In their response to the 2025 EC-OECD STIP survey, countries described their main policy debates around government support to net zero transitions (see Annex A for the raw data). The following issues were recurrently raised in national debates:
The Net zero transitions policy area contains information on hundreds of STI policies that explicitly support the transition to net zero. This area is composed of a set of themes that are specific to the 2023 edition of the STIP Survey. Figure 1 shows that the theme with the largest number of policies is Net zero transitions in energy (AI), gathering policies targeting clean energy more broadly. It includes strategies and policies (e.g. major R&D and demonstration projects, new support schemes, emerging technology regulation) aiming to contribute to achieving net-zero CO2 emissions (i.e. deep decarbonisation), in any supply-side or end-use energy sector. This theme is followed by Cross-sectoral policies for net zero, which groups schemes that cut across sectors and target net zero emissions. Other sector-specific themes include transport and mobility and food and agriculture.
Figure 2 shows that most policies reported in the 2023 survey target Firms and public research organisations. Recurrent topics for these target groups include hydrogen, energy efficiency and decarbonisation (see keywords obtained by hovering the corresponding bars with the mouse). A large number of policies are addressed at National governments, reflecting the numerous strategies, agendas and plans used in this policy area (see below).
By large, Strategies, agendas and plans are the most recurrent instrument reported in this policy area (Figure 3). Project grants for public research and Grants for business R&D and innovation are structured around topics such as hydrogen, clean energy and energy efficiency (see keywords). The remainder of the figure displays various kinds of instruments that are less frequently used. Some include Networking and collaborative platforms that frequently address digitalisation (twin transitions).
Initiatives within the Net zero transitions policy area reporting budget data are more numerous within the 5M-20M and 1M-5M EUR yearly expenditures (Figure 4). There is little meaningful variation in the keywords across the figure's different budget ranges. The several national strategies mentioned earlier do not report any budget, shown as Not applicable in the figure.
Figure 5 shows that the United States has reported the largest number of initiatives in this policy area, followed by the Korea, the European Union and Portugal. The chart shows only the number of policy initiatives reported by countries and gives no indication of their scale or scope. The figure should therefore be interpreted with care. Clicking on a given bar in the chart will bring you to the corresponding country dashboard for Net zero transitions policy.
Table 1 contains the answers provided by countries (and other entities) to the following question: Policy debates for Net zero transitions You may use the table's search box to filter the data by country or keyword. You may also dowload the data in Excel format.
Table 1. Policy debates in the Net zero transitions policy area
| Country | Response |
|---|---|
| Argentina | No responses have been provided in 2025. |
| Armenia | Armenia has not yet formally adopted a net-zero emissions target. Nonetheless, the country has committed to reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 40% from 1990 levels by 2030, as outlined in its updated Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC) under the Paris Agreement. Furthermore, Armenia has developed a Long-Term Low Greenhouse Gas Emission Development Strategy (LT-LEDS), which aspires to decrease per capita emissions to 2.07 tCO₂ equivalent by 2050. These commitments could eventually impact research areas as well. While these initiatives demonstrate a commitment to emission reductions, there is currently a lack of clear policy or public dialogue aimed at achieving a net-zero transition. |
| Australia | Achieving Australia's emissions reduction targets and the net zero transformation are core priorities of the government. The Australian Government is actively developing the Net Zero Plan (LT-LEDS) along with six Sectoral Decarbonisation Plans, which incorporate Science, Research, and Innovation as a cross-cutting topic. The six sectors are: 1. Electricity and Energy- focuses on decarbonising the electricity and energy systems while ensuring reliability, affordability, and security. 2. Industry - targets high-emissions industrial subsectors such as aluminium, steel, cement, chemicals, and manufacturing. 3. Resources - covers emissions reduction in resource extraction and processing, including coal, oil, gas, and minerals. 4. Built Environment - aims to decarbonise buildings and infrastructure through energy efficiency, sustainable design, and low-emissions construction 5. Transport - will address emissions from road, rail, air, and maritime transport, promoting electrification and alternative fuels (details pending from government sources). 6. Agriculture and Land - explores emissions reduction and carbon sequestration opportunities in farming, land use, and forestry. Through the legislated Future Made in Australia Act, the government is maximizing the economic and industrial benefits of the transition to net zero. The 'net zero transformation' stream within this Act is set to identify industries that can significantly contribute to achieving net zero, where Australia has grounds to build enduring comparative advantage. Priority sectors currently include hydrogen, low carbon liquid fuels, green metals, critical minerals, and clean energy manufacturing. The government's commitment to net zero is evident throughout all stages of science, technology, and innovation. The National Science and Research Priorities have placed transitioning to a net zero future as Priority 1. Additionally, Australia's Economic Accelerator is enhancing the translation and commercialisation of university research in line with the National Science and Research Priorities. The Climate Change (Consequential Amendments) Act 2022 (Cth) further embeds Australia’s emissions reduction targets, including net zero, into the functions of science and innovation agencies such as the Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO), Australian Renewable Energy Agency (ARENA), and Clean Energy Finance Corporation (CEFC). The government is investing through ARENA and collaborating with the CEFC to support the commercialisation of technologies critical to the net zero transformation. The new Future Made in Australia Innovation Fund will finance the deployment of innovative technologies and facilities directly linked to priority industries, including green metals and low carbon liquid fuels. The Solar Sunshot Program is advancing solar PV manufacturing innovation and feasibility studies, while the Battery Breakthrough Initiative is set to enhance the development of battery manufacturing capabilities in Australia. Australia's GHG inventory systems are built upon significant innovations and early adoptions of emerging international techniques to measure, estimate, and verify greenhouse gas emissions. This includes being the first to submit a Paris Agreement compliant inventory, being the first to use remote sensing techniques to detect forest loss and land clearing, and the development of customised science-based emissions data modelling software. More information on this can be found in Australia’s GHG Inventory Quarterly Update for December 2024. |
