Horizon 2020 Technology Platforms
The European Technology Platforms (ETPs) are industry-led forums responsible for defining research priorities in a wide range of technological areas.
ETPs are an opportunity for stakeholders, led by industry, to define research priorities and action plans for a given technological area, with the aim of increasing the competitiveness and sustainability of European stakeholders in the medium and long term. Some European Technology Platforms are autonomous networks that meet in annual meetings, while others have created permanent legal structures with a defined membership fee.
ETPs work on developing and updating research priority agendas for their sector. These agendas are a valuable contribution to the definition of European research funding schemes. Since they are developed through dialog between researchers from industry, the public sector and government representatives, these platforms contribute to creating consensus, avoiding duplication and improving the alignment of investment efforts.
The European Commission does not manage the European Technology Platforms, which are independent organizations. However, the Commission actively supports their creation and development and is in constant communication with ETPs.
ADVANTAGES
Active participation in a platform offers the opportunity to:
- Form and/or strengthen European networks
- Defending your own ideas and interests
- Influencing European priorities for the agenda of R&I activities to be funded by H2020
- Reaching leadership positions, being known and getting to know the leaders in their respective fields
- Form natural consortia to compete with winning proposals on topics of interest.
- Having much more time to prepare proposals.
NATIONAL SUCCESS STORIES
National participation in the MANUFUTURE Technology Platform is a success story, as this ETP is geared towards the manufacturing industry and has national representatives on its management structure.
INESC-Porto participates in the Support Group for the Implementation of this ETP. In turn, Sonae SGPS, ISTMA Europe, Arco Têxteis, Efacec, Aerosoles, Siemens, Sonae Indústria, Frezite, Salvador Caetano, BIAL, APICCAPS, Optimus and Renova are members of this platform’s Industrial Advisory Group.
There is also a similar national platform called: FÓRUM MANUFUTURE PORTUGAL – “Associação Cívica para o Progresso e Desenvolvimento da Indústria Transformadora em Portugal”.