Europe Industrial Process Automation Market to Reach USD 31.22 Billion by 2030, Driven by Industry 4.0, Energy Efficiency & Regulatory Mandates

According to Next Move Strategy Consulting, the Europe Industrial Process Automation Market—which integrates PLCs, SCADA, HMIs, sensors, and control systems across industries like oil & gas, chemicals, food & beverage, and pharma—is projected to grow USD 31.22 billion by 2030, at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 4.6% by 2030.

Unlock FREE Sample – Try Before you Buy!

Market Growth Drivers

1. Industry 4.0 & IIoT Integration
   European manufacturers are embracing Industry 4.0 standards—integrating IoT, cloud services, AI, and real-time analytics into process control architectures.
2. Energy Efficiency & Sustainability Demands
   Regulatory frameworks across Europe—particularly in the EU—are incentivizing automation adoption to reduce energy consumption, emissions, and waste in manufacturing and energy sectors.
3. Operational Safety & Quality Assurance
   Automated control and monitoring increase workplace safety, precision, and consistency—critical in high-risk sectors such as oil & gas and chemicals.
4. R&D & Government Backing
   Governments in Germany, the UK, and via Horizon Europe have ramped up funding for automation research. German manufacturing invests ~2.9% of GDP in innovation—outpacing the OECD average.

Inquire Before Buying

 Challenges & Limitations

• Lack of Industry-Wide Standards
  Proprietary systems and vendor lock-in complicate upgrades and limit interoperability—companies like NAMUR are addressing this, but widespread harmonisation is still needed.
• High Upfront Costs & Skilled Labor Gaps
  SMEs often face budgetary constraints and shortages of qualified process engineers and automation experts.
• Cybersecurity Vulnerabilities
  As more OT systems connect online, the risk of cyberattacks grows, making security a prime concern.

Emerging Opportunities

• AI-Driven Process Optimization
  Machine learning integration into DCS/SCADA systems for predictive maintenance, quality control, and throughput enhancements.
• Digital Twin & Simulation Tools
  Platforms like DELMIA enable virtual modelling of process flows, allowing optimization before physical deployment and reducing downtime.
• Machine Vision Integration
  Embedded camera sensors with smart analytics are improving real-time inspection and automated feedback loops on high-speed production lines.
• Modular, Scalable Controls for SMEs
  The rise of modular DCS, cloud-enabled SCADA, and compact PLC kits allows cost-effective automation for smaller manufacturers.

Regional Landscape

• Italy shows rapid growth following its National Recovery and Resilience Plan allocating ~USD 1 billion toward Industry 4.0 upgrades.
• UK leads in SCADA adoption—aided by government R&D growth and post‑Brexit digital industrial policy.

Stakeholder Recommendations

• Manufacturers: Adopt modular automation and explore AI- and cloud-enabled upgrades to improve energy use and quality.
• Suppliers & Integrators: Offer scalable systems with interoperability, digital twin capabilities, and cybersecurity support.

Policy Makers & Trade Bodies: Back SMEs through grant schemes, standardisation initiatives (e.g., NAMUR), digital twin infrastructure incentives, and cyber resilience programs.