All about 2026 WP and FP 10 @ CCAM Association Networking Event
On 5 March, CCAM Association Members gathered for a cocktail and networking event featuring key discussions on the 2026 Work Programme and FP10 to advance future Europe’s CCAM research and innovation.
Our chairman, Christian Merkt, kicked off the meeting with an update on the status at play, and Andrea De Candido (European Commission, DG RTD) followed with an update on the CCAM Work Programme and the latest discussions on the future of CCAM in FP10.
Participants also received an update on the CCAMbassador initiative by Stéphane Dreher (ERTICO – ITS Europe). His presentation provided an overview of the current state of progress of the initiative, which aims to disseminate knowledge related to CCAM, including regulatory developments, best practices and ongoing projects across Europe. Particular attention was given to several regional initiatives supporting the uptake of CCAM.
The following session presented the preliminary conclusions of the forthcoming CCAM Monitoring Study. Adrian Zlocki from fka GmbH introduced the objectives of the study, which aims to assess the progress of the CCAM Partnership and evaluate the extent to which its strategic goals are being achieved. Adrian Zlocki then shared some early findings emerging from the analysis. Finally, a particular focus was placed on identifying the key factors that contribute to the success of CCAM projects, highlighting elements such as effective collaboration, clear objectives and strong alignment with the partnership’s overall priorities. A central focus of the meeting was the break-outs sessions of three draft topics for the CCAM Work Programme 2026 by CCAM Cluster leaders.
Mats Rosenquist, Volvo Group/CCAM Cluster 1 Leader, addressed large-scale demonstrations through a flagship-pilot approach.
Oihana Otaegui, Vicomtech/CCAM Cluster 5 Co-Leader and Peter Urban, ika RWTH Aachen/CCAM Cluster 3 Leader, presented as a cross-cluster topic, explored generative AI for smarter CCAM, with applications in perception, decision-making and validation.
Through the 3rd break-out Dimitris Milakis, DLR/CCAM Cluster 6 Co-leader, focused on geopolitical competition and socio-economic resilience in CCAM.
Christian Merkt, BMW/CCAM Partnership Chairman, supported by the moderators of the breakout sessions, concluded the day with a summary of the discussion of the day.
Breakout sessions gave participants the chance to explore each topic in more detail, while the networking coffees, wrap-up session and networking dinner supported further exchange across the community.
Overall, the meeting confirmed that the future of CCAM in Europe will require a combination of technological excellence, real-world readiness and strong alignment with societal, political and strategic priorities.
