Research and innovation

Decarbonisation represents a cross-cutting challenge affecting all technological and social systems. Tackling this challenge aligns with the national objectives of France 2030 programme. Lyon Saint-Étienne Engineering Alliance leverages the strengths of Lyon and Saint-Étienne urban areas to act in five key areas:

• Energy: development of multi-energy networks that integrate with renewable energies and allow improved efficiency and flexibility of energy chains
• Transport and mobility: design decarbonised mobility systems based on precise data, social behaviour analysis, public decision evaluations, and environmental impact measurement
• Construction and development: prioritise energy efficiency (novel materials, energy recovery, operational management) and optimisation of demand at the scale of a building or neighbourhood
• Industry: conceptualisation of “eco-efficient factories” based on novel low-impact materials, innovative processes, and reimagined organisational structures
• Data science and AI: using data as a decarbonisation tool while managing our own energy impact

All of these initiatives are based on a systemic approach combining technological innovations, understanding of use patterns, societal impacts, and environmental effects.

The circular economy focuses on transitioning from a linear model to a system based on repair, reuse, recycling, and reducing environmental impact. It encompasses three dimensions: environmental, economic, and social.

Lyon Saint-Étienne Engineering Alliance advances several priorities:

• Respect for planetary boundaries: rigorous assessment of impacts that human activities have on water, biodiversity, and other environmental indicators
• Transformation of value chains: development of new business models (functionality, product–service systems) that are designed for reuse, reengineering, and remanufacturing
• Local dimension: modelling and optimisation of production–use–end-of-life cycle; promotion of industrial and urban symbiosis
• Materials and recycling:
  • Positioning Lyon and Saint-Étienne urban areas as a reference for plastic recycling
  • Developing innovative, functionalised, bio-based, and programmable materials
  • Promoting additive manufacturing and surface treatment methods
  • Comprehensive life-cycle management, standardisation, and digital twins

This approach is based on a strong synergy between engineering, geography, data science, and social sciences.

Digital transformation must support sustainable, sovereign, secure, and ethical development. This involves mastering digital infrastructures, uses, and impacts, in alignment with French and European objectives.

Lyon and Saint-Étienne have a strong identity in the fields of AI and data sciences, cloud computing, IoT, and Industry 4.0. Local research teams focus on such priorities as:

• Responsible data management and life-cycle management: production, collection, storage, governance, regulation, security, energy efficiency, and infrastructure
• Responsible Industry 4.0: digital solutions for clean processes, digital twins, smart materials, agile and resilient business management
• Connected cities and mobility: digital platforms for real-time urban data, anomaly detection, energy optimisation, and dynamic mobility adaptation
• Security, trust, and ethics: cybersecurity, algorithm explainability, legal regulation, and privacy protection
• Digital health: biosensors, connected healthcare devices, societal and organisational transformations.

A data centre will strengthen the sovereignty, energy efficiency, and security of local infrastructures.