Critical raw materials
The role of research and innovation for a secure and sustainable supply of critical raw materials in the EU
The supply of critical raw materials is essential for European innovation and Europe’s social prosperity. The EU Commission currently lists 34 raw materials as "critical", i.e. not sufficiently available in Europe. The aim of this study is to present the European Parliament with options for how research and innovation can ensure a sustainable and secure supply of critical raw materials.
Research and innovation (R&I) are key to maintaining and increasing the prosperity of European society while tackling global challenges such as climate change. A secure and sustainable supply of critical raw materials is therefore essential. The following study aims to provide a clear and more detailed understanding of the challenges in R&I and their respective contexts to support policy makers.
The study addresses the following questions:
- basic categorisation of critical raw materials and their importance in and for the EU,
- a qualitative analysis of the role of R&I along the supply and value chains for critical raw materials, and
- a quantitative analysis of the positioning of the EU in the international landscape of R&I for critical raw materials.
The term 'critical raw material' was introduced in 2008 with the launch of the Raw Materials Initiative (RMI). One of the measures in the RMI was the creation and regular updating of a list of critical raw materials for the EU in order to focus on steps to increase security of supply. From 2023, the list of critical raw materials is supplemented by a list of strategic raw materials. The diversity of raw materials makes it difficult to provide a clear overview of the current status of their supply and importance for the EU economy.
One objective is therefore to provide such an overview and at the same time emphasise special features of the raw materials markets. This overview is necessary in order to focus on the fundamental problems of a secure supply of raw materials as a pillar of European Open Strategic Autonomy. This includes, for example: Dependence on imports, concentration of supplier countries, access to European deposits, trustworthy suppliers with high standards in governance and environment, circular use of products including recycling of end-of-life materials and the availability of substitute options.
Furthermore, the project will analyse various research and innovation measures such as funding programmes and international research agreements.
