European Lightweight Cluster Alliance

ended

Transport mobility is responsible for 24% of direct CO2 emissions from fuel combustion. By reducing the weight of parts and components (lightweighting), the mobility sector is able to tackle this challenge. During the last years, Europe has been progressing positively the lightweight research and industry, although with scattered effects and not at its full potential at global scale. The action seeks to foster the use of European lightweight products, technologies and services in 4 mobility sectors: aerospace & aeronautics, automotive, rail and maritime. To do so, the partnership aims to develop a joint marketing strategy for cluster internationalization, by targeting two types of markets outside the EU. For mature markets (USA and Japan as starting points), the action will look to commercialize innovative solutions (high TRL). For less mature markets (India and countries in Latin America as baseline), research-oriented solutions will be offered in order to establish R&D collaborations. In these regions, the partnership has already identified 35 clusters. The approach of the action is based on three phases. During the first phase, lightweight opportunities will be identified and the partnership will consolidate accordingly, aiming at start building a common branding and marketing strategy. Exploratory visits in third countries will take place during the second phase, with the aim of establishing cooperation and business agreements. In parallel, the partnership will connect with other partnerships and relevant stakeholders while adopting best practices. Based on the expertise gained during both phases, the third phase will focus on developing the joint internationalisation strategy and its roadmap for implementation. Towards the end of the third phase, a common branding “Lightweight made in Europe” will be established. The activities are organised in 5 work packages, in which 22 international missions and 18 national and regional events will be organised.