Press Release: Mastering key technologies to shape the industrial future of the EU

Key Enabling Technologies such as nanotechnology, micro- and nanoelectronics including semiconductors, advanced materials, biotechnology and photonics are of exceptional importance for being at the forefront of managing the shift to a low carbon, knowledge-based economy. Mastering such technologies lays a stable foundation for well paid jobs in the EU and allows for sustainable, broadly shared growth. They are the main drivers for innovative goods and services needed for addressing major societal challenges. Therefore, on 30 September 2009, the Commission proposed to develop and implement a European vision for the industrial deployment of such technologies in the EU.