On Tuesday, the European Union and Japan formalized their intention to work together on the design of new advanced materials. They irrigate strategic sectors such as semiconductors, chips and renewable energies.
It is in a tense geopolitical context, with the war between Ukraine and Russia, that the European Union and Japan announced, Tuesday April 2, 2024, that they had launched an enhanced dialogue on the issue of advanced materials, which are used in many high-tech sectors. Together, the two entities will cooperate to play a leading role in various key technology markets. Let’s see which ones, and how.
Advanced materials, for better sovereignty and competitiveness of the European Union
Advanced materials are crucial in many industries today. They are the culmination of new or improved materials, which provide much better performance than those they replace.
These could be, for example, sodium-ion batteries which allow cheaper and more durable energy storage, or metal nanoparticles which will improve energy conversion in solar panels. Other examples of advanced materials include thermochromic microcapsules (for building materials and better temperature control), as well as elastomers and nanocrystals (for smart devices).
As you will have understood, advanced materials are used in key sectors, such as batteries, semiconductors, renewable energies, zero-emission buildings and others. While demand is expected to increase in the coming years, “ advanced materials are an important factor for the competitiveness of European industries and are essential elements of the EU’s resilience and open strategic autonomy », wrote the European Commission on February 27.
A landmark historic collaboration between the EU and Japan
For the European Union, materials research is a real strategic area of cooperation with Japan. The country of the rising sun and the EU have already been linked on the issue since the seventh framework program for research and innovation, therefore the years 2007-2013.
The EU and Japan want to play a leading role in this technology. Discussions on advanced materials are progressing thanks to the success of their collaboration in research and industry, but also in the field of science and materials, which includes the replacement of critical metals or advanced materials for power electronics .
“ The new dialogue on advanced materials strengthens our cooperation with Japan in the field of research and innovation. These materials are essential to our transition to a green future, and by joining forces we can get there faster. I look forward to seeing the results of this new cooperation with Japan », Commented Commissioner for Innovation, Research, Culture, Education and Youth, Iliana Ivanova on Tuesday.
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