Advanced materials is a concept that has emerged in step with the transition to a greener and more sustainable future. Today, there is an increased need for new solutions, not least when it comes to materials. It does not necessarily have to be a new type of material, such as nanomaterials. Advanced materials are, to a large extent, materials that already exist, but that are given a new role in a new context. By developing existing materials in new ways and taking advantage of the material's properties in new contexts, they can replace materials that are problematic or less available.
Advanced materials in particularly important areas may include:
- Electronics – in batteries and circuit boards
- Transport and mobility – in electric cars
- Energy – in solar cells and wind turbines
- Construction sector – sustainable materials to replace concrete, steel, insulation
- Medicine – new materials that can be used in medical research or manufacturing
Advanced materials play a crucial role in the transition to a more climate-smart and resource-efficient society, and Vinnova is therefore investing in innovation in this area. Likewise, there is a need to secure the availability of materials for, for example, the production of electric cars, solar cells and wind turbines. By developing and using advanced materials, Sweden can become more self-sufficient, reduce the vulnerability of supply chains and contribute to a more sustainable future.
European cooperation in raw materials
Sweden is a member of the European Partnership for Advanced Materials and Vinnova leads the European cooperation in raw materials. The partnership will support innovation that leads to future material solutions and at the same time enable advanced materials to be manufactured in Sweden and Europe. Through these initiatives, industry is strengthened, knowledge is developed, new jobs are created and at the same time the dependence on importing rare advanced materials from other parts of the world is reduced.
An important part of the partnership is developing sustainable value chains and focusing on solutions that lead to:
- Increased lifespan – products and materials last longer
- Circularity – that materials can be reused and recycled
- Reduced material usage – using existing resources more efficiently
These efforts are crucial to meeting both the world's climate challenges and geopolitical risks, while strengthening Europe's self-sufficiency and innovative power.
In-depth information
The partnership around advanced materials
Vinnova's podcast: Advanced materials – key to the future | Vinnova
Contacts
European Partnership for Advanced Materials (IAM4EU): Lena Killander
European Raw Materials Partnership (RAMP): Tobias Kampman
Competence center in materials: Maria Öhman
The Battery Value Chain: Karoliina Junka