Publication Detail

Addressing European Research and Innovation Challenges for System Transitions in Energy and Mobility 

UCD-ITS-RP-25-80

Research Report

European Transport and Energy Research Centre (ETERC)

Suggested Citation:
Geels, Frank W., Pierpaolo Cazzola, Paula Kivimaa, Wolfgang Ketter (2025)

Addressing European Research and Innovation Challenges for System Transitions in Energy and Mobility 

. Institute of Transportation Studies, University of California, Davis, Research Report UCD-ITS-RP-25-80

Addressing European Research and Innovation Challenges for System Transitions in Energy and Mobility’ is an independent expert report prepared by four experts. The purpose of this reflection paper is to offer recommendations and ideas on challenges and priorities for research and innovation (R&I) in the areas of clean energy and mobility. The paper sets out a vision for future energy and mobility systems that is aligned with the EU’s long-term ecological, economic and social objectives, in particular the aim to become climate-neutral by 2050. In order to bring about this vision, the paper explores nine ‘innovation pathways’ in energy and mobility systems, selected on the basis of their expected impact to achieve the vision. The pathways are assessed against four contemporary challenges affecting energy and mobility systems. These challenges stem from four macro-level contextual changes. The paper also provides broader policy recommendations for EU R&I, beyond energy and mobility systems.