I-Form Recognised as a Good Practice Working Group by the European Commission

We are proud to announce that I-Form has been identified by the European Commission as a Good Practice Working Group under the Harnessing Talent Platform initiative. This prestigious recognition is highlighted in the newly published Good Practice Catalogue – Volume 1, which showcases exemplary efforts across Europe aimed at boosting talent development and addressing regional innovation challenges.

As outlined in the catalogue, I-Form stands out for its multi-level impact across education, research, industry, and innovation. The Centre’s activities span the entire education spectrum from schools to postgraduate researchers while simultaneously driving industry collaboration and technology transfer in the STEM and additive manufacturing sectors.

Key Achievements Recognised by the European Commission

• National and International Reach: I-Form’s initiatives engage all levels of education across Ireland, while also extending internationally through school programmes that have reached 600 teachers and 12,000 pupils across five countries, supported by the European Institute of Innovation and Technology – Manufacturing (EIT-M).
• Talent Development: Under I-Form’s programmes, 130 PhD and Postdoctoral researchers have been trained, with 55% transitioning directly to industry roles—a testament to the centre's strong alignment with industry needs.
• Research & Innovation Output:
  • 467 journal publications produced, with a Field-Weighted Citation Impact (FWCI) of 1.95, showcasing the scientific excellence of I-Form’s research in advanced manufacturing.
  • 19 commercialisation projects and 10 technology licences delivered to industry.
  • 3 start-ups launched from I-Form-supported research.
• Industry Collaboration: Through robust partnerships, I-Form has succeeded in co-funding research with private sector stakeholders, ensuring relevance and uptake of innovations.

Success Factors Driving Impact

The European Commission highlights the following as critical to I-Form’s success:

• Strong industry partnerships that bridge research and real-world application in STEM and manufacturing.
• Comprehensive, skill-oriented training programmes that empower individuals to lead innovation and enable effective knowledge transfer.
• A strategic focus on cutting-edge research, particularly in digital technologies and materials processing, positioning I-Form as a leader in next-generation manufacturing solutions.

This recognition reinforces I-Form’s mission to shape the future of manufacturing through innovation, collaboration, and talent development. We are honoured to be included in this catalogue and proud to contribute to the EU’s vision for a more resilient, inclusive, and talent-driven future.

To learn more about the European Commission’s Harnessing Talent Platform and read the full catalogue, visit:
European Commission - Harnessing Talent Platform Working Groups