Vision & Mission
Raw materials are essential to securing a transition to green energy technologies, to securing growth and sustainable consumption and to securing access to clean and efficient consumer technologies. Europe is highly dependent on importing raw materials to secure the global competitiveness of its manufacturing industries and to accelerate the transition to a resource efficient, sustainable society.
This will be realised by integrating knowledge from industry, higher education and research by engaging stakeholders from the entire raw materials value chain. EIT RawMaterials will promote increased resource efficiency and the improvement of processes and products, support the introduction of new, innovative technologies and rethink their current linear economic model to move towards a circular approach. Further focus areas are to increase human capital in the raw materials sector and promote entrepreneurial education at all levels.
They see a Europe with industrial-strength built on a foundation of efficient, secure and sustainable supply and use of raw materials. In this vision, products, processes, and solutions are geared towards the closure of closely interconnected material cycles. These dynamic and rapidly changing material cycles will attract new investments, enhance the innovation capacity for competitiveness and incite the interest of talented, skilled, entrepreneurial employees. The aim is for society as a whole to appreciate the value of raw materials and perceive the sector as innovative and attractive.
Organisation and Governance
EIT RawMaterials administrative headquarters (HQ) and the legal seat of the association are based in Berlin, Germany. In 2015, EIT RawMaterials e.V. (Eingetragener Verein, German Registered Association) and EIT RawMaterials GmbH (Gesellschaft mit beschränkter Haftung, German Limited Liability Company) were established as the KIC (Knowledge and Innovation Community) legal entities. The association is legally independent and is bound to the EIT (European Institute of Innovation and Technology, a body of the European Union) by the Framework Partnership Agreement (FPA). EIT RawMaterials GmbH is legally responsible towards the EIT to report on the use of funds received and distributed as well as on the KPIs (Key Performance Indicators) and impact achieved. This includes the application of monitoring and controlling measures as required by the EIT. The HQ in Berlin functions as an administrative hub and manages the interaction between EIT and the association. Most of the impact creating activities are facilitated through the regional Innovation Hubs, called Co-Location Centers (CLCs). There are six Innovation Hubs (CLCs): Innovation Hub West in Leuven, Belgium, Innovation Hub North in Luleå, Sweden, Baltic Sea Innovation Hub in Espoo, Finland, Innovation Hub East in Wroclaw, Poland, Innovation Hub in Rome, Italy, Innovation Hub West in Metz, France. Each Innovation Hub (CLC) is its own legal entity, fully owned by EIT RawMaterials GmbH.
EIT RawMaterials is a network-type organisation with a transparent governance structure, reflecting its orientation towards providing services to stakeholders and building excellence from the dual perspective of the market and thematic expertise. The lean, agile and flexible governance structure is centrally cohesive and allows effective and efficient management both at the HQ of EIT RawMaterials and at the CLC levels.
At EIT RawMaterials HQ, the Management Team is mandated by the Executive Board and the General Assembly to provide strategic direction and guidance in close collaboration with the partner representatives (Steering Committee Chairs, Strategic Management Team). It is also responsible for the administrative operations of the EIT RawMaterials GmbH. The HQ coordinates, provides support and performs various activities in the following areas: Innovation and Program Management, Communications, Education and Thematic Alignment, Business Development, Operations, Compliance and Finance.
Each Innovation Hub (CLC) is governed by a CLC Steering Group, consisting of representatives from the partners. The CLC Steering Groups are responsible to strategically oversee the operations and cooperation with the local partners and various stakeholders as well as the alignment with the overall objectives of the EIT RawMaterials GmbH.
Innovation Hubs (CLCs) provide local operational and administrative support as well as coordination of the different local activities and resources to the EIT RawMaterials partners. Innovation Hubs support in proposing, defining and setting up KIC activities and contribute to and deploy the annual business plan to stimulate regional business development by triggering the emergence of new ideas and innovations, connecting people (innovators and entrepreneurs) and ensuring that infrastructures are shared amongst partners.
