Nanotechnologies: evolution and perspectives in the chemical industry EESC, Nanotechnology for a competitive chemical industry September 9, 2015 Dr. Pierre Barthélemy Executive Director Research and Innovation

Key Enabling Technologies (KETs) From: Final report of the High-Level Expert Group on Key Enabling Technologies, EC

Nanotechnology and chemistry are pervasive in the economy From: McDermott et al., 2013 Nanotechnology Patent Literature Review Nanotechnology represents a breakthrough in materials development:  Materials technology in the past:  mostly empirical, understanding at the macroscopic level  Materials technology today and in the future:  Understanding and designing structure and properties at the nanoscale (‘molecular’) level 3

9 billion people will live on earth by 2050! How can we guarantee food and water supply for everyone? What are possible bene- fits and contributions of plant science? Health & Nutrition Sustainability challenges are business opportunities 67% of the world population will live in cities by 2025! What does future architecture look like? Which materials are needed to make energy consumption more efficient? Construction & Housing 50% more primary energy needed in 2030! What is the ideal energy mix of the future? How big is the stake of renewable energy? Energy & Resources 1.2 billion cars will drive on earth by 2020! How can we reduce emissions and fuel consumption ? What will future cars be made off ? Mobility & Communication 4

Grand challenges meet competitiveness Nanotechnology Modern, advanced materials Societal Challenges -Health & well-being -Food security -Clean and efficient energy -Smart, green trasport -Resource efficiency -Climate Advanced functionalities Unique, tailor-made properties Knowledge intensive – IP Complex production processes Competitiveness -Chemical industry -Materials industry -Downstream value chains 5

China: Number 1 chemicals maker Source: Cefic Chemdata International 6

The size of the opportunity 7 Source: Final report of the High-Level Expert Group on Key Enabling Technologies, EC 2015, quoting (1)

What are the challenges?  Impact on the processing and manufacturing technologies of downstream users ( Investments needed along the value chains)  Difficult transition from lab to commercial applications ( « Valley-of-death »)  Up-scaling is critical – support needed for demonstration projects at industrial scale  New skills in material science required  Acceptability of innovation (Risk averse culture in Europe) 8

Conclusion  Nanotechnology is a Key Enabling Technology  Nanotechnology is needed to develop advanced materials and find solutions to the big societal challenges  Nanotechnology is essential for economic and societal dvelopment  Nanotechnology will significantly support investments, job creation and growth  Need for a suitable framework and positive investment climate to support the development of Nanotechnology  Like for all new technologies, need to strike a balance between risks and benefits 9