| Austria | The Federal Government launched the Climate and Transformation Initiative in 2022, focusing on decarbonisation and strengthening Austria's business, research, and production sectors, as well as the domestic labour market. The initiative encompasses research and technology development, location and investment promotion, and qualification measures. The Federal Ministry for Climate Actions has allocated a budget of 3 billion euros from 2023 to 2030 for the transformation of industry, which includes both research and investment funding. Similarly, the Federal Ministry of Labour has dedicated 600 million euros from 2023 to 2026 to support related measures. In addition to financial support, the Ministry for Climate Actions has adopted a "transformative innovation policy approach" in applied research. This approach prioritises four transformative missions in Science, Technology, and Innovation (STI) to facilitate net-zero solutions: achieving climate neutrality in cities, advancing the energy transition, promoting mobility transition, and enhancing circular economy practices. From 2024 to 2026, during the RTI Pact period, an annual support of 110 million euros will be directed towards STI for net zero. Furthermore, these missions are closely aligned with sectoral and market policies, including public investment support and the implementation of relevant acts, laws, and regulations. This alignment is crucial for increasing the directionality and impact of STI initiatives aimed at achieving net-zero goals. There is also ongoing discussion about the introduction of new STI instruments, such as public-public partnerships, to further support these objectives. |
| Belgium - Brussels Capital | The Brussels-Capital Region (BCR) is increasingly embedding its net-zero emissions targets within its science, technology and innovation (STI) policy framework. The region’s official climate goals, notably achieving carbon neutrality by 2050 with an interim 47% greenhouse gas reduction by 2030, have set a clear direction for policy. Regional authorities recognise that research, development, and innovation (RDI) are critical to devising the solutions needed for this transition, prompting a shift in STI objectives and programmes. For example, the latest Regional Innovation Plan 2021-2027 is aligned with climate ambitions by establishing dedicated innovation domains for climate-friendly technologies and sustainable infrastructure. Brussels has also embraced a mission-oriented approach through its participation in the EU “Climate-Neutral and Smart Cities” Mission. As one of the 112 mission cities, BCR is developing a Climate City Contract—an integrated climate action plan that explicitly includes the research and innovation sector alongside energy, mobility, buildings, and other areas. Innoviris (the regional R&I agency) and other local stakeholders are closely involved in this effort, ensuring that funding instruments support decarbonisation initiatives such as capital-intensive clean technology projects under the climate contract. As a background, the Shifting Economy strategy, adopted in 2022 as part of a reform of the Belgian National Plan for Resilience and Recovery, is emerging as a keystone. It aims to recalibrate the regional economy in line with the government's ambitious climate trajectory: a progressive transformation of Brussels' economic activities, in the broadest sense of the term, to contribute to social and environmental challenges, as well as to the creation and maintenance of quality jobs. Inspired by the "doughnut" economic theory and by aligning all relevant economic policies, it contributes to accelerating the decarbonisation of the economy by 2050 by mobilising all economic actors in the region. It will reform economic policies (funding, support, accommodation for businesses). A criterion of social and environmental exemplarity will be required by 2030 in order to benefit from the region's economic instruments. This alignment between net-zero goals and STI policy presents significant opportunities for the Brussels region. It fosters cross-sector collaboration and harnesses the city’s strong knowledge base to drive sustainable innovation. By syncing regional innovation priorities with EU climate objectives, Brussels has unlocked new funding streams and partnerships; for instance, the Mission Cities programme provides the region with easier access to European R&I funding for climate-focused projects. There is also an emerging vision of Brussels as a “living lab” for urban climate solutions, where public authorities, researchers, businesses, and citizens co-create innovative approaches. The climate mission initiative has been a catalyst for new governance models, bringing together 13 of the 19 Brussels municipalities and regional bodies to jointly plan climate innovations. Moreover, the regional climate strategy is designed to maximise synergies with the social, economic, and environmental dimensions of sustainable development. This means innovation policies are increasingly geared toward win-win solutions that reduce emissions while also supporting economic resilience and social benefits. However, key challenges and debates accompany this shift in policy. One issue is the level of ambition and pace. Governance is another focal point—coordinating multiple agencies and local governments under a unified climate innovation agenda is complex and requires strong leadership to align objectives and responsibilities. Ensuring adequate funding is also a concern: achieving net-zero will require scaling up investment in innovation and aligning various funding programmes with climate priorities. Finally, policymakers face a balancing act in maintaining a broad innovation portfolio. They must integrate climate goals into STI policy while still supporting other priority domains (such as digitalisation and health), striving for complementarity between climate innovation and other areas. These debates highlight the dynamic evolution of Brussels’ STI policy as it seeks to marry innovation and climate neutrality objectives in a coherent and effective way. |
| Belgium - Federal government | On 20 December 2024, the Council of Ministers approved two draft ministerial decrees, continuing the Hydrogen Test Facility project. They reviewed the project's progress and agreed to extend phase 3 until 31 December 2025. The Council tasked the Minister responsible for Science Policy to schedule an update for the Council's agenda during the 2026 budgetary adjustment. This update will cover the progress of technical studies and the co-financing by partners for a test infrastructure at the NextGen site in Antwerp. This infrastructure is intended for storage, chemical products, and the energy sector. Additionally, it will include a test infrastructure at the District Cleantech site in Charleroi, which focuses on the aerospace sector, heavy industry, and application certification. Following this assessment, the Council will decide whether to initiate phase 4 and determine its implementation details. The final tranche of €10.48 million in stimulus funding has been secured, ensuring the construction phase of the test infrastructure, which is expected to be operational by 2027. |
