The European Commission has called for a European effort to boost Key Enabling Technologies (KETs). The global market in KETs, which comprises micro-and nanoelectronics, advanced materials, industrial biotechnology, photonics, nanotechnology and advanced manufacturing systems, is forecast to grow from € 646 Billion to over € 1 Trillion between 2008 and 2015; this is a jump of over 54%, or more than 8% of the EU's GDP. Rapid growth in jobs is expected, too. In nanotechnology industries alone, the number of jobs in the EU is expected to increase from 160,000 in 2008, to around 400,000 by 2015. The European Commission on 26 June 2012 tabled its strategy to boost the industrial production of KETs-based products, e.g. innovative products and applications of the future. The strategy aims to keep pace with the EU's main international competitors, restore growth in Europe, and create jobs in industry, at the same time addressing today's burning societal challenges.

KETs are a key source of innovation: They provide the indispensable technology bricks that enable a wide range of product applications, including those required for developing low carbon energy technologies, improving energy and resource efficiency, and new medical products for ageing population. The Commission proposes an all-encompassing and long-term strategy, which includes all relevant EU instruments and key stakeholders:

- An integrated approach for KETs research and innovation financing covering the entire value chain in order to translate research into marketable products and economic growth;
- A strategic approach to KETs in regional innovation financing in order to modernise the industrial base across regions in Europe;
- Ensuring with the European Investment Bank access to funding for KETs projects.
- Leveraging KETs policies at all levels: Ensure coordination of EU and national activities so as to achieve synergies and complementarities between those activities andmake the best use of public resources;
- Ensuring a level playing field in a globally competitive market: Mobilise existing trade instruments to ensure fair competition and a level international playing field.
- Appropriate governance: Ensure adequate governance structures in order to ensure smooth implementation and the maximum exploitation of synergies;

More information: http://ec.europa.eu/enterprise/sectors/ict/key_technologies/index_en.htm