In the rapidly evolving field of materials science and innovation, the Strategic Research and Innovation Agenda (SRIA) for Innovative Advanced Materials for Europe (IAM) is a significant initiative shaping the future of advanced materials in Europe. With a strong emphasis on sustainability, circularity, and digitalization, this roadmap will accelerate the green and digital transitions, ensuring Europe’s technological sovereignty and leadership in key industrial sectors.
In this blog, we explore the most important lessons from the IAM-I SRIA and what they mean for the future of Horizon Europe projects and funding opportunities.
Why advanced materials matter?
Advanced materials are at the core of technological progress and industrial competitiveness. From next-generation semiconductors and sustainable construction materials to high-performance batteries and lightweight composites for mobility, advanced materials drive innovation in multiple sectors.
However, the challenge lies in ensuring these materials are safe, sustainable, and scalable, reducing reliance on critical raw materials (CRMs) while enhancing circular economy principles. This is where IAM-I (Innovative Advanced Materials Initiave) steps in.
Key themes of Innovative Advanced Materials and IAM4EU’s research strategy
1. Four industrial sectors as priorities
The IAM4EU agenda focuses on four strategic sectors where advanced materials can make the biggest impact: Energy, Mobility, Construction, and Electronics.
Energy
Hydrogen production, storage, and fuel cells.
Advanced materials for solar, wind, and nuclear energy.
Carbon capture, use, and storage (CCUS) solutions.
Mobility
Lightweight materials for electric and hydrogen-powered transport.
Rare-earth-free magnets for e-mobility.
Enhanced battery technologies for sustainability.
Construction
Circular and bio-based materials for buildings.
Smart coatings for energy-efficient infrastructure.
Self-monitoring and self-repairing materials for durability.
Electronics
Sustainable semiconductor materials for AI, 5G, and quantum computing.
Printed and flexible electronics.
E-waste reduction through circular design.
2. The role of digitalization in advanced materials
IAM4EU highlights how AI, data, and digital twin technologies are revolutionizing materials science. Some key advancements include:
AI-driven materials discovery and optimization.
Digital Materials Data Spaces to enhance knowledge sharing.
Predictive modeling and simulation for safety and sustainability.
By integrating data-driven materials innovation, Europe can fast-track research-to-market solutions while ensuring compliance with Safe and Sustainable-by-Design (SSbD) principles.
3. Collaboration, policy, and standardization
For Europe to maintain its competitive edge, the IAM4EU strategy emphasizes:
Cross-sector collaboration with EU initiatives like Clean Hydrogen Partnership, Chips JU, EIT Manufacturing, and Open Science Cloud (EOSC).
Regulatory alignment with policies such as the European Green Deal, Circular Economy Action Plan (CEAP), and Critical Raw Materials Act (CRMA).
Workforce training and skills development to address R&D gaps in materials innovation.
This holistic approach ensures that Innovative Advanced Materials are technically viable and commercially scalable and aligned with EU policy frameworks.
What this means for Horizon Europe proposals
If you are working on Horizon Europe projects, this strategic agenda provides valuable insights into aligning proposals with European priorities. Key aspects to consider:
Integration of Safe and Sustainable-by-Design (SSbD) principles: Projects must demonstrate environmental impact reduction and compliance with new Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) methodologies.
Interdisciplinary and cross-sector collaboration: Proposals should bring together industry, research institutions, and policymakers to accelerate advanced materials adoption.
Emphasis on digital and AI-enabled materials innovation: Making use of data-driven discovery, AI, and high-throughput testing can enhance the project’s impact and funding chances.
Technology readiness and market scalability: Proposals should show a clear path from low TRL research to industrial deployment.
Alignment with EU policies and funding synergies: Connecting with European Digital Innovation Hubs (EDIHs), EIT initiatives, and industry networks can strengthen proposals.
Final Thoughts
The IAM4-I SRIA sets the framework for Europe’s leadership in advanced materials. It provides a clear strategic vision for researchers, policymakers, and innovators to shape the future of sustainable, high-performance materials.
For those looking to apply for Horizon Europe funding, aligning proposals with IAM-I’s priorities could be the key to unlocking greater success in securing EU support.
Are you preparing a Horizon Europe project in advanced materials? NETO Innovation can support your proposal with expertise in R&D strategy, funding applications, and impact assessment. Let’s collaborate! Contact us today!!
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