| Belgium - Flanders | The Flemish Productivity and Competitiveness Agenda (Flemish Acceleration) prioritises free market principles and technology neutrality. It ensures that net zero targets align with industrial competitiveness while promoting a balanced energy mix that includes both renewables and nuclear energy. The Integrated Action Plan for Flemish Industry, developed in collaboration with industrial federations, focuses on enhancing innovation, sustainability, and competitiveness across six strategic domains. These domains are innovation, decarbonisation, environmental policy and circular economy, talent development, infrastructure, and international competitiveness. The Climate Jump programme provides a roadmap for the industrial climate transition. It guides energy-intensive industries towards a carbon-neutral and circular economy by 2050, ensuring that global competitiveness is not compromised. The Moonshot programme is dedicated to driving breakthrough technologies for sustainable production processes. This initiative ensures that innovation supports both climate goals and economic resilience. Flanders is also striving to become a European leader in hydrogen technology. The Flemish Hydrogen Strategy is currently being updated to incorporate the RFNBO target and align with EU regulations (REDIII), in collaboration with the Minister of Energy. The primary focus is on technology development and strategic production across the hydrogen value chain. |
| Belgium - Wallonia | The February 20, 2014, "Climate" decree currently serves as the climate roadmap for the Walloon Region. This decree aims for a 30% reduction in greenhouse gases by 2020, compared to levels in 1990. There has been ongoing discussion for several years about revising the Walloon Government's roadmap to align more closely with the climate ambitions ratified in the 2015 Paris Agreement. The carbon neutrality order, which reforms the 2014 climate order, has a threefold aim. Firstly, it seeks to achieve carbon neutrality by 2050 while ensuring a fair and socially equitable transition. Secondly, it focuses on taking the necessary adaptation measures to enhance the Region's resilience to climate disruption. Lastly, it aims to legally strengthen international climate financing. |
| Belgium - Wallonia-Brussels Federation | Sustainable development and ecological objectives are now integral to the new FWB decree on research funding, which was enacted in 2024. This decree represents a significant step forward in aligning research initiatives with environmental sustainability goals. Additionally, the Wallonia-Brussels Federation is establishing an interdisciplinary and "trans-technological" research platform dedicated to the energy transition field. This platform aims to foster collaboration across various technological disciplines, enhancing the effectiveness of research in energy transition. |
| Brazil | No responses have been provided in 2025. |
| Bulgaria | In Bulgaria, current policy debates on integrating net zero emission targets into science, technology and innovation (STI) policy are gaining momentum. This reflects growing political, societal, and economic pressures to align national development with EU climate commitments. A central point of discussion concerns how to steer research and innovation priorities towards supporting the green transition, particularly in sectors such as energy, transport, agriculture, and heavy industry. While some policymakers advocate for a stronger integration of climate neutrality goals into the National Strategy for Research Development and Innovation, others emphasise the need to first address structural challenges in the national R&I system. These challenges include limited funding, weak public-private collaboration, and low capacity for technology transfer. Emerging visions increasingly highlight the importance of mission-oriented and challenge-driven approaches. Stakeholders from academia, civil society, and parts of government are calling for dedicated green innovation funding instruments and better alignment between STI policy and Bulgaria’s National Recovery and Resilience Plan (NRRP) and the Green Deal Industrial Plan. However, concerns persist among industrial actors and some policymakers about the economic and social trade-offs of accelerating the transition. This is particularly notable in regions dependent on fossil fuels or carbon-intensive production. The debate over the role of STI in facilitating a "just transition" has sparked diverging views on whether public R&I support should prioritise breakthrough technologies or incremental innovation in existing sectors. While these debates have begun influencing programme design and funding priorities, implementation remains uneven. Coordination between ministries and innovation agencies is still under development. |
| Canada | In recent years, Canada has made significant strides in integrating net-zero emission targets into its national Science, Technology, and Innovation (STI) policies. This shift has sparked debates about the best ways to align research and innovation with climate goals, including balancing environmental ambitions with economic realities. Policymakers are engaged in discussions on how to balance fostering technological advancements with ensuring that these innovations contribute meaningfully to emissions reductions. There is also an ongoing debate over the role of the federal government as a provider of funding and incentives to drive the development of clean technologies in a way that scales up sustainably while maintaining economic competitiveness. In 2021, Canada passed the Federal Net-Zero Emissions Accountability Act, which sets legally binding emissions reduction targets with the aim of achieving net-zero emissions by 2050. The Act establishes a legally binding process to set five-year national emissions-reduction targets and develop credible, science-based emissions-reduction plans to achieve each target. It also requires the setting of national emissions reduction targets for 2035, 2040, and 2045, ten years in advance, each accompanied by credible, science-based emissions reduction plans. In 2023, the Government of Canada (GoC) released the Carbon Management Strategy, which articulates the role of carbon management in Canada’s path toward emissions reduction and economic growth. The Strategy outlines five key priority areas: accelerating innovation and research, development and demonstration (RD&D); advancing predictable policies and regulations; building partnerships; and growing inclusive workforces. The federal actions support the development and deployment of carbon management technologies. The Government of Canada actively supports green innovation technologies through a comprehensive policy framework that combines financial incentives, strategic investments, and infrastructure development. Beginning in 2021, the GoC announced a series of six refundable Clean Economy Investment Tax Credits (ITCs) to help Canada transition to clean energy while growing the economy and supporting green innovation. These ITCs, which include Carbon Capture, Utilization, and Storage; Clean Technology; Clean Hydrogen; Clean Technology Manufacturing; Clean Electricity (proposed); and Electric Vehicle Supply Chain (proposed), provide businesses and other investors with the certainty needed to invest and build in Canada. These ITCs are expected to result in the GoC providing more than CAD $93 billion in tax incentives by 2034. In 2022, recognizing the role of Indigenous communities in environmental stewardship, Canada launched the Indigenous Leadership Fund, a program under the Low Carbon Economy Fund. This fund supports Indigenous-owned and Indigenous-led projects focusing on renewable energy, energy efficiency, and low-carbon heating projects led by First Nations, Inuit, and Métis governments, communities, and organizations. |
