In general, Key Enabling Technologies (KETs) are technologies that enable process, goods and service innovation throughout the economy. In the EU these encompasses six different areas: advanced manufacturing and materials, life-science technologies, micro/nano-electronics and photonics, artificial intelligence, and security and connectivity technologies. These technologies are knowledge-intensive and associated with high R&D intensity, rapid innovation cycles, high capital expenditure and highly skilled employment.
KETs drive both the development of entirely new industries and the transformation of the existing industrial base.
The pharmaceutical, chemistry, and cosmetic industry can particularly benefit from KETs by developing new products and processes based on life and science research. The field of life-science technologies encompasses many different topics and applications, which also contribute to 3R research and WI3R.