Additive Manufacturing in FP7 and Horizon 2020
EC Additive Manufacturing workshop REPORT (18/06/2014)
From the report:
Additive Manufacturing (AM)
Additive Manufacturing (AM), including 3D-Printing, is one of the potential game changers that, for some applications, has already reached a tipping point of maturity. These days, we are already witnessing the growing enthusiasm and an increased adoption of these technologies.
AM could disrupt the manufacturing value chain, allowing a shift from mass production to full customisation. This is why it is essential that this technology is welcomed and developed in a positive light in order to keep the European economy at the forefront of innovation.
AM has received European Commission (EC) funding since the first Framework Programme (FP), during 1984-1987. The following FPs (from 1988 till 2013) ensured continuous support from different EC services and different funding programmes. In FP7 (2007-2013) more than 60 successful projects on AM technologies were funded, with over €160 million in EC funding and a total budget of around €225 million.
Workshop (18/06/2014)
The aim of the workshop was to understand the needs of the AM sector and to discuss how the current barriers to further development of AM technologies could be removed. There was a special emphasis on the impact of potential policy measures at the EU level which could enhance the competitiveness of the AM sector. Thanks to its potential to boost new business opportunities in the market, AM would also foster the European economy at large.