| Chile | In Chile, the main policy debates concerning the incorporation of net zero emissions targets into Science, Technology, Knowledge and Innovation (STKI) policies focus on strategically orienting research and innovation to hasten the necessary technological transitions in crucial sectors such as energy, mining, transport, agribusiness, and buildings. A key aspect of these discussions is whether the current architecture of financing and R&D instruments is sufficiently aligned with climate goals, especially with the nation's commitment to achieving carbon neutrality by 2050, as stipulated in the Framework Law on Climate Change (2022). Actors from academia, technology centres, and environmental organisations have advocated for bolstering public investment in clean technologies, circular economy models, and nature-based solutions. They argue that the CTCI should be an integral pillar of climate policy. Conversely, business sectors and some technical organisations favour a more gradual and technology-neutral approach. They emphasise enabling conditions for innovation driven by market forces and international competitiveness, leading to debates on the balance between regulation, public subsidies, and incentives for technological development spearheaded by the private sector. These discussions have led to tangible actions such as prioritising green hydrogen as a strategic innovation pole, strengthening CORFO's Transforma Energía programme, and designing sectoral technology agendas for electromobility, energy storage, and waste management. The debate on the role of applied science in climate change adaptation has also intensified. Moreover, there is a growing need to align ANID and CORFO instruments with mitigation and resilience goals through inter-ministerial and inter-territorial approaches. In summary, while an emerging consensus recognises the CTCI as a catalyst for socioecological transitions, differences persist regarding the pace, approach, and institutional mechanisms required to realise this strategic shift. |
| China | China has made a significant commitment to strive for peak carbon dioxide emissions by 2030 and achieve carbon neutrality by 2060. To realise this goal, the Chinese government has implemented the Ten Actions, one of which is the innovation-driven green and low-carbon technology initiative. The government has introduced an Implementation Plan for Science and Technology to Support Carbon Peak and Carbon Neutrality (2022-2030) which proposed ten actions to advance science and technology for green and low-carbon energy transition, to achieve breakthroughs in low-carbon and zero-carbon industrial process restructuring technologies, to tackle key technologies for low-carbon and zero-carbon buildings and transportation, to enhance capabilities in carbon removal and non-co₂ greenhouse gas emission reduction technologies, to promote cutting-edge disruptive low-carbon technology innovation, to demonstrate low-carbon and zero-carbon technologies, to strengthen management and decision-making support for carbon peak and carbon neutrality goals, to foster synergistic collaboration among carbon neutrality innovation projects, research bases, and talent development, to cultivate and support green and low-carbon technology enterprises, to boost international cooperation on carbon peak and carbon neutrality technology innovation, to Boost International Cooperation on Carbon Peak and Carbon Neutrality Technology Innovation . Platforms such as the National Green Technology Trading Center are being leveraged to facilitate the commercialisation of green technologies. Funding is provided for basic research and frontier technology development in low-carbon and zero-carbon fields. Additionally, talent cultivation is prioritised, with 31 first-level disciplines and 38 undergraduate programmes related to "Dual Carbon" currently available nationwide. Demonstration projects for advanced green and low-carbon technologies have been implemented. A list of such demonstration projects has been released, along with the National Catalogue of Advanced Green and Low-Carbon Technology Achievements to promote the adoption of cutting-edge solutions. |
| Costa Rica | In Costa Rica, the policy debates on integrating net zero emission targets within the framework of Science, Technology, and Innovation (STI) are primarily focused on leveraging research and innovation to expedite the country's decarbonization efforts. This is in alignment with the National Decarbonization Plan 2018–2050. There is a significant emphasis on prioritizing public R&D investments in areas such as clean technologies, sustainable mobility, the circular economy, and energy transitions. Additionally, there is a concerted effort to enhance innovation capabilities in regions beyond the Greater Metropolitan Area. Key stakeholders, including the Ministry of Science, Technology and Telecommunications (MICITT), the Ministry of Environment and Energy (MINAE), academia, and private sector participants, are engaged in discussions. These discussions aim to align STI instruments with climate action objectives. Proposed strategies include the establishment of mission-oriented funds, the development of green innovation clusters, and the implementation of regulatory sandboxes to foster the growth of emerging clean technologies. These initiatives are designed to create a robust framework that supports Costa Rica's ambitious goals for achieving net zero emissions, thereby contributing to global environmental sustainability efforts. |
| Croatia | The 'Low-carbon Development Strategy of the Republic of Croatia until 2030 with a view to 2050' (LTS) serves as an overarching document guiding Croatia's transition towards a low-carbon economy and efficient resource use in the pursuit of sustainable development. It outlines three scenarios demonstrating the potential for reducing greenhouse gas emissions in Croatia, with the implementation of policies and measures across all sectors, particularly energy, transport, construction, industry, agriculture, and waste management. All sectoral strategies and plans should align with the Strategy and with the concept of low-carbon development. The Integrated National Energy and Climate Plan of the Republic of Croatia for 2021 to 2030 (NECP) is a ten-year plan that aligns with the LTS. It covers all relevant sectors and sets out measures to ensure climate neutrality while maintaining energy security and affordability. The policies and measures aim to contribute to the five dimensions of the energy union: decarbonization, energy efficiency, energy security, the internal energy market, and research, innovation, and competitiveness. Before the NECP was outlined, broad consultations were held with experts from various sectors to openly debate gaps and opportunities, in order to select appropriate policies and measures that will enable a green transition and achieve climate goals. In 2023, a revision of the NECP was initiated to enable the implementation of the new energy and climate EU legislative package "Ready for 55" and Croatia to make a