cPPP Conference: The future in Horizon Europe

Brussels, 26 June 2018SPIRE called to keep the simplicity and openness of cPPPs at the "Industry partnerships – a new impetus" conference organised by the European Commission’s DG Research and Innovation (DG RTD). These types of partnerships represent a huge added value to deliver better solutions to society and will continue through to Horizon Europe.

The conference brought together high-level speakers from industry, the European institutions and Member States to discuss their expectations for partnerships, as well as the impact of the digital, carbon neutral and circular economy on manufacturing and processing sectors. In addition, it debated the strengths of cPPPs and their potential, as well as aspects which need to be improved and developed.

SPIRE welcomed many of the high-level messages from the conference. Jean-Eric Paquet, Director General of DG RTD in his opening keynote speech highlighted that all partnerships should have a broader and cross-cutting approach – like SPIRE. He also focused on the challenge to open up other sources of investment, such as other EU funding instruments and national funding, for cPPP innovation initiatives.

The Chair of A.SPIRE, Daniel Gauthier, emphasised how the SPIRE cPPP estimated leverage factor is up to seven and how the 77 SPIRE projects are developing 221 new sustainable systems and technologies. Furthermore, SPIRE SMEs have reported an average increase of almost nine new employees since their involvement with SPIRE, which is well over the average of two employees per enterprise in the EU 28. SPIRE SME turnover has also increased by 25%, which is double the EU average.

Currently, SPIRE is working on a new vision towards 2050, which includes the changes and impact that can be generated through Horizon Europe. SPIRE’s 2050 value proposition is an integrated and digital EU process industry that contributes to achieving the goal of “well-below 2°C” for the planet and a fully circular society in Europe with enhanced competiveness for jobs and growth.

SPIRE has set the precedent for cross-sectorial cooperation in cPPPs. It has established a continuous dialogue between sectors at EU level. This has resulted in a trust relationship across the entire A.SPIRE community spanning diverse industries and Research and Technology Organisations (RTOs).

SPIRE welcomes discussion and collaboration with the Commission and EU Member States on future models for cPPP operation, as well as the cross-cutting collaboration, which is the core of SPIRE’s cross-sectorial approach. SPIRE also strongly encourages complementary funding instruments and widespread collaboration on funding and investment for innovation.