Simona Iammarino, Professor of Applied Economics, Gran Sasso Science Institute (GSSI), L’Aquila, Italy, will be discussing the geography of mining technologies in Europe and their role in supporting the EU's ambitions for strategic autonomy in critical and strategic raw materials.
Under the ongoing technological transition, mineral resources have become increasingly important for emerging industries and technologies. Demand for materials such as lithium, graphite and rare earth elements, alongside established metals such as copper and nickel, is expected to grow substantially over the coming decades. This rapid increase in demand has raised concerns about the resilience of global raw-materials supply chains and the ability of economies to secure the resources needed for future development.
Technological innovation in mining is central to addressing these challenges. Advances in extraction methods, automation, digital monitoring and processing technologies can improve productivity, increase access to economically viable reserves and reduce environmental impacts. Despite renewed policy attention through initiatives such as the EU's Critical Raw Materials Act under the framework of Open Strategic Autonomy, questions remain about whether Europe possesses the capabilities needed to expand and diversify its supply of critical and strategic raw materials.
Drawing on research covering European regions between 2000 and 2021, this seminar examines the factors that drive innovation in mining technologies. Using patent data and econometric analysis, the study finds that mining innovation is not necessarily concentrated in regions where extraction activity is strongest. Instead, regions specialising in mining-related services, engineering and equipment production play a significant role in technological development. The findings offer important insights into the challenges and opportunities facing European policymakers as they seek to strengthen the continent's raw-materials capabilities.
About Simona Iammarino:
Simona Iammarino is Professor of Applied Economics at the Gran Sasso Science Institute (GSSI) in L'Aquila, Italy, and Visiting Professor in the Department of Geography and Environment at the London School of Economics and Political Science. Her research focuses on globalisation and local economic development, the economic geography of innovation, and regional economic development and policy.
She has published more than 80 journal articles, two co-authored books, numerous book chapters, working papers and policy reports. She serves as co-editor of the Journal of Economic Geography and is Vice-President of the Italian Society of Economics. In 2024, she was awarded the European Regional Science Association (ERSA) European Prize in Regional Science, one of the most prestigious honours in the field.
Seminar Details:
The Manchester Institute of Innovation Research runs a series of regular seminars given by visiting speakers to Manchester. These seminars are open to anybody who is interested in science, technology and innovation policy and management.
Refreshments will be available for networking from 3:15 pm, before the seminar.
We encourage AMBS and UoM staff and students to join us in person, with an online option available. External participants are welcome to join online via Teams:
Join: https://teams.microsoft.com/meet/313785876197500?p=C7NdYvqmgZRAXPlguk
Meeting ID: 313 785 876 197 500
Passcode: eW6jG9KP
