(Published in May 2026)
A Vision positioning the Process Industries as global champions rooted in Europe
Why it matters: At the heart of European economy
The Process Industries, are at the heart of Europe’s industrial production, economy and everyday life. They transform raw resources into the essential materials and products that make modern life possible. The Process Industries sit at the centre of the economy generating systemic effect across three other dimensions: underpinning essential value chains, delivering wealth, and enabling European ambitions.
The Process Industries create:
- 5.4 million direct jobs
- Up to 27 million direct and indirect jobs
- €590 billion in Gross Value Added
- 23% contribution to Europe’s GVA
The Process Industries underpin critical value chains, support regional development, and play a central role in delivering Europe’s climate, industrial, and societal ambitions.
At a tipping point
However, the European Process Industries are at a tipping point. The risk of industrial decline is no longer hypothetical. It is already unfolding. Production, capacity and employment are decreasing across sectors.
The response
But the Industries' choice is clear: Lead, compete, innovate and act decisively!
The A.SPIRE 2040 Innovation4Competitiveness Vision is a bold proposal for European industrial renaissance.
Our shared destination: Delivering our Vision
To achieve our Innovation Vision 2040 for European Process Industries, through research, innovation and scale-up activities, A.SPIRE sets out three overarching strategic ambitions, each responding to the new challenges faced by our industries.
The Vision also puts forward five technology innovation areas (with digital and AI cutting across all five) and four systemic innovation areas that will drive the transformation of our sectors through the next R&I Partnership (2028-2034) and beyond.
Strategic ambitions:
- Global industrial competitiveness
- Strategic autonomy of European value chains
- Innovation-driven sustainability
Technology innovation areas:
- Energy and CO2
- Reduction of emissions and substances of concern
- Use of bio-based feedstock
- Circularity of materials and materials efficiency
- Innovations in materials, products and production processes
Systemic innovation areas:
- Accelerating scaling up
- Empowering a skilled workforce
- Securing strategic sourcing of energy
- Anchoring strategic value chains
Positioning the Process Industries as:
- Global champions rooted in Europe
- Frontrunners in innovation and performance
- Delivering lasting economic, environmental and societal benefits