proportionate contribution to the common EU goal of reducing greenhouse gas emissions by -55% by 2030 compared to 1990, and achieving climate neutrality by 2050. After an extensive public consultation process, in March 2025 Croatian Government adopted the revised NECP. Croatia is striving to redirect capital flows towards green and sustainable investments to facilitate sustainable and inclusive growth. Public funds, both national and from the EU, are being heavily invested in projects and infrastructure that contribute to climate goals. For instance, in the period 2021-2029 at least 37% of funds from the National Recovery and Resilience Plan and at least 30% from the Competitiveness and Cohesion Program (ESI Funds) are allocated for such purposes. Furthermore, all public investment types must undergo a climate verification test to assess their contribution to the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions and adaptation to climate change. This process follows the principles of 'energy efficiency first' and 'do no significant harm'. Alongside the ‘Low-Carbon Development Strategy of the Republic of Croatia until 2030 with a view to 2050’ and the ‘Integrated National Energy and Climate Plan of the Republic of Croatia for the period from 2021 to 2030’ (NECP), the ‘Energy Development Strategy of the Republic of Croatia until 2030 with a view to 2050’, the ‘Hydrogen Strategy of the Republic of Croatia until 2050’ is also noteworthy national strategy aiming to steer the green transition. The ‘Northern Adriatic Hydrogen Valley’ project will directly contribute to the goals of the green transition. In the context of the Hydrogen Valley Initiative, the sixth of its kind globally, Croatia has committed to exploring and developing hydrogen as a fuel for the energy, transport and other sectors, in collaboration with neighboring countries Slovenia and Italy. Furthermore, the Republic of Croatia has favorable conditions for exploiting geothermal energy accumulated in the underground of the Pannonian Basin, which is characterized by a geothermal gradient as much as 60% higher than the European average. However, the potential of geothermal energy needs to be encouraged through new tenders for the exploration and exploitation of geothermal water for energy purposes. Furthermore, when talking about RDI, sustainability is a cross-cutting theme of Croatian Smart Specialization Strategy until 2029 (S3 2029). Four out of seven TPAs defined by the Croatian S3 2029 reflect green transition goals: Smart and Clean Energy, Smart and Green Transport, Sustainable and Circular Food, and Customized and Integrated Wood Products. The S3 allocates significant consideration to advanced technologies and solutions that will support the sustainable agenda. In order to further support the green and digital transition, the Croatian Government in June 2023 signed a Loan Agreement in the amount of EUR 106 million with the International Bank for Reconstruction and Development (IBRD) for the project “Digital, Innovative and Green Technologies (DIGIT project)” to be implemented until 2028. The project aims to facilitate the digital transformation and green transition of the economy, increase resources for applied research and experimental development, and supports the Croatian Government's efforts to strengthen institutional capacity for the implementation of research and innovation policies. DIGIT activities will finance research and innovation through grants, with a focus on digital and green technologies, and will complement and increase the efficiency of investments and build the capacity of institutions to implement this plan. DIGIT will also support reforms envisaged in the Croatian NRRP 2021-2026, S3 2029, operations funded from ESI funds Competitiveness and Cohesion Program 2021-2027, and activities relevant to Croatia's accession to the OECD. |
| Cyprus | In March 2023, the Council of Ministers adopted the new Smart Specialisation Strategy (S3) of Cyprus for the period 2023-2030, based on a study conducted by the Technopolis group. This strategy aligns with European and national policies, including the long-term "Vision 2035", the reforms and investments under the Recovery and Resilience Plan (RRP), and the European Green Deal, which emphasize green and digital transitions. The S3, which is integrated into the National R&I Strategy for 2024-2026, sets priorities in areas such as digital technologies, agrifood, renewable energy, maritime and shipping, and the environment. These priorities both directly and indirectly support the achievement of net zero emission targets through research and innovation (R&I). In 2021, Cyprus introduced a new National Governance system to develop and implement strategies related to the Green Deal. This system is designed to effectively coordinate national actions for the European Green Deal and oversee the revision of the National Energy and Climate Plan (NECP) in cooperation with the R&I ecosystem. The governance structure includes the Council of Ministers, a Ministerial Committee for the Green Deal, a Coordination Team/Secretariat, and 13 Technical Committees focusing on various aspects such as Energy Security, Circular Economy, Smart Mobility, and Renewable Energy Sources (RES). The Department of Merchant Shipping, Research, Innovation, Digitalisation, and Competitiveness (DMRID) manages Technical Committee 5 (TC5), which advises the ministerial committee on leveraging the R&I ecosystem to meet the objectives of the European Green Deal. Meanwhile, the Ministry of Energy, Commerce, and Industry (MECI) oversees Technical Committee 13 (TC13), which is dedicated to advancing the production and use of Hydrogen, particularly green Hydrogen. This committee also addresses regulatory issues related to the licensing of Hydrogen production projects. Additionally, Cyprus has secured technical support from the European Commission to develop a National Strategy for promoting the production and use of Hydrogen across various sectors, including electricity, transport, and industry. The NECP for 2021-2030 details Cyprus' national targets for the next decade and lays the groundwork for an ambitious long-term strategy aimed at minimizing greenhouse gas emissions by 2050. It covers all five dimensions of the Energy Union and outlines the policies and measures necessary to meet the national energy and climate obligations for 2030, with a particular focus on R&I. |
| Czechia | A secure, affordable, and environmentally sustainable energy supply is essential for the functioning of the economy. These three principles, often referred to as the 'energy trilemma', highlight the challenge of achieving stability, affordability, and sustainability simultaneously. The primary goal of energy policy is to balance these three overarching objectives, considering the existing baseline. To realise this vision, five strategic priorities have been established, aligning with the European pillars under the Energy Union framework. These priorities include energy security, decarbonisation of the energy mix, energy efficiency, international cooperation along with internal market and infrastructure development, and education coupled with research, development, and innovation. Currently, the immediate challenges that need addressing include fulfilling the Czech Republic's European and international commitments in energy and climate protection, managing a controlled transition away from coal and other fossil fuels while ensuring self-sufficiency and resource adequacy, safely decarbonising the heating sector using natural gas as a transitional fuel, and gradually replacing natural gas with low-carbon and renewable gases. These steps are critical in moving towards a more sustainable energy management system. |
