An opportunity to get in the game, work in teams with your peers, and connect with companies and universities, proposing innovative ideas to drive strategic European reindustrialization
CONTEXT & TOPIC
The global economic landscape demands a transformation of the European production model. Reindustrialization (with reshoring and nearshoring) is a strategic response to this challenge, strengthening value chains, reducing external dependencies, and stimulating innovation.
Industry 5.0 emerges as a new paradigm aimed at connecting Industry 4.0 and sustainability, integrating advanced digital technologies with increasing attention to the social and environmental implications of production, promoting a more human-centred, resilient, and circular production model.
As also stated in the Draghi report and MIMIT’s Green Book, a robust reindustrialization strategy is therefore essential for positioning Europe at the forefront of innovation. By prioritizing critical raw materials, strategic products, high-value technologies and supply chain resilience, Europe can secure its long-term industrial competitiveness and contribute to a more sustainable global economy.
STEP UP TO THE CHALLENGE: TEAM UP, INNOVATE, AND SHAPE THE FUTURE WITH US!
What is your solution to achieve a reindustrialization in Europe that promotes the development of innovative technologies and the management of critical products and materials in an efficient, sustainable and inclusive way, leveraging Industry 5.0 principles?
Some of the questions that might be answered in the solution you propose:
- What key technological breakthroughs are needed to revitalize European manufacturing and ensure its global competitiveness?
- How can digital technologies and AI accelerate European reindustrialization?
- What strategies can be adopted to secure availability of critical raw materials and reduce geopolitical risks, in support of European reindustrialization?
- How can Industry 5.0 principles be applied to create more sustainable and resilient supply chains in Europe?
- What are the possible synergies between governments, businesses, and universities to foster innovation and industrial growth?
- How can public-private partnerships accelerate the adoption of Industry 5.0 practices to support European reindustrialization?
- How can Industry 5.0 contribute to upskilling and reskilling the workforce to meet the demands of a changing industrial landscape?
- How can Industry 5.0 create high-quality jobs and improve working conditions in the context of European reindustrialization?
- What policies and initiatives can promote social inclusion and ensure that the benefits of reindustrialization are shared by all?
GUIDELINES AND RULES
The Student Challenge is open to teams of 2 to 4 university students (inter-university teams are allowed). If you haven’t found your team but have a winning idea, register anyway and specify it. We will help you find your team!
The proposed solution should represent an innovative idea that can support European reindustrialization, based on Industry 5.0 principles and focusing on innovative technologies and strategic materials and products.
Teams are required to outline a business plan supporting the solution they propose. The business plan should comprehensively present the proposed solution, containing, for example, market analysis, description of the solution, sales plan, operational plan, business/financial analysis, risk assessment, social & environmental impact, etc. In addition, support your solution with any analysis you think would be helpful!
The presentation of the finalist projects will be held on October 29 (location to be determined, with the possibility of remote connection if needed). The time available for each team will be approximately 10 minutes, and materials can be provided to support the oral presentation. The projects will be presented to a panel of Top Managers from multinational companies, professionals from Consulting Companies, Journalists and University Professors.
Stay tuned for upcoming details on the location, jury members, and prizes!
Projects will be evaluated based on the following criteria:
- Consistency with the theme: does the idea contribute to strategic European reindustrialization?
- Originality: does the idea address the need in a creative and revolutionary way?
- Feasibility: how feasible is the idea? Could the idea be implemented in businesses?
- Technological innovation: what is the degree of innovation? Does it involve the latest technologies?
- Sustainability: does the idea positively develop the social and environmental dimensions of sustainability?
- Presentation skills: is the idea presented clearly, effectively and accurately, with adequate supporting analysis?
STEPS AND HOW TO PARTECIPATE
For further information, please write to:
