The EU’s European Institute of Innovation and Technology (EIT) is seeking a consortium to run its latest Knowledge & Innovation Community (KIC) around Water, joining the 9 KICs already in operation that tackle themes such as digitalisation, energy, food and health.
The concept of the KICs was developed and launched by the EIT 15 years ago to boost Europe’s competitiveness against its global peers. That challenge was starkly illustrated by the Draghi Report of September last year, which outlined recommendations for boosting the competitiveness and productivity of the EU – such as boosting entrepreneurship and enabling speedier commercialisation and upscaling of innovative solutions. Europe is cited by The Economist to be 80% less competitive than the US.
Consortium bids to form the new Water KIC were filed on June 17. Alfa Laval has signed up to the One Water bid, which bears testimony to its dedication to transition leadership in the water sector.
Said Alfa Laval’s Water Industry Manager, Eline Suijle: “This is the first time that we have been involved in a KIC bid, and it touches on all we do at Alfa Laval: We are committed to our purpose to pioneer positive impact, and this cannot be done without addressing water. This is the currency of the planet.”
The name of One Water consortium reflects the understanding that there is one water body only across freshwater and maritime waters. The holistic approach is reflected in the partners in the consortium, many of whom are from the public sector such as universities and research centres. They are looking for companies like Alfa Laval to provide the private sector context and vision of water stewardship and maritime water management based on decades of global experience finding innovative commercial and sustainable solutions for customers.
The consortium is a forum that benefits the dialogue Alfa Laval has in discussion around water across freshwater and maritime waters in the whole value chain across academia, research institutes, and of course private and public companies.
Added Suijlen: “It is a very powerful combination, and we benefit from engaging as part of this process with parties we would not normally engage with as part of our normal business. For example, we see great potential in having access to cutting-edge research and technology development at a European scale, which will benefit our own R&D and future development.
“By co-creating these programs within the consortia today, we will be able to upskill our employees and partners and attract new talent. The launch of this KIC is making a big statement that smart water management is a key milestone for building water resilient societies. Without water there is no life and in the current geopolitical situation it is important that Europe is competitive, and for us it is a source of pride that Alfa Laval is part of this.” For more visit alfalaval.com
