Advanced materials & processes
Driving innovation in next-generation materials and manufacturing processes for resilience and sustainability.
Shaping the future of European manufacturing together
Collaborate on the most pressing industrial challenges
At EIT Manufacturing, we understand the complexity and urgency of the challenges our community faces
- Rapid technological shifts and digitalisation pressures
- The need for sustainable, circular and decarbonised production
- Workforce transformation and skills gaps
- Increasing global competition and regulatory uncertainty
These challenges demand collaboration, foresight and actionable solutions. This is why we created Thematic Working Groups – a dedicated space for Core partners to co-create strategies, share knowledge and shape the future of manufacturing.
What are Thematic Working Groups?
Thematic Working Groups are strategic instruments exclusive to EIT Manufacturing Core partners.
They bring together industry leaders, researchers and innovators to:
- Translate emerging manufacturing challenges into innovation and education opportunities
- Bridge research and market needs to accelerate industrial adoption
- Shape policy and funding agendas through the collective expert voice
- Deliver actionable outcomes such as position papers, policy briefs and strategic reports
Thematic Working Groups is an initiative available for EIT Manufacturing Core partners only
Key achievements
Thematic Working Groups operate through interactive online sessions, expert-led knowledge capsules, co-creation workshops and matchmaking events. Its members actively contribute to defining priorities and identifying opportunities to address real industry challenges.
The results of the Thematic Working Groups initiative
- 54 members per Thematic Working Group on average, with 85% growth in membership in 2025
- 20 expert sessions held in the last year, enabling the knowledge sharing and solution demos
- Cross-sector collaboration between industry, startups and academia
- Prepared guidelines and recommendations for Calls for Proposals
- Ideas and connections generated within Thematic Working Groups already led to successful project submissions
Eager to join the Thematic Working Groups?
Circular economy
Fostering resource efficiency and industrial circularity to reduce waste and enable systemic transformation.
Clean energy & decarbonisation
Accelerating climate-neutral production through clean energy integration and low-emission processes.
AI-driven digital transformation
Modernising operations with AI-powered automation, predictive systems, and interoperable digital platforms.
Workforce & workspace development
Building workforce resilience and safe, human-centric workspaces through education, reskilling and technology.
Read the reportRead more
Accelerate Europe’s circular shift
As an outcome of the Circular Economy Thematic Working Group, this report highlights how Europe can strengthen competitiveness, resilience and decarbonisation through a strong Circular Economy Act (CEA). EIT Manufacturing welcomes the Act and calls for a framework that unlocks scalable circular strategies such as reuse, repair, refurbishment and remanufacturing.
CEA emphasises the incentivisation of business-model changes, making circular choices attractive for industry and ensuring fair responsibility sharing as companies transition away from linear production.
Join the Thematic Working Groups
Contact your Partner Master Contact (PMC) or reach out to us through this form.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
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A Thematic Working Group is a collaborative forum for EIT Manufacturing Core partners to address strategic challenges, share knowledge and co-create solutions.
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Thematic Working Groups are exclusive to EIT Manufacturing Core partners. Each Partner can nominate individuals from their organisation to join one or more Thematic Working Group.
Two cross-thematic sessions are held each year – one in spring and one in autumn – open to anyone who wants to join and get a sneak peek of the Thematic Working Groups.
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EIT Manufacturing Core partners: Contact your organisation’s assigned Partner Master Contact (PMC) or reach out to us directly through the contact form on this page.
Non EIT Manufacturing Core partners: Reach out to your regional EIT Manufacturing office or to us directly through the contact form on this page.
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As a member of a Thematic Working Group, you will:
- Translate emerging trends and challenges into innovation and education opportunities
- Be part of the community forming partnerships for ambitious, cross-sector proposals
- Build trust, visibility and structured collaboration through knowledge sharing and networking with top innovators
- Deliver joint actionable outcomes, like policy briefs, position papers and strategic reports, amplifying your voice as an industry expert