Consolidating Logistics Excellence in Horizon Europe: ZLC Accelerates Its European Impact

By Carolina Ciprés and Dr. Teresa de la Cruz

As global supply chains continue to undergo profound transformation, the Zaragoza Logistics Center (ZLC) is taking a decisive step to reinforce its role at the forefront of European research and innovation. In 2026–2027, the center will implement the newly granted project “Consolidating Logistics Excellence in Horizon Europe”, funded by the Spanish Ministry of Science, Innovation and Universities, a strategic initiative designed to boost ZLC’s impact, presence, and leadership within the EU Framework Programme.

The new project arrives at a pivotal moment. Over the last two decades, ZLC has evolved into an international reference in logistics and supply chain research, combining academic rigor with real‑world relevance. Its mission, to generate and disseminate leading‑edge knowledge while actively supporting industry and public institutions, has guided its expansion, diversification, and consolidation across multiple European funding programmes.

Now, with this new support, ZLC is prepared to deepen that trajectory. Indeed, ZLC’s participation in EU research programmes has long been anchored in three pillars: technical capacity, industry collaboration, and international visibility, each strengthened through years of consistent engagement in the Framework Programmes.

1. Expanding technical capacity

Engagement in European research projects has significantly increased ZLC’s internal capabilities, enriching its knowledge base and providing opportunities for researchers to deepen expertise in priority areas. These strengthened capabilities have opened doors to new thematic calls and advanced collaborations, while also supporting regional industry through technology transfer, private projects, and executive education.

2. Close collaboration with industry

To date, ZLC has participated in 44 research projects funded by EU programmes, many in close cooperation with companies. This dynamic interface with the private sector has generated sustained collaboration beyond EU funding, reinforcing ZLC’s role as a bridge between cutting‑edge research and industrial needs.

3. Growing international visibility

Participation in Horizon Europe has amplified ZLC’s presence across European and global networks. The center has already secured 10 Horizon Europe projects, progressively expanding its reputation and integrating into strategic associations and partnerships. Increased visibility has not only supported further project participation but also catalyzed new collaborations in Erasmus+, private R&D projects, and international networks.

ZLC’s entry into EU research dates back to the Seventh Framework Programme (FP7), where it obtained its first project, initially focusing on transport, logistics, and intermodality. Recognizing the cross‑cutting nature of logistics and supply chain management, ZLC soon broadened its participation to areas such as advanced manufacturing, mobility, sustainability, food systems, digital transformation, and security.

The center’s diversification accelerated under Horizon 2020, where ZLC increased both the number of proposals submitted and the volume of funded projects. The center also expanded its research areas, not only covering all functions in the supply chain (from inventory management to manufacturing and logistics up to urban mobility) but also supply chain resilience, sustainable networks, and digitalization. This led to participation across multiple pillars, from industrial technologies to societal challenges.

A milestone came in 2018 with ZLC coordinating the SPROUT project, its first EU collaborative project coordination, demonstrating its readiness to assume leadership roles.

Under Horizon Europe, ZLC has further diversified, participating both in Excellent Science and Global challenges and European industrial competitiveness, reflecting a broad and mature presence across EU priorities.

The new project, “Consolidating Logistics Excellence in Horizon Europe”, is designed to capitalize on this momentum and position ZLC for a new phase of accelerated impact.

Between 2026 and 2027, the initiative will:

1. Strengthen ZLC’s strategic positioning in Horizon Europe

Through expansion across missions (e.g., Climate‑Neutral Smart Cities) and partnerships of interest such as 2ZERO, CCAM, and Europe’s Rail.

2. Expand and activate ZLC’s network

By engaging new regional, national, and international partners; strengthening ties with European clusters; and maintaining permanent communication channels with key stakeholders.

3. Boost Talent Through Multidisciplinary Excellence

ZLC’s research strength is driven by a diverse and highly skilled team that spans the full spectrum of STEM disciplines: science and engineering, data science, computer science, and industrial technologies, together with expertise in social sciences. This multidisciplinary composition is one of the center’s greatest strategic assets. The new project will reinforce this talent ecosystem by providing resources and opportunities for the team to deepen its expertise, explore emerging research lines, and lead ambitious European collaborations.

4. Consolidate ZLC’s role as a European benchmark in logistics and supply chain research

By leveraging its accumulated experience, technical capacity, and long‑standing partnerships to lead, coordinate, and shape future European research agendas.

The period 2026–2027 marks a new chapter in ZLC’s European trajectory. “Consolidating Logistics Excellence in Horizon Europe” will not only accelerate the center’s participation in upcoming calls but also will consolidate ZLC’s position as a unique research hub where diverse disciplines converge to shape the future of logistics and supply chain innovation.

As global supply chains face mounting challenges, from climate adaptation to digital transformation, ZLC stands ready to lead the next generation of research, solutions, and collaborations.

For further information please reach out to Carolina Ciprés at [email protected]