Europe's New Hardware Age: 'Made in EU' Push

The European Commission's proposed Industrial Accelerator Act signals a strategic push to bolster domestic manufacturing of critical technologies and industrial products, aiming for greater industrial sovereignty and supply chain resilience. This initiative underscores a broader commitment to securing Europe's hardware production capabilities.

Efforts are already underway to address these strategic goals. The IDEALIST project, for example, focuses on supporting SMEs across energy-intensive industries, aerospace and defence, and mobility to adapt to supply chain disruptions and adopt advanced technologies. This project, which began in December 2023, directly addresses common challenges faced by these critical sectors, highlighting the importance of robust industrial ecosystems. Similarly, the AIMS5.0 initiative aims to strengthen European digital sovereignty in sustainable production by integrating AI-enabled hardware and software components throughout the industrial value chain, further increasing overall efficiency and reducing supply chain vulnerabilities.

The focus on industrial technologies and materials for a sustainable future is also evident in upcoming events. The EUIndTech2025 conference, scheduled for June 2025 in Krakow, will gather experts to discuss aspects of sustainable industrial technologies and materials. This event, organized as part of the Polish Presidency of the Council of the European Union, will consult with the Ministry of Science and Higher Education on its major themes.

Recent developments in industrial automation further illustrate this drive for hardware innovation within Europe. NEURA Robotics acquires Bosch Rexroth’s ACTIVE Shuttle to expand Physical AI ecosystem, a German robotics company, is expanding its capabilities in autonomous transport systems by acquiring Bosch Rexroth’s ACTIVE Shuttle. This acquisition, effective October 1, 2026, signifies a move to enhance industrial automation and logistics technology, crucial for a resilient and advanced manufacturing base. Such advancements in robotics and AI-driven systems are pivotal for the next phase of European industrial development. The collective emphasis on advanced technologies, supply chain resilience, and sustainable production reflects a concerted effort to establish a new hardware age for Europe.

What this means: Europe is intensifying its focus on domestic hardware manufacturing and advanced industrial technologies to secure its economic future and reduce reliance on external supply chains.