EU photovoltaic recovery
Global effects of the recent economic crisis strongly impacted the PV industry. The result was disruption of previously successful value chains, and threats to the industry's future. The EU-funded SOLARROK project aims to renew the industry by facilitating cooperation between seven regional European PV clusters. Priorities are to develop and implement a JAP for the industry. Further goals include developing a joint business model, supporting innovation, building capacity for international collaboration and strengthening European competitiveness. The 16-member consortium runs for 3 years to November 2015. Work initially focused on analysing research resources and capacities in the seven regions. The project surveyed a total of 74 research organisations and 115 companies across all regions, and conducted a series of interviews. Key parameters included human resources data, plus research activities and rating of research areas for the coming five years. The results were condensed into a research and technology development atlas. Subsets of these results, plus strategic strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats analysis, were presented at industry workshops and conferences. The team also compared respective regional strategies in research, policy and other areas. The results contributed to the JAP. The initial version identifies potential cooperation strategies and working schedules for two major tasks. They are strengthening regional PV innovation capacities and boosting the sector's international competitiveness. The work established the respective regional strengths and weaknesses, and identified the most appropriate cooperation strategies likely to achieve the tasks. In total, seven key strategic areas have been identified, including themes such as business development, research targets and research support. The SOLARROK project is advancing European regional cooperation in the PV sector. The assessment work has led to clear targets and strategies for effective future collaboration.
Keywords
Photovoltaic, regional cooperation, innovation capacities, international competitiveness
