Smart grids in the new programming period: the role of transnational R&I networks to strengthen smart energy

This workshop was jointly organised as part of the Stairway to Excellence (S2E) project and the Smart Specialisation Platform on Energy (S3PEnergy) initiative, managed by the JRC, in close cooperation with DG REGIO and DG ENER.

This workshop aimed to test approaches to improve transnational networking in the area of smart grids and draw lessons to build a more diversified approach to cooperation across territories and European actors in a RIS3 context in the smart grids sector.

This event took place on the 6 February 2020, in Brussels, back to back the 4^th meeting of the Working Group “H2020 for RIS3” on optimising the use of H2020 in implementing smart specialisation (7 Feb).

Objectives

This workshop intented to offer participants an overview on the how/why/who of smart grids in Europe. The main objective is to support national/regional authorities and key stakeholders across Europe in planning and designing the allocation of their EU funds for supporting investments in smart grids R&I and deployment during the 2021-2027 programming period. The workshop provided an opportunity to create or reinforce of governance models that allow stronger links with other regions in Europe and with international networks.

Representatives from various EU/international organisations or initiatives provided the participants with valuable information on smart grids, and the means in which they can be useful for the regions/countries, particularly in view of the new Multiannual Financial Framework. The participating European Structural and Investment Funds (ESIF) Managing Authorities and RIS3 managing agencies had the opportunity to share experiences and gain better knowledge of ways for setting or improving collaborations with other regions with similar interest and access international networks in the field of smart grids.

The specific objectives of the event were to:

• Showcase R&I initiatives and relevant projects related to smart grids in the EU
• Connect regions with complementary RIS3 priorities / interests related to smart grids
• Engage the dialogue between public authorities responsible for Cohesion Policy funding related to Energy, RIS3 managers and other EU and non-EU actors active in the field of smart grids R&I
• Raise awareness on the potential of putting in place measures for stronger collaboration between interested groups of actors -both within regions and with others-, coordinated investment actions with more impact on regional issues, multilateral joint programming, aligned strategies, etc.
• Draw lessons for other areas in the frame of the Working Group “H2020 for RIS3”

Target group

The workshop was open to Managing Authorities and line ministries or intermediate bodies that are responsible for the identification and development of smart grids programmes and projects: the S3 (R&I) responsible authorities and /or representatives from the managing authorities of ESIF dealing with energy.
The event was also open to a limited number of invited agents from the research and industry sectors (Clusters representatives, DSOs representatives, etc.).
 

Approach

The activities were designed as a mutual learning event where participants may table specific requests, and where ideas, good practices, doubts, questions and potential solutions could be shared and discussed. Participants had the opportunity to present themselves and the current situation in their region/country. In order to prepare the ground for effective discussion, a session dedicated to policy context introduced basic information and mechanisms. In the participatory exercises, participants were also expected to (1) interact, (2) identify and elaborate issues, obstacles and barriers, (3) propose policy actions to address these issues, and finally (4) set out collective outcomes.