Manufuture

BACKGROUND TO MANUFUTURE
Manufacturing is a cornerstone of the European Economy, contributing over 6,553 B€ in GDP (1,760 B€ value add) and providing thirty million jobs (20% of all employment). In addition Manufacturing enables Europe to play a full role in the global economy with over 42% of world-wide manufacturing exports and 18% of global trade volume.

‘Manufuture’ is an EU encouraged initiative, launched in 2003, to determine the future of manufacturing in Europe in 20 years time.  It tackles the key issues of productivity, employment and quality of life through the development of a Strategic Research Agenda (SRA) that will inform and influence the 7th Framework Programme.

Manufuture is for all sectors – that is to say it identifies and addresses common themes such as new business models, agile manufacturing and sustainability in a non-competitive way.

UK REQUIREMENTS
“Manufacturing concerns high value activities and revenue streams that exist within the whole and increasingly global manufacturing value chain. These activities include intellectual property, production and assembly, services, logistics, disposal etc”.

Our requirements are very much based on innovative technology and value chain issues including collaborative working and new business models. 

To date, the UK, through the FP6UK and FP7UK National Contact Points has played a prominent role in this initiative.  This has led to the development of a strong communication channel with the Commission culminating in the inclusion of a UK innovation agenda within the overall SRA.

Our activities include a co-ordinated input to the EU High Level Group (HLG), a critique of draft documents and an invited UK input to the Strategic Research Agenda.  All of the above has resulted in the creation of a specific “pillar” within the SRA addressing requirements as identified and described by this UK group.

The UK effort continues to align this European initiative with the needs of UK business.  In particular, the recently announced EU 1.2BEuro support programme for “Factories of the future” should encourage UK manufacturing to play an active role.

NEXT STEPS
If you are interested in hearing more about Manufuture please contact:

Tracy McCarroll
FP7UK National Contact Point
help@fp7uk.co.uk
Tel:  0870 600 6080