Cluster 4, ‘Digital, Industry and Space’ aims to shape competitive and trusted technologies for EU leadership in these technologies; to enable production and consumption respecting the boundaries of our planet; and to maximise the benefits for all parts of society in the variety of social, economic and territorial contexts in Europe.
In relation to ‘Industry’ this cluster will also support the Clean Industrial Deal, by driving decarbonisation and circularity in the manufacturing, energy-intensive and construction industries; and by providing the innovative advanced materials and advanced manufacturing technologies that are needed for a net-zero economy. It aims to position the European Union as a technology and industrial leader in clean technologies.
The 2026-27 Work Programme has a single Destination which brings all these items together called ‘Leadership in Materials and Production for Europe’. The programme will aim towards a globally competitive European industry through the twin green and digital transition, and the availability, development, use and disposal of chemicals, advanced materials and critical raw materials.
The 2026_27 work programme for Cluster 4 can be found here. However, an amendment for the 2027 work programme is on track to be approved by early September. The final version of the document will be published on the same website after that. The 2027 ‘Industry’ calls are now expected to open in mid-October. If you are planning a submission, please make sure you are working from the final version of the work programme. Some preliminary areas for discussion in 2027 can be found below. Preliminary 2027 deadlines (TBC) for the ‘Industry’ topics will be on 2 February, 2 September and 15 September. The 2026 Clean Industrial Deal topic is still open with a deadline of 15th of September.
Industry Destination: Leadership in Materials and Production for Europe:
Activities under this Destination in 2027 will focus on:
– Innovative advanced materials and new production processes – reducing dependencies on Critical and Strategic Raw Materials.
– Advanced manufacturing for key products. De, Re – manufacturing processes.
– Circular innovative advanced materials: facilitating the transition from design to markets.
– ‘Proof of market’ to improve valorisation and commercialisation of Horizon-generated R&I results.
– ‘Fast Track to Innovation’ for the Chemical industries, Materials and Manufacturing processes.
– New approaches for Human/AI collaboration for the workforce of the future.
– R&I in Support of the Clean Industrial Deal: Decarbonisation of energy intensive industries.
– Innovative technologies and tools for extraction of raw materials. Networks of Critical Raw Materials.
– Textiles circularity.
Other News:
The 2026 CL4 ‘Industry’ full submission call closed on 21 April. The number of proposals submitted to the call can be found below. Results were out mid-August. Please get in touch if you are still awaiting news.
The 2026 second stage submission deadline is 13 Oct.
Brokerage and Information Events:
– 7 September – Online – Innovative Advanced Materials Initiative 2040 Vision Launch.
Join IAM-I for the launch of our Vision 2040 — a shared vision for how Europe’s advanced materials ecosystem can move from research to industrial reality.
– 24 September – Online – KETs Brokerage event. Four thematic pitching sessions will be included: 1) manufacturing, circularity & energy-intensive industries (cluster 4). 2) raw materials & advanced materials (cluster 4), 3) artificial intelligence & ICT (cluster 4), 4) energy storage (cluster 5) & bioeconomy (cluster 6)
– 22 – 24 September – Antwerp – The fourth Circular Textiles ECOSYSTEX Conference. This event will bring together textile experts, innovators, industry leaders, and policy makers for two days of insight and collaboration on circular textiles beyond recycling. It’s also a great opportunity to network with people working on EU-funded textile projects.
– 14-15 October – Save the Date – Online – The 2027 Cluster 4 topics info days (more information to follow).
– 21 – 22 October, Brussels – A.SPIRE Industrial Innovation Days 2026 in Brussels, a curated event including the Climate Innovation Brokerage & Marketplace for the Process Industries. This October, The A.SPIRE Industrial Innovation Days 2026 will bring members, industry leaders and EU representatives to Brussels for two days dedicated to shaping the Process Industry agenda for the upcoming years and to connecting the innovations and partners that can help deliver it.
– 17 – 18 November – Save the Date – Brussels – The Manufacturing Partnership Days 2026 return to Brussels bringing together the people and ideas shaping the future of European manufacturing.
