The EU is being advised to strengthen their strategy on advanced materials

The European Union has been advised by its leading scientific advisors to strengthen its strategy on advanced materials by placing autonomy, safety, sustainability, and long-term prosperity at the centre of future policy decisions. The recommendations were released by the Scientific Advice Mechanism (SAM) and are expected to shape the upcoming EU Advanced Materials Act planned for 2026. Advanced materials are critical for sectors such as renewable energy, electronics, healthcare, mobility, and next-generation manufacturing. Experts warned that although Europe has strong research capabilities and established regulations, structural barriers still prevent scientific discoveries from becoming commercially viable and widely adopted solutions. Without coordinated policy action, the EU risks losing competitiveness and strategic independence in this area. One of the key recommendations is the creation of stronger data-sharing systems based on FAIR principles—making data findable, accessible, interoperable, and reusable. Advisors also called for better use of artificial intelligence, digital tools, and computational modelling to accelerate the safe and sustainable development of new materials. Clear standards and lifecycle-based sustainability requirements were also highlighted as essential for market adoption and environmental performance. The report further stresses the need for stronger collaboration between researchers, industry, and policymakers, along with increased investment in research and innovation. These measures are expected to directly influence the Advanced Materials Act, which will provide the legal and strategic framework for Europe’s future leadership in sustainable industrial innovation and reduced dependence on critical raw materials.