From today and for many years to come, Europe will face tremendous societal challenges. Growth, economic stability and ecological sustainability are just a few of the diverse challenges Europe and its citizens face. To tackle them, Europe needs industry and industry needs Europe. It is clear that, if Europe wants to continue to be a leading global player, innovation will play a vital role. And the chemical industry can and should be a key driver.
As stated in the previous post to announce the workshop, countless European initiatives, such as the Innovation Union, Horizon 2020 and Key Enabling Technologies, have been undertaken to support innovation as a key element of Europe’s growth. The goal of the workshop was to offer insights into what the different stakeholders such as the industry, politicians, academia, associations, the media and youngsters, think of today’s initiatives. The key question was, ‘Could and should a new European model of innovation be constructed to maximise the value-creation?’
“From the presentations and discussion it is clear that a new European model of innovation is possible, but requires increased levels of communication, collaboration and creativity to complement technological change”, states Tim Reynolds (Inta Communication), moderator of the debate. “Fortunately, Europe has a history of collaboration and of engaging with complexity at a technical, cultural and human level. With the right support and framework the new model can tackle our societal challenges in a smart and inclusive manner for the benefit of all.”
As an introduction, Gernot Klotz , Executive Director for Research & Innovation at Cefic, explained what innovation means to the industry. He Emphasized life-changing societal issues, such as employment, climate change, health, natural resources and energy security, and hence stressing the need for new ideas and new solutions. “The tree of innovation needs strong roots,” he said. Hence, it is crucial that both private and public players invest in innovation. The public institutions have a particular role to play as they should stimulate risk-taking behaviour. Innovation ultimately equals risk.
Four key areas in Chemistry innovation
Compelling examples demonstrated the leading role that the chemical sector has in driving innovation in the four prioritised areas chosen by SusChem: ‘Smart Cities’, critical raw materials, resource-efficiency and water-efficiency.
The first speaker, Patrick Francoisse (Solvay), discussed the ‘Smart Cities’ initiative and how it encompasses not only smart cities but also smart energy houses. Perhaps his words can be summarised in one striking quote that says it all: “In fact, ‘Smart Cities’ are about smart people.”
Next up was Mike Pitts, Sustainability Manager at the UK’s Chemical Innovation Knowledge Transfer Network (CIKTN) on the problems and solutions of raw materials. In fact, it all comes back to one challenge, How do we maintain the lifestyle and needs of 9.5 billion people on planet Earth? The answer is as simple as it is complex: the 4 R’s: reduce, reuse, recycle and replace.
Felix Müller of Evonik Industries AG focused on resource efficiency, outlining the potential for the process industries through the proposed major initiative Public Private Partnership (PPP) (SPIRE).
The final speaker, discussing water efficiency, was Antonia Morales, Innovation Manager at Cefic. She described the chemical industry as being one of the biggest water-consuming industries as well as one of the biggest providers of water treatment materials and technologies. Hence, in order to achieve a water-efficient Europe, Cefic proposes to adopt a symbiotic approach: reuse and recycle water. While at the same time as improving water treatment methods to recover raw materials and achieve sustainable production of an appropriate quality of water for appropriate use. Her message was clear: ‘Every drop counts.’
3C’s of success: communicate, collaborate, create
The interactive panel and open discussion, moderated by Tim Reynolds, featured Herbert von Bose, Director of Industrial Technologies at the European Commission DG Research, journalist Laura Shields of The Media Coach and chemistry student from the Leuven University (KUL).
Tim Reynolds states, “All contributors agreed that there was a need to have a clear innovation agenda and to communicate widely. Communication was the first step towards collaboration – and without collaboration there could be no opening of minds, no implementation and no creativity – no matter how wonderful the new technology was.”
Laura Shields supported this, “The industry needs to trigger a mind-switch about innovation, by tapping into the heart and daily lives of European citizens.” This was exemplified by Herbert van Bose, who stated that PPP – Planet People Profit – should be at the heart of the other PPP – Public Private Partnership, discussed by Felix Müller.
Tim Reynolds concluded the panel discussion with the following, “For European innovation to be more successful and adopted by society, we need to focus not so much on techniques and technologies, but more on the outcome – the end-result – from a user point of view. To achieve this needs new ways of communication, collaboration and a cultural mind set change is essential to give Europe a real sustainable advantage in global competition.”
But the question remains: Will there ever be a European model of Innovation? What are your thoughts?
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Last Monday, during the opening ceremony of the ‘Tomorrow Starts With Chemistry’ exhibition, an Awards ceremony took place to announce and reward the winners of the 
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