WIDEX strengthens collaboration and knowledge transfer for Europe's critical raw materials ecosystem in Oviedo
On 18 June 2026, Oviedo hosted a key milestone for the WIDEX project, as consortium partners gathered for the M24 General Assembly alongside the Cross-Fertilisation Workshop: “Advancing Collaboration in Critical Raw Materials and Innovation Ecosystems”. The event brought together project partners, European initiatives, research organisations, industry representatives and innovation stakeholders to exchange knowledge, strengthen cooperation and explore new opportunities to support Europe’s critical raw materials value chains.
Representing the Iberian Sustainable Mining Cluster (ISMC), Laura Quijano and Diego Lozano played an active role throughout the day. Diego Lozano welcomed participants and guided the workshop sessions, while Laura Quijano moderated the round-table discussions, facilitating dialogue between experts from European projects, research organisations and innovation hubs.
Reviewing progress after 24 months of WIDEX
The day began with the WIDEX M24 General Assembly, where consortium partners reviewed the project’s achievements during its first two years of implementation.
The meeting provided an opportunity to assess progress across project management, technical activities, training and education, communication and dissemination actions, exploitation strategies and the ongoing development of the WIDEX Industrial Hub. Partners also aligned upcoming milestones, deliverables and responsibilities as the project enters its next implementation phase.
This collaborative review ensures that WIDEX continues advancing its mission of strengthening knowledge transfer, widening participation and promoting excellence in advanced green technologies and sustainable raw materials management.
Cross-fertilisation to strengthen European innovation ecosystems
Following the General Assembly, the Cross-Fertilisation Workshop expanded the discussion beyond the consortium, creating a platform for collaboration between complementary European initiatives working across the critical raw materials value chain.
The first session, “From Research to Impact: Knowledge Transfer in Raw Materials Projects”, showcased experiences and lessons learned from projects including METALLICO, FIC-Fighters, M-BAT, Neo-Cycle and SCIMIN-CRM. Speakers highlighted innovative approaches to technology transfer, sustainable materials recovery and circular economy solutions.
The second session, “European Hubs for Raw Materials: Building Collaborative Ecosystems”, focused on how regional and European innovation hubs can accelerate cooperation, increase industrial resilience and support sustainable value chains through initiatives such as IRMHUB, PERMANET and REMHUB.
Both round-table discussions, moderated by Laura Quijano, encouraged valuable exchanges between researchers, innovation organisations, industry representatives and project coordinators, highlighting the importance of collaboration as a driver for Europe’s green and digital transitions.
ISMC’s commitment to European collaboration
As a partner in WIDEX, ISMC continues to support initiatives that strengthen collaboration between research, industry and regional innovation ecosystems.
By facilitating knowledge exchange and creating opportunities for cross-project collaboration, events such as the WIDEX Cross-Fertilisation Workshop contribute to building stronger, more resilient and more sustainable critical raw materials value chains across Europe.
The active involvement of ISMC in organising and moderating the event reflects the cluster’s ongoing commitment to supporting European innovation, fostering international partnerships and promoting the sustainable development of the raw materials sector.