| Denmark | In 2020, Denmark launched the "Future Green Solutions - Strategy for investments in green research, technology, and innovation". This strategy focuses on seven selected themes, four of which are designated as missions based on Denmark's areas of expertise. Each mission involves a broad partnership, bringing together stakeholders from across the research and productivity chain. Climate partnerships are established to seek funding from the Innovation Fund, which annually allocates resources to these missions. The strategy provides a strategic approach to public investments and ensures coverage of the entire technology readiness level (TRL) chain. The Innovation Fund is granted a green mandate to distribute grants in alignment with the outlined missions and themes. Additionally, the green strategy underscores various initiatives within the research field that integrate net-zero emissions targets into STI policies. These initiatives include the establishment of green education programmes, a roadmap for research-based public sector services, a national robot strategy, a roadmap for research infrastructure, and the new ESS-strategy 2.0 (European Spallation Source). In 2021, the Danish government reached an agreement with the farming sector to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 55-65% by 2030. This agreement is supported by significant investments in green technologies to aid the transition to sustainability in the farming sector. The latest initiative, “Fart på Fremtiden” (“Accelerating the Green Solutions of the Future – A Strengthened Effort for Green Research, Innovation, and Climate Solutions”, 2024), sees the Danish government allocating at least DKK 15 billion (approximately EUR 2 billion) to green research and innovation until 2030. The initiative aims to facilitate the transition of new green technologies and solutions from the laboratory into society. |
| Egypt | Egypt is witnessing accelerating positive policy momentum related to integrating net-zero carbon emissions goals into science, technology, and innovation policies, especially after its successful hosting of COP27 in 2022. This event served as an important starting point for stimulating dialogue between government agencies, research institutions, and the private sector on the need to align national science, technology, and innovation agendas with climate goals. Discussions focus on prioritizing investment in research and development in clean technology areas, such as renewable energy, sustainable agriculture, water efficiency, and low-carbon transportation. While the Ministries of Environment and Higher Education and Scientific Research have taken steps to support green innovation, a promising vision is emerging to build national capacity in climate technologies by enhancing university-industry collaboration and expanding international partnerships. However, challenges remain related to capacity building, funding mechanisms, and policy coherence across different ministries. Ongoing discussions include the importance of implementing the National Climate Change Strategy 2050, along with growing calls to integrate carbon neutrality goals into existing programs, such as the National Strategy for Science, Technology, and Innovation and the Decent Life Initiative. These discussions reflect a growing awareness of the importance of the research and innovation system as a key element in driving Egypt's energy transformation and consolidating its role as a pioneer in adopting knowledge- and technology-based climate policies. |
| Estonia | EEstonia has committed to becoming a competitive, climate-neutral country by 2050, fostering a knowledge-based society and economy. In pursuit of this goal, the government has restructured its ministerial framework, establishing a separate ministry dedicated to climate and the living environment. This reorganisation underscores the government's prioritisation of climate neutrality. The government has endorsed several objectives to achieve climate neutrality. These include boosting the production of renewable energy and hastening the shift to a circular economy to maximise the reuse of natural resources and raw materials while reducing waste. Additionally, efforts are being made to curb carbon emissions in transport, construction, and natural resource utilisation. There is also a focus on promoting environmentally friendly solutions across all sectors and revising tax policy to support these initiatives. R&D and innovation are crucial tools in aiding the transition to climate neutrality. The challenge lies in aligning research and innovation activities more closely with climate neutrality objectives. This involves fostering collaboration between researchers and companies and encouraging the development of green technologies. The focus areas and roadmaps outlined in the Research, Development, Innovation and Entrepreneurship Strategy 2021-2035 support the pursuit of climate neutrality. |
| European Union | The transition towards climate neutrality by 2050 gives energy a central role, as energy is today responsible for more than 75% of the EU’s greenhouse gas emissions. In the new policy context of competitiveness, it is also important that the net zero transition is implemented at a global level to create an equal level playing field for all industries. There is converging evidence that the EU 2030 and 2050 climate targets are out of reach without the quick deployment of innovative technologies for climate neutrality in the energy sector and by energy-intensive industries. Increasing the share of renewable energy sources and clean energy carriers, as well as improving energy efficiency, are essential steps to reach climate neutrality. This underlines the need for clear directionality and support through STI policies. In addition, STI policies need to look beyond traditional R&I goals and towards time-critical achievements with an outlook on deployment at a real scale. This requires links and synergies with other policies and instruments with the aim to create and help implement innovation and investment pipelines. Synergy efforts may include activities under the SET Plan and the ERA structural policy “Making the SET Plan a key thematic component of the ERA” as well as the ERA action on “Accelerating the R&I investments for Europe’s industrial transformation and competitive sustainability” under the 2025-2027 ERA Policy Agenda. On the R&I side, this involves strategies to bring a portfolio of innovative and sustainable under development to higher technology readiness levels and towards first-of-a-kind installations. Transport is the only sector where greenhouse gas emissions have increased in the past three decades, rising 33.5% between 1990 and 2019. The transport sector is responsible for 23% of CO2 emissions in the EU, with over 70% coming from road transportation, and remains dependent on oil for 92% of its energy demand. It is also a major cause of air pollution, noise, and a significant source of water pollution. An irreversible shift towards zero-emission mobility is essential for the success of the European Green Deal, which requires a much more sustainable