. Her efforts will include upskilling workers in robotics, digital technologies, and advanced manufacturing, preparing them for the evolving demands of Industry 4.0.

Fostering Innovation through a Skilled Workforce: By bridging the gap between technological innovation and its practical application, Mînzatu aims to create a highly skilled workforce that drives productivity and innovation in manufacturing.

Valdis Dombrovskis (Latvia) – Commissioner for Economy and Productivity; Implementation and Simplification

Boosting Industrial Competitiveness: Dombrovskis is focused on improving Europe’s industrial productivity through policies that promote innovation-driven growth. His efforts will help enhance the competitiveness of EU manufacturers on a global scale.

Trade and Economic Growth: His role includes leveraging trade policies to bolster the EU’s economic performance, ensuring manufacturers can access global markets, and driving innovation through international cooperation.

Investment in Innovation: By promoting investments in advanced technologies such as automation and AI, Dombrovskis aims to boost productivity across key sectors and foster a resilient, innovation-led economy.

Wopke Hoekstra (Netherlands) – Commissioner for Climate, Net Zero, and Clean Growth

Sustainable Innovation in Manufacturing: Hoekstra’s focus will be advancing eco-friendly production techniques within the manufacturing sector. He will promote sustainable technologies that reduce environmental impacts and contribute to the EU’s net-zero goals.

Digital and Technological Advancements: A strong emphasis will be placed on integrating digital transformation and innovative technologies, such as AI and data-driven solutions, to enhance production efficiency and drive future growth in the sector.

Piotr Serafin (Poland) – Commissioner for Budget, Anti-Fraud, and Public Administration

Boosting Innovation in Manufacturing: Serafin’s portfolio includes promoting and integrating advanced technologies into manufacturing processes, ensuring innovation drives both sustainability and competitiveness.

Sustainability through Eco-Friendly Practices: He will advocate for adopting environmentally sustainable practices in industrial production, contributing to the EU’s broader climate goals.

Andrius Kubilius (Lithuania) – Commissioner for Defence and Space

Innovation in Defence Technologies: For the first time, the EU has appointed a commissioner dedicated to defense, reflecting its growing priority. Kubilius will promote advanced defense technologies, drive innovation in military equipment production, and foster collaboration between the defense and manufacturing sectors. This will enhance national security while boosting technological advancement within manufacturing industries.

Through their respective portfolios, these commissioners will be instrumental in shaping the future of research, innovation, and industrial competitiveness across Europe. Their combined efforts will ensure that the EU remains at the forefront of global manufacturing advancements while meeting the challenges of sustainability, digitalisation, and economic resilience.