This Innovation Talk, titled “Best Practices of Managing Multi-Partner Collaborations for Innovation” was delivered by Philipp Horner, Chief Sustainability Officer at voestalpine, a leading figure in sustainability and operational excellence with over a decade of experience in the automotive and steel industries.

The talk centered on sustainability in the steel industry, highlighting circular economy practices as essential to achieving ambitious environmental goals. Horner emphasized that circular economy principles, which optimize the use of raw materials and reduce reliance on primary alloys, and also contribute to significant CO2 emissions reductions. He further stressed the importance of transitioning from traditional linear business models to collaborative frameworks that leverage potential across the entire value chain.

As a member of the Supervisory Board at EIT Manufacturing, Horner also shared insights on fostering partnerships that enhance sustainability within Europe’s manufacturing ecosystem, highlighting circular economy initiatives as integral to both innovation and sustainable business models.