The MAT4EU project aims to build a cohesive, collaborative Advanced Materials ecosystem across Europe by leveraging the strengths of multiple regional clusters and existing networks and initiatives. The initiative will identify key players, challenges, and priorities within the ecosystem that align with the EU’s advanced materials priorities, creating a structured and connected network that supports cluster cooperation and regional collaboration.

The advanced materials sector is strategically important for achieving the EU’s sustainability, competitiveness and circular economy objectives. However, the ecosystem is fragmented, with varied regional strengths, limited cross-border collaboration and gaps in access to knowledge, finance and market opportunities for SMEs. MAT4EU seeks to address these barriers by fostering stronger ecosystem connections, increasing access to networking, internationalisation, training and financial support, and helping SMEs accelerate innovation and sustainability across their value chains.

MAT4EU’s approach emphasises ecosystem building, peer learning and targeted SME support by mapping key stakeholders and ecosystem priorities in line with EU advanced materials strategies, while facilitating networking, cluster peer-learning and matchmaking events to strengthen cooperation across regions and sectors. The project provides dedicated support services to help SMEs innovate, adopt cutting-edge digital technologies, and integrate sustainability and circularity into their operations, alongside financial and internationalisation support to enable scaling and access to new markets. These activities are delivered by a consortium that brings together leading European clusters from France, Spain, Poland, Lithuania, Denmark and Germany, ensuring broad geographic coverage and strong sectoral diversity.

By structuring a connected ecosystem and providing targeted support to SMEs, MAT4EU will contribute to long-term competitiveness, sustainability and circularity in Europe’s advanced materials landscape. The project’s activities will strengthen European SME’s capacity to innovate, help integrate advanced materials into value chains more sustainably, and promote collaboration that boosts investment and market opportunities across the EU.