Metalworking has been an integral part of the European economy for centuries. It is a sector that comprises a wide range of activities, including the manufacturing of machinery, tools, and parts, and has a significant impact on the global market. With the advent of digital technologies, the metalworking industry has undergone a transformation, and innovative metalwork startups are emerging across the EU. These startups are playing a critical role in fostering innovation and driving digital transformation in the metalworking industry. In this article, we will explore the rise of metalwork startups in the EU, their impact on the industry, and the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead.
Collaboration to Foster Innovation
EIT Manufacturing, the largest innovation community in industry in Europe, and AMT – Advanced Machine Tools, a new biennial event showcasing the latest innovations in machine tools, cutting and forming, and other related sectors, have joined forces to foster innovation and digital transformation in the metal industry. The collaboration agreement signed between the two organizations will enable industrial manufacturing specialists in Europe to access a world of opportunities. The partnership will also facilitate the sharing of knowledge and best practices, enabling metalwork startups to innovate and develop more efficient and sustainable processes.
The Need for Skilled Personnel
One of the challenges faced by the metalworking industry is the shortage of skilled personnel. With the average size of companies being relatively small, the availability of skilled workers is becoming increasingly important. In response, the European Economic and Social Committee (EESC) has called on the European Commission to consider the possibility of carrying out a Europe-wide study on the education and technical skills needed in the metalworking industry. The study would help anticipate training needs and ensure that the sector connects with young people.
Innovation and Research Funding
The EESC has also recommended that more European research funds should be dedicated to the metal producing and metalworking industries. In particular, the focus should be on materials technologies and nanotechnologies. This will help to drive innovation and facilitate access to projects. With innovation being a key driver of the metalworking industry, the availability of research funding is crucial to support the development of new technologies and processes.
Overcoming Barriers to Adoption of Energy Efficient Measures
Energy efficiency is another area where metalwork startups are playing a critical role. With the EE-METAL project, enterprises are provided with innovative technical, commercial, and financial tools to overcome the existing barriers that hinder the adoption of energy-saving measures. The project focuses on the metalworking and metal articles (MMA) SMEs, as they form the largest manufacturing sector in Europe and are mostly composed of SMEs. The project aims to overcome the awareness, information, and technical capacity barriers to identify, evaluate, and implement energy efficiency actions. It also aims to overcome commercial and market barriers to the contracting of energy service companies (ESCOs) and financial barriers to the implementation of energy-saving measures. The EE-METAL project will put in place mechanisms for funding energy efficiency projects identified and facilitate the aggregation of many smaller savings to achieve significant energy savings.
Building a Stronger Image for the Industry
The metalworking sector suffers from a “non-image,” which is a challenge that both the industry and the authorities need to address. Providing an adequate image for the sector and its opportunities is crucial to attracting young people to the industry and promoting its growth. The industry must work to showcase the opportunities available and the benefits of pursuing a career in the metalworking industry. In addition, the authorities should support the industry in building its image and promote the opportunities available to the broader public.
Conclusion
The metalworking industry is a vital sector that has been a significant contributor to the European economy for centuries. With the advent of digital technologies, the industry is undergoing a transformation, and metalwork startups are playing a critical role in driving innovation and digital transformation. Collaboration between organizations like EIT Manufacturing and AMT – Advanced Machine Tools is facilitating the sharing of knowledge and best practices, enabling metalwork startups to innovate and develop more efficient and sustainable processes.
However, the metalworking industry faces several challenges, including the shortage of skilled personnel, the need for more research funding, and the difficulty of adopting energy-efficient measures. Addressing these challenges will require cooperation between industry players and the authorities. The EESC’s recommendations to the European Commission are a step in the right direction to address the shortage of skilled personnel and the need for more research funding.
Innovation in energy efficiency through projects like the EE-METAL will facilitate the adoption of energy-saving measures, and building a stronger image for the industry will attract young people to the sector and promote its growth.
In conclusion, the metalworking industry is a vital sector in the European economy, and metalwork startups are playing a critical role in driving innovation and digital transformation. Addressing the challenges facing the industry will require cooperation between industry players and the authorities. With the right support, the metalworking industry will continue to thrive and contribute to the growth and development of the European economy.
Further Reading:
- https://www.eitmanufacturing.eu/news-events/press-releases/eit-manufacturing-and-advanced-machine-tools-join-forces/
- http://www.eesc.europa.eu/?i=portal.en.metal-working-industry
- https://www.eesc.europa.eu/en/our-work/opinions-information-reports/opinions/metalworking-industry
- https://cordis.europa.eu/project/id/694638
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