Since 2013, the Austrian Society for Metallurgy and Materials (ASMET via the ASMET Research GmbH)), together with its partners (AIT, Joanneum Research, and BMK), has organized an annual “Materials Workshop” during the European Forum in Alpbach. This event typically gathers around 25-30 participants, including representatives from Austrian universities, competence centers, AIT, Joanneum Research, R&D managers, CTOs from ASMET member companies, and senior officials responsible for research policy and funding.

The Alpbach Materials Workshop has evolved into a platform for exchanging ideas among stakeholders in the manufacturing industry, including SMEs, large enterprises, universities, universities of applied sciences, research institutions, and senior officials responsible for research and innovation in the relevant ministries. Following keynote presentations on the chosen thematic focus—such as “Artificial Intelligence (AI) in the Materials Industry,” “Industry 5.0,” or “Sustainable, Environmentally-Friendly, and Socially Responsible Production in the Materials Industry,” or “Additive Manufacturing”—participants engage in discussions and derive concrete measures for new R&D priorities and research funding strategies.