The European Institute of Innovation and Technology (EIT) is an independent EU body aiming at strengthening Europe ability to innovate. It promotes synergies and cooperation between actors animating the so-called knowledge triangle, linking organizations in the fields of higher education, research and technology and innovation. The EIT pursues its mission by supporting the creation and the development of Knowledge and Innovation Communities (KICs). KICs are highly autonomous partnerships connecting businesses (large companies and SMEs, including start-ups), research centres and higher education institutions. Their cooperation allows the development of innovative products and services, the acceleration of new companies and the training of a new generation of entrepreneurs.

There are currently eight KICs and each focuses on a different societal challenge:

- EIT Climate: drivers of climate innovation in Europe and beyond
- EIT Digital: for a strong, digital Europe
- EIT Food: connecting businesses, research centres, universities and consumers
- EIT Health: together for healthy lives in Europe
- EIT InnoEnergy: pioneering change in sustainable energy
- EIT Manufacturing: strengthening and increasing the competiveness of Europe’s manufacturing
- EIT RawMaterials: making raw materials a major strength for Europe
- EIT Urban Mobility: smart, green and integrated transport

The University of Padua has been actively participating in EIT RawMaterials calls since the KIC establishment in 2015. Through the Departments of  Management and Engineering (DTG), Geosciences (GEO), Industrial Engineering (DII), Chemical Sciences (DISC), Civil, Environmental and Architectural Engineering (DICEA),  the University is now involved in 18 projects. 

EIT RawMaterials is the largest consortium in the raw materials sector worldwide: its mission is to enable sustainable competitiveness of the European minerals, metals and materials industry along the value chain by driving innovation, education and entrepreneurship. This KIC aims to enhance innovation in the raw materials sector by sharing knowledge, facilitating matchmaking activities, developing innovative technologies and supporting business creation.

EIT RawMaterials unites more than 120 core and associate partners and over 190 project partners from leading industry, universities and research institutions based in more than 20 EU countries. Partners of the KIC are active across the entire raw materials value chain; from exploration, mining and mineral processing to substitution, recycling and circular economy. They collaborate on finding new, innovative solutions to secure supply and improve the raw materials sector in Europe.