Research For
The Twin Transition
Research For The Twin Transition
The green and digital transitions are two major transformations shaping Europe’s future. Research and innovation play a key role in ensuring that these transitions reinforce each other, supporting the development of sustainable, competitive and resilient solutions across sectors.
In the European Research Area (ERA), research for the twin transition focuses on aligning efforts across countries and sectors to address climate change, energy systems, industrial transformation and digitalisation. This includes supporting the development of clean technologies, strengthening industrial ecosystems, and ensuring that digital solutions contribute to sustainability goals.
In the ERA Policy Agenda (2025–2027), this topic is addressed through actions that strengthen coordination, align research and innovation priorities, and support investment in technologies and solutions needed for Europe’s green and digital transformation. This builds on earlier work under the ERA Policy Agenda 2022–2024, which focused on connecting research, industry and policy to accelerate the transition.
ERA tools and resources
Strategic Energy Technology Plan (SET Plan)
A key framework for aligning research and innovation efforts to accelerate clean energy technologies. It focuses on digitalisation, circularity, and skills development.
EU Mission NetZeroCities
Aims to deliver 100 climate-neutral and smart cities by 2030 and ensure they serve as innovation and experimentation hubs, enabling all European cities to follow by 2050.
Industry 5.0 Community of Practice
Brings together over 200 stakeholders to to share best practices and create implementation actions.
Source: ERA Policy Platform, INSPIRING ERA
Related EU projects and initiatives
- SET4H2 (2024-2026)
Supports coordination of research and innovation efforts to advance hydrogen technologies in Europe. - Bridges 5.0 (2023-2026)
Addresses skills needs and supports the transition towards Industry 5.0 through mapping, training and stakeholder engagement. - SEISMEC (2024-2027)
Promotes human-centric and ethical approaches to digital and industrial transformation through pilot projects across Europe.
