The project brought together a panel of experts to review national approaches to R&D strategies, and recommend appropriate, transparent, objective methodologies for analysing and advising on an R&D strategy for the EU in the field of non-nuclear energy.
The panel consisted of senior R&D policy advisors from Belgium, France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands and the UK, all of whom have extensive experience in the formulation and execution of R&D strategies in their national Member state. Recognising the close linkages between the various development stages of energy technologies, the panel considered decision analysis and analytical frameworks which cover all phases of R&D from basic research and laboratory development through to technology transfer and dissemination. The aim was to develop methodologies which were relevant to the advancement of both energy technologies (supply and utilization) and the enabling technologies (e.g. combustion science and advanced materials).
Suggestions for possible approaches for guiding R&D strategies were then made by the panel.