The event “Building the Future: Launching Europe's Open Innovation Ecosystem for Construction”, held in Brussels on 19/11/2025, highlighted the role of innovation in advancing façade and building envelope technologies across Europe.

Hosted at the Hotel Bristol Thon Stephanie and organised by Metabuilding Labs together with its partners, the event brought together SMEs, researchers, innovators and policymakers to discuss how European initiatives such as Open Innovation Test Beds (OITBs) can support the development, testing and market uptake of sustainable construction solutions. Participants also explored opportunities for SMEs to access state-of-the-art facilities, funding mechanisms and strategic partnerships through the Metabuilding ecosystem.

The full event recording is now available, enabling those who could not attend - or who wish to revisit the discussions - to access the key presentations and exchanges.

Event programme highlights:

1. Welcoming words
Thomas Messervey, CEO of R2M Solution and President of the Metabuilding Association, opened the event and kindly served as its moderator.

2. Opening keynote: EU Vision for an Innovative Built Environment
Alain Zarli, ECTP Secretary General, delivered the opening keynote, presenting the European vision for an innovative and clean industrial sector.

3. Round table: From Lab to the Market – Overcoming the Barriers for SME Innovation
This session focused on the challenges SMEs face in bringing innovation to the European market. It was moderated by Paul Capgras (Construction2), with contributions from Antoine Dugué (NOBATEK), Marion Caillol (ARCORA) and Hugo Guyomard (COVERIS).

4. The Engine for Growth – How the Metabuilding Ecosystem De-risks Innovation
A deep dive into the permanent services and infrastructure developed by the Metabuilding Labs project, including the digital platform, the network of testing facilities and business support services for the construction sector.
Moderator: Thomas Messervey (R2M Solution)
Speakers: Germain Adell (Metabuilding Association), Emre Yöntem (ECOWISE)

5. Panel discussion: The Human Dimension – How Co-Creation Is Reshaping Renovation
This session explored the project’s key social innovation: a proven methodology for meaningful community engagement, applied in pilot sites testing new façade components across the EU.
Moderator: Luiggi Perissich (FEDERCOSTRUZIONI)
Speakers: Pablo Gonzalo Fernández Sánchez (HORMIPRESA), Carmine Pascale (STRESS), Marta I. de los Ríos White (ENoLL)

6. Round table: Establishing a Pan-European Innovation Support Infrastructure
A strategic discussion on the long-term vision of the ecosystem, its role within the Built4People Partnership, and its contribution to a resilient, competitive and sustainable European construction industry.
Moderator: Thomas Messervey (R2M Solution)
Speakers: Germain Adell (Metabuilding Association), Alain Zarli (ECTP), Bernard Gilmont (European Aluminium), Antoine Dugué (NOBATEK)

7. Closing session: Joining the Movement – The Future of the Metabuilding Ecosystem
The event concluded with a forward-looking session focused on next steps, membership opportunities and future engagement within the Metabuilding ecosystem, led by Thomas Messervey and Germain Adell (Metabuilding Association).