Co-creating more connected ecosystems to transition European innovation

Project Information

WEnnovate

Grant agreement ID: 101134909

DOI

10.3030/101134909

Project closed

EC signature date 1 December 2023

Start date 1 December 2023

End date 30 November 2024

Funded under

• European innovation ecosystems

Total cost

No data

EU contribution

€ 498 575,00

Coordinated by

DESIGN TERMINAL KOZHASZNU NONPROFIT KORLATOLT FELELOSSEGU TARSASAG
Hungary

Periodic Reporting for period 1 - WEnnovate (Co-creating more connected ecosystems to transition European innovation)

Reporting period: 2023-12-01 to 2024-11-30

Summary of the context and overall objectives of the project

The WEnnovate project addresses the ongoing transformation of the EU’s energy system and the essential role that digitalisation must play within this (both requirement and added benefit). The digital energy transition is driven by the need to decarbonise our energy systems, and modernise our infrastructure to be fit for the digital age, supporting sustainability, security and global competitiveness. The energy system itself is facing fundamental changes, with breakthrough technological and social innovations and evolving sector demands rewriting the rules of the system and demanding a more connected, intelligent, efficient, reliable and sustainable system .

The WEnnovate project is a collaborative initiative aimed at strengthening innovation ecosystems across Hungary, Slovakia, Ukraine, and the Netherlands. The project focuses on addressing the energy transition challenge by integrating deep-tech and digital innovations. Its core objective is to co-create action plans that facilitate the development of local energy communities, decentralized energy solution and accelerate the adoption of European energy directives, such as Clean Energy for All Europeans and Energy Sharing. WEnnovate promotes collaboration among quadruple helix actors—industry, academia, public authorities, and civil society—with a special emphasis on engaging underrepresented groups.

The project is structured into two phases: an exploratory phase focused on mapping innovation ecosystems and identifying gaps, and a stakeholder engagement phase designed to foster collaboration and develop joint long-term action plans.

Work performed from the beginning of the project to the end of the period covered by the report and main results achieved so far

During the WEnnovate project, numerous technical and scientific activities were executed, leading to substantial achievements. The team conducted comprehensive exploratory research across four countries—Hungary, Netherlands, Slovakia, and Ukraine—culminating in national energy innovation ecosystem maps.
Over 86 in-depth interviews and an online survey with stakeholders from academia, industry, government, and civil society and desk resreach helped identify key gaps and challenges. Collaborative workshops engaged over 408 stakeholders, with a focus on inclusivity, ensuring underrepresented groups constituted 37% of participants, resulting in the co-creation and validation of four national action plans and one joint long-term program.

The WEnnovate project successfully achieved its KPIs, exceeding several targets. It engaged over 408 stakeholders, surpassing the goal of 250, with 37% from underrepresented groups (target: 30%). Key outputs included 86 interviews, four national ecosystem maps, and 32 co-creation meetings, doubling the planned 12.

The WEnnovate project delivered four national action plans addressing country-specific energy transition challenges in NL, HU, SK, UA through deep-tech innovation, enhanced collaboration, and policy alignment, while tailoring strategies to local needs. Complementing this, the Joint Long-Term Programme provides a collaborative framework to address shared challenges, align strategies, and foster cross-border synergies to accelerate the adoption of digital and deep-tech solutions.

Progress beyond the state of the art and expected potential impact (including the socio-economic impact and the wider societal implications of the project so far)

The WEnnovate project delivered key outcomes including four national action plans and a Joint Long-Term Programme, which provide actionable frameworks for addressing systemic barriers in energy innovation ecosystems.

Potential Impacts:
- By engaging over 408 stakeholders across academia, industry, and government, the project fosters a collaborative culture critical for the energy transition.
- Action plans incorporate EU strategies, ensuring policy coherence and facilitating the adoption of innovative technologies.
- The inclusion of underrepresented groups ensures equity and broad participation in energy innovation efforts.
-The Joint Long-Term Programme provides a foundation for replicable and scalable initiatives across Europe.

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