transport system in Europe. Research and innovation (R&I) must focus on actions to transform supply-based transport to demand-driven, safe, climate-neutral, and sustainable mobility and transport services for passengers and freight. The Sustainable and Smart Mobility Strategy accelerates the deployment of zero-emission vehicles, such as electric and hydrogen-powered transport, and smart mobility solutions, including digital traffic management and autonomous driving technologies. This strategy ensures a comprehensive approach to transforming EU mobility, emphasising decarbonisation, digitalisation, and resilience across transport networks. It also targets R&I, which is essential to develop and deploy competitive, sustainable, and circular products and services, ensure that clean vehicles and fuels are supplied by the industry, put in place the necessary infrastructure, and incentivise demand by end-users. The Automotive Action Plan supports R&I in electric and hybrid vehicle technologies, as well as infrastructure improvements for charging and hydrogen fuelling, to facilitate a shift towards cleaner transport solutions. The plan promotes smart manufacturing processes and the incorporation of digital technologies like connectivity and automation to enhance efficiency and reduce environmental impact. Cities, which occupy only 4% of the EU’s land area but are home to 75% of EU citizens, play a pivotal role in achieving climate neutrality by 2050, the goal of the European Green Deal. Cities consume over 65% of the world’s energy and account for more than 70% of global CO2 emissions. R&I is needed to support cities in accelerating their green and digital transformation. The Cities Mission will support local authorities, citizens, businesses, investors, as well as regional and national authorities to deliver 100 climate-neutral and smart cities by 2030. This mission will ensure that these cities act as experimentation and innovation hubs for green STI solutions in urban development, transportation, and local energy systems to enable all European cities to follow suit by 2050. Additionally, the Mission on Adaptation to Climate Change focuses on supporting EU regions, cities, and local authorities in their efforts to build resilience against the impacts of climate change. This Mission is a key contributing vector to the EU’s adaptation strategy by helping EU regions better understand the climate risks they face, develop their pathways to be better prepared and cope with the changing climate, and test and deploy on the ground innovative solutions needed to build resilience. |
| Finland | In Finland, current policy debates around net zero transitions focus on aligning Science, Technology, and Innovation (STI) policy with ambitious climate goals. This involves balancing innovation incentives and regulatory measures, with a central theme being the acceleration of the development and uptake of clean technologies. Tailored STI approaches are being discussed for different sectors, such as energy, transport, and agriculture, acknowledging that a one-size-fits-all strategy is insufficient. Key STI instruments include Business Finland’s Zero Carbon Future and Circular Transition for Zero Waste missions. These initiatives aim to reduce emissions, support sustainable innovation, and enhance international competitiveness. Between 2021 and 2023, Finland allocated more than 40% of its funding from the EU’s Resilience and Recovery Funding (RRF) to accelerate the green transition and digitalisation. A significant amount of this funding was channelled to Research, Development, and Innovation (RDI) activities through Business Finland and to research activities through the Research Council of Finland. Additionally, the Atmosphere and Climate Competence Center (ACCC) Flagship supports Finland’s adaptation and mitigation efforts through public-private collaboration and the development of climate services. The 2024 updated Industry Low-Carbon Roadmaps are another central element in STI-related climate policy. These roadmaps reflect sector-specific emission reduction strategies and investment needs in a changing geopolitical and economic context. The process has strengthened sectoral ownership and created a clearer understanding of cross-sectoral linkages in decarbonisation. Finland also emphasises the importance of international collaboration in net zero innovation. Achieving global climate targets requires shared knowledge, joint R&D efforts, and harmonised policy approaches across borders. |
| France | The 2025 Climate Plan, adopted on July 6, 2017, demonstrates a strong commitment from the French Government to combat climate change, aiming for carbon neutrality by 2050. This plan supports the objective of climate neutrality and builds upon the French Law on Energy Transition and Green Growth (LTECV). The National Low-Carbon Strategy (Stratégie nationale bas carbone - SNBC) outlines strategic guidelines to achieve carbon neutrality, setting specific targets for various sectors such as transport, buildings, and industry, to meet this global climate objective by 2050. Additionally, the multi-annual energy programme (PPE) details action priorities within the energy sector, including the construction of new power plants and renovation action plans. This programme is further enhanced by more thematic strategies for specific primary energies or energy carriers, such as the recently published Green Hydrogen strategy. Moreover, the French government has committed to various international and European Union agreements, including the “Green Pact,” which aims for a 55% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions by 2030. The General Secretariat for Ecological Planning, which reports to the Prime Minister, coordinates the development and implementation of national strategies concerning climate, energy, biodiversity, and the circular economy. This ensures that these strategies are executed across all relevant ministries and translated into concrete action plans. Research and innovation (R&I) at the national level is primarily conducted through the France 2030 directed investment plan, which addresses all sectors crucial for economic, environmental, and societal challenges. Within each macro subject, such as transport, France 2030 acceleration strategies provide tools across all Technology Readiness Levels (TRLs) to achieve policy objectives. This includes research programmes called PEPR (Programme et Equipement Prioritaires de Recherche - Priority Research Program and Equipment), with budgets ranging from €20 to €80 million over periods of 5 to 8 years, targeting TRLs 1 to 3/4. Additionally, calls for projects aimed at technology maturation (TRL 4 - 7) encourage the development of projects, generally in partnership, for clearly defined objectives. For Science, Technology, and Innovation (STI), calls for projects and complementary tools are financed by the France 2030 structural investment programme. This aims to provide multi-year funding for initiatives that also support major national objectives. The most impactful schemes for "net zero" include specific structures to foster public/private collaboration in 15 TRL 4-7 fields, such as IRTs (technological research institutes) and ITEs (energy transition institutes). These aim to develop independent structures that bring together public and private players and are funded by the state budget. Depending on the subject, structures that enable the valorisation of public research (SATTs) can also drive innovation towards "net zero". Calls for project proposals, or major breakthrough programmes, also address "net zero" issues at higher TRLs (7-9), contributing to the financing of large-scale industrial projects. |
