Since 2014, the Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Climate Action has been engaged in initiating energy research networks in important areas of energy research. In addition to promoting participation and transparency, the aim of the networks is to accelerate the transfer of results and ensure the quality of research findings. The results of the network's activities are incorporated into the ministry’s strategic considerations for future energy research policy.

The open expert networks bring together more than 4,000 experts (as of October 2021). Through their exchange, they help to transfer the results of energy research directly to the stakeholders of the energy transition, to discuss practical funding strategies in a topic-focused manner, and to propose new measures. This will place a focus on transparency and efficiency in energy research.

Research and Innovation Platform for the energy transition

The work of the energy research networks initiated by the Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Climate Action as a permanent project provides the substantive basis for the Research and Innovation Platform.

As a strategic advisory body of the Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Climate Action, the Research and Innovation Platform brings together high-level stakeholders from government, business, science and civil society. It involves all federal and Länder ministries covering matters of energy research. Together, they discuss and evaluate current developments and research strategies.

The Research and Innovation Platform integrates all three pillars of energy research: basic research, applied research, and market-related research via the Living Labs for the Energy Transition.