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High level group on the competitiveness of the European Chemical Industry

Ad Hoc Group-Innovation & HR

Societal and political aspects, communication

October 29/30th 2007

Gernot KlotzExecutive Director for Research&Innovationgkl@cefic.be02/676.73.28

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The “ten commandments” of the communication on chemistry & innovation

Inside? People want to be informed!

High tech needs high trust!

Perception is reality!

Communication doesn’t equal information !

Values create views !

Balancing benefits and risks !

Authorities don’t create public trust!

Hype creates frustration!

Science doesn’t create public trust – people do!

People love stories!

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Aspects of regulation (1a)

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The answer needs to address the question

“There is virtually no correlation between the ranking of a threat or hazard by experts and the ranking of those same threats or hazards by the public” (Dr. V Covello, Center for Risk Communication)

Whole societal issue = whole and integrated response (science, academia, industry, authorities, NGOs)

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A Must for Europe !

Innovation

today target

technologies& products Technologies

& products

confidence

confidence

CSusin 10/04/23

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Societal and political aspects (1)

Development of confidence: Improve the basis for development of policies:

Early, efficient dialogue and integration of technical and acceptance aspects Integrated approaches to identify and act on priorities and current knowledge

(Distinguish between “solid”, “rather certain” knowledge and potential, uncertain impacts in policies and communication

Coherent, understandable messages and actions from EU and member states bodies on regulatory assessments

Research to focus on real life impact (health is complex – environment is complex – uncertainty is integral part of science - what to do to get longer term certainty?)

Precautionary Principle based on EU Commission communication (2000); needs rather solid cases; research is part of Precaution

Industry long term concept for sustainability

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Societal and political aspects (2)

Development of confidence (Research):

Improve the basis for development of policies: Research is vital to understand Science has uncertainty as integral part of work Research must be open on results (hypotheses – verified or falsified)

Needs Define health priorities and trends followed by assessment of potential

contribution of relevant environmental stressors More integrated research Quality ensured and harmonised instruments to evaluate Communication concept for “full chain approach” for next phase of risk

assessment ( relevance of “omics” in the assessment of health effects; molecular data in context)

“un-sexy” research on baselines and natural variations needed Publication of both findings and non-findings

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Chemical industry responsibility

UNDERSTAND through integrated research: Impulse for innovative ideas for sustainable ways of living (pre-empt) Close look on potential effects of solutions on human health (prevent) Development and refinement of solutions for possible future impacts (protect)

IMPROVE through : Improvement of existing products and processes (prevent & protect) Sharing of best practices: dialogue with value chain & authorities (pre-empt) Social equity: affordable access to better solutions (protect)

INNOVATE through: Think forward for better, more adapted products and processes (pre-empt,

prevent & protect)

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Best practices

• Global Automotive Stakeholder Group (GASG) (industry internal pilot for other sectors and value chain models)

• C4E - Dialogue with Electro & Electronic Industry (using principles from GASG)

• Implementation of Chemical Industry Global Product strategy (systematic)

• …

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What is the answer for Europe?

work on concerns by using commonly established schemes share and use expertise and competence communicate science in a responsible and coordinated way

harmonised voice from authorities – credibility improve dialogue with value chain – understanding / interpretation of science, policy and directions work on best practices consideration of societal values – responsible scaling of benefits and risksConcept for Sustainable European Chemical Industry

development of strategic vision – integration of areas & policies + realistic timelines and reliable goal posts consideration of long-term consequences within a sustainable society

UNDERSTAND

IMPROVE

INNOVATE

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Sustainable European Chemical Industry

The European Chemical Industry strives to be competitive in the global economy based on technology leadership and innovative solutions

Current and future societal challenges for a Sustainable Development can only be met through contributions of the innovative and competitive chemical industry in Europe

Better use of chemistry (incl. biotechnology) will enable increased eco-efficiency and reduced eco-footprint of technologies and products

Industry will strive to have a reputation as a reliable and responsible partner in society.

EU Commission, member states, academia and civil society support this advanced role as part of a sustainable Europe

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Role for Sustainable European Chemical Industry (proposed definition) based on OECD

“the design, manufacture and use of efficient, effective, safe and environmentally benign chemical products and processes to meet societal requests through an innovative, globally competitive industry”.

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Five elements for sustainable industry

To achieve this goal of needed improvements, chemical technologies

and products have to improve directly or via their responsible use along the value chain (through efficient consumer products) the following areas:

the human and environmental health,

meet consumer requests in function,

wide and practical applicability,

broad availability to keep or improve quality of life in all society,

minimize energy and resource consumption (eco footprint).

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Understand

Dialogue and cooperation with customers, investors and consumers to understand needs and improve their confidence in innovations (e.g. inter industry, public fora)

New demands for chemical solutions through direct contributions and along the value chain

Own initiative and collaborative research on the potential impact of chemicals on health and environment (e.g. Long Range Research Initiative)

Learning from developments in other industry sectors (e.g. increased pre-competitive research)

Long term consequences to advance on society`s sustainability strategic vision

Consensus communication, less confusing mixed messages on benefits and risks (e.g. more dialogue, less confrontation)

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Improve

Improve management of research in EU towards excellence and deliveries

New business models for more targeted solutions in cooperation with the value chain

Provision of better products for appropriate consumer needs (balance between economic aspects, ecological impact and availability for society at large)

Improve support and focus for SME networks

Speed up EU standard setting for new products

Improve risk management and product stewardship with users, more responsible information provision on uses and achievements

Improve harmonised enforcement of existing legislation

Long term policy consistency to create confidence and long term innovation

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Innovate

Research and development in new eco-efficient technologies

Mastering the molecular scale to yield new generations of products with enhanced properties leading to new applications (e.g. nanotechnology, biotechnology)

Research on alternative solutions (e.g. substitution for substances in specific applications, where after broad consultation their uses pose non-manageable or not accepted risks).

Development of new products and systems with improved efficiency and reduced eco foot print along their life cycle

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Advance

Political will and commitment to a long term EU strategy to foster the competitiveness of an innovative EU Chemical industry

Evaluation and integration of existing policies and adjustment in contradictions

Attract talents into chemical industry

Ensure that processes and products meet societal needs

Increase in public funding for applied development and demonstration projects along value chain

Systematic approaches to dialogue with society

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Sustainable European Chemical Industry- Concept -

UNDERSTANDIMPROVE

INNOVATE

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Innovation, solutions and competitiveness

Ch Chemical Industry

A dvancestowards

S ustainabilityin

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