| Georgia | The strategic document of the Government of Georgia "Georgia's Development Strategy- Vision 2030" is based on the common aspiration of the people to build a strong and democratic state, which implies sustainable and inclusive economic development, social equality, reduction of regional inequality, greater access to quality healthcare, education, and other public goods, an ecologically clean and healthy environment, strengthening democracy, and strengthening security and stability. The Government Program for 2025-2028 also focuses on the development of renewable energy sources (wind, solar, biomass) and the introduction of new technologies will continue to be supported. Special attention will be given to the development and implementation of generation projects with regulatory functions. Georgia has a number of legal policy instruments focused on environmental regulations that promote research, development, and innovation activities in areas such as energy efficiency, renewable energy, and sustainable development. While not all of these instruments are explicitly dedicated to R&D, they create a framework conducive to innovation and the development of sustainable technologies. Some key instruments include: Georgia Climate Change Strategy 2030, The Law on Energy Efficiency, The Law on Renewable Energy, Strategy for Sustainable Development of Aquaculture in Georgia for 2024-2028, Environmental Protection and Rural Development-2030, National Environmental Action Program (NEAP), Law on the Protection of Atmospheric Air and etc. In accordance with the Association Agreement between the EU and Georgia and the Association Agenda, Georgia gradually approximated the waste management legislation with the EU standards. Georgia's National Environmental Action Program outlines the country's strategy for addressing environmental issues, including sustainable management of natural resources, pollution control, and biodiversity conservation. The NEAP emphasizes research, monitoring, and innovative approaches to environmental challenges. Georgia has introduced various programs to promote energy efficiency and renewable energy. These programs, which support both public and private sector initiatives, encourage scientific research and technological innovation in the field of energy sustainability. They focus on solar, wind, and hydroelectric power generation, aiming to reduce the environmental impact of energy production. GITA promotes the development of green technologies and facilitates the establishment of research initiatives that contribute to sustainable practices in sectors like energy, waste management, and agriculture. The Ministry of Environmental Protection and Agriculture of Georgia (MEPA) oversees the implementation of policies related to environmental protection, biodiversity conservation, and sustainable agricultural practices. MEPA promotes research and development initiatives in these areas, often working with international partners to align Georgia’s environmental regulations with global standards. Georgia has made significant strides in the development and integration of green technologies to support sustainable management practices within protected areas. Research funding is provided to explore innovative agricultural technologies that reduce environmental impact, such as smart irrigation and precision farming. Several research institutions in Georgia focus on the development of green technologies, often in collaboration with international organizations and universities. Funding and support are provided to local universities and research institutions for projects that focus on developing environmentally friendly technologies, especially in the fields of renewable energy, energy storage, and sustainable materials. From the “Horizon Europe” perspective, policy dialogue on net-zero transitions emphasizes leveraging EU funding to bolster Georgia's efforts towards low-carbon innovation. Stakeholders are becoming more cognisant of the opportunities available through Horizon Europe clusters, particularly Cluster 5, as well as mission areas and EU partnerships that focus on achieving climate neutrality. The National Horizon Europe Office plays a pivotal role by providing technical guidance and conducting awareness-raising activities. These efforts are designed to assist Georgian researchers and innovators who are keen to participate in EU consortia, specifically in the sectors of energy, mobility, and environmental research and innovation (R&I). |
| Germany | The Federal Government is convinced that finding sustainable and socially equitable solutions for protecting the climate, the environment, natural resources and biodiversity can only be achieved based on scientific knowledge. In order to achieve climate-neutrality by 2045, Germany aims for an innovation- and technology-driven transformation towards sustainability. The Federal Government values sustainability as a strong driver for technological and social innovations, for example in the areas of climate and energy or sustainable mobility. Through the Special Fund for Infrastructure and Climate Neutrality, it enables increased investment in climate protection and transformation, digitalisation, research and technology, as well as energy and mobility infrastructures. The Federal Government puts great emphasis on the energies of the future and continues to support a mix of innovative technologies such as fusion technology, green hydrogen, power-to-X and geothermal technologies. It sees hydrogen as an important building block for the decarbonisation of energy-intensive industries and for sector coupling between industry, transport, heat supply and electricity. For this reason, it is actively ramping up the R&D funding in the field of hydrogen, as well as the training of skilled professionals as part of the National Hydrogen Strategy (NWS), which was updated in 2023. Through funding the Hydrogen Flagship Projects and the IPCEI Hydrogen, the Federal Government addresses the entire value chain – from the production of hydrogen and its derivatives to its transport and real-world application. As an additional component for the energy transition in the transport sector and in industrial applications, the Federal Government is also fostering battery research. It has adopted the Umbrella Concept for Battery Research as the funding policy framework for all aspects of this area. The Fraunhofer Research Institution for Battery Cell Production FFB, which is currently being built, is intended to boost technology development at the interface between research and industrial production. Thus, the Federal Government will support the development of battery cell production, including the extraction of raw materials, recycling and mechanical and plant engineering. To deal with hard-to-abate and residual emissions in industry, the Federal Government is supporting the R&D of technologies for the capture and subsequent storage or use of carbon dioxide in the energy intensive basic industries: Carbon Dioxide Removal (CDR), Carbon Capture and Utilization (CCU) and Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS). It will also explore the Direct Air Capture (DAC) as a potