Current climate policy efforts are insufficient to keep the earth’s average temperature rise below 2 Celsius, let alone 1.5.
Resilient adaptation to global warming may well be insufficient and we need to consider cooling the earth by way of climate
engineering. The technologies for this are not ready for deployment and deeper scientific insights are required. Moreover, a
governance structure is needed taking into account ethical aspects of climate engineering. Deployment of climate engineering
technologies will bring about impacts that go across national borders so an international approach is required. The United
States has taken an initiative via DARPA. The European Union has not done so as yet. This may result in lagging behind in
understanding, despite the high probability that climate engineering may be of geo-political strategic interest to the European
Union.
In synthetic cell research scientists seek to understand how cells, and more broadly life, work by trying to replicate the cell
molecular mechanisms. Thanks to ERC funding and national initiatives, European scientists are world leaders in this field.
Building synthetic cells also promises revolutionary new technologies that will boost the green economy and strengthen Europe’s
sovereignty in Deep Tech. Technological applications will cover areas such as producing sustainable chemicals, making
materials that are 100% reusable or capable of self-repair, and harnessing CO2 as plants do. Research is progressing rapidly
worldwide; the United States and China, in particular, are investing heavily in this field. If Europe were to rely on synthetic
biology technologies from beyond its borders, this could lead to both potential dependence and economic loss. European
scientists working on synthetic cells need to join forces to upscale research, in collaboration with companies, in one coordinated
European Innovation Ecosystem and boost technology development in Europe. Financial support from the European Commission
is essential to realize this ecosystem, and to ensure Europe’s leadership in world-class, socially responsible and environmentally
sustainable technologies.
More impact is needed from the EU research programs in the real economy. From “Invented in Europe” we must turn the
excellent research results into “Made in Europe”. Commissioner Mariya Gabriel gives this boost to initiatives from networks
of Universities, Knowledge institutions and entrepreneurs all over Europe. The regions and cities must take a stronger enabling
position than ever before. Since 2008 K4I advocated for a better coordination among the EU instruments. From fragmentation
to integration. We supported the Smart Specialization Strategies, an obligation for all member states to make combined EU
investments a reality. Now we can create more impact from synergies between Horizon Europe and Cohesion Funds.
We see a growing interest all over the world in our results. The Organisation of American States (OAS), where I am in function
now, shows direct interest in our governance and Smart Specialization and we should strengthen cooperation with third
countries. The green and digital transitions show the need for more transatlantic cooperation. Let’s join forces!
01
Green Transition
HERMAN RUSSCHENBERG / TU DELFT
UNIVERSITY
02
Europe’s Deep
Tech Opportunity
STEFANIA USAI /TU DELFT
UNIVERSITY
03
Green Transition
LAMBERT NISTELROOIJ / FORMER MEP / K4I HONORARY PRESIDENT
INNOVATION (FUNDING) AGENCY
08 / JANUARY 2023
IDEAS SHOWCASE