Thursday, 22 June 2023
VIII Strategic Immersion of ‘Cluster MAV’: Advancing Innovation and Sustainability
In this two-day meeting organised by the MAV Cluster, representatives from member companies and organisations met to discuss innovation in advanced materials and the importance of a sustainability vision into the business model.
The Advanced Materials Cluster of Catalonia (Cluster MAV) recently concluded its VIII Strategic Immersion meeting, a pivotal event in the advanced materials sector in Catalonia that focused on innovation and sustainability. Held at the Hotel Atenea Port in Mataró on June 15 and 16, the gathering brought together over fifty participants, including prominent companies and organizations dedicated to fostering innovation and circular economy. Claudia Nieva and Jordi Reverter from the ICN2 Business & Innovation Area participated in this event, since the ICN2 is a member of the Cluster.
Jose A. Calero, the acting president of the MAV Cluster, and Ona Bombí, the Manager of the Cluster, commenced the event by thanking the attendees and underlining the significance of addressing sustainability in businesses. The Immersion began with a keynote talk by Adrià Gelabert, the director of clients and market at Anthesis Lavola, a consultancy firm specializing in sustainability. Gelabert emphasized the challenges faced by the advanced materials industry from a sustainability standpoint, advocating for a comprehensive approach to sustainability within business organizations. Drawing on compelling global data, Gelabert stressed that, despite significant technological advancements have been achieved, we need to move forward at a much faster pace to be able to face the current and future environmental challenges.
The first day's main focus was on the presentation of success stories showcasing innovation and sustainability in companies. Representatives from Lubrizol, ALIER, HP, RAY Electric Motors, and Back to Eco delivered individual talks, which were followed by a roundtable discussion moderated by Adrià Gelabert. The roundtable covered topics such as sustainability improvements, collaboration among stakeholders, and recommendations for incorporating sustainability into corporate practices.
The second part of the first day was dedicated to presentations by the MAV Cluster's working groups. Representatives from various groups –including nanomaterials and nanotechnologies, advanced manufacturing, lightweight materials, circular economy, and printed electronics— elucidated their functioning and organizational structure. Attendees actively contributed to these discussions by sharing challenges and proposing solutions, fostering the groundwork for future collaborations.
On the second day of the VIII Strategic Immersion meeting, Xavier Marcet, the president of the innovation and strategy consultancy Lead to Change, delivered an inspiring presentation. Marcet offered insightful reflections on business management and innovation, emphasizing the dual responsibility of nurturing the future while delivering present-day results. Following, some of the eleven new companies that recently joined the MAV Cluster had the occasion to introduce themselves. These newcomers contribute to the cluster's diverse ecosystem and bring fresh perspectives to the pursuit of innovation and sustainability.
The VIII Strategic Immersion of the MAV Cluster was an exceptional gathering that showcased the dedication of the advanced materials sector to driving innovation and sustainability. By fostering collaboration, sharing success stories, and discussing challenges, participants affirmed their commitment to shaping a sustainable future for the industry.