Toimi 12

ERA action 12 has the greatest potential of delivering impact on Europe´s green and digital transition. ERA action 12 connects the EU industrial strategy with the industrial technologies roadmaps and technology infrastructures, addressing both the directionality and implementation of the needed industrial transformation. In particular, the focus on technology infrastructure in ERA action 12 fills a gap in the European R&D&I landscape that is not addressed elsewhere.
This attention is very timely, because we are now in a global environment where it becomes increasingly difficult for Member States alone to cope with the huge amounts invested by global competitors. The new wave of deep-tech innovation will rely on access to heavy development means, that start-ups will not be able to afford. This is what makes a European approach to this type of investments necessary, in combination with national and regional resources, to help keep pace with international competitors.
Here it is also important to stress that public funding for technology infrastructures is absolutely necessary. Technology infrastructure are not “service centers” providing a commercial service to the industry. This is particularly important in relation with the State Aid regulation: high rates of public support to technology infrastructures should be compatible with the EU rules as it is today. Technology infrastructures must be relevant for industry, but they are usually owned and operated by technical and applied science universities and research institutes. Because of their high construction and operation costs, technology infrastructures are, in general, not worthy or affordable investments for companies (even large ones) that will not need them on a permanent basis. Technology infrastructures is also where companies can learn faster about new technology areas.
The expected impact (in ERA action 12) are relevant; and it is important that the listed impacts (referring to technology infrastructures) are reviewed and linked together - e.g., increased sustainability of European technology infrastructure(s) will generate enhanced accessibility of European technology infrastructures which will open paths of investments from European industry stakeholders.
It is highly relevant for technical universities and research and technological organisations; this can be further highlighted under the Actors section. We particularly welcome the listed milestones of technology infrastructures and to start with (Q2 2022) the establishment of a small pilot advisory board for pillar 2 activities.
Finland should prioritise ERA action 12 to be involved in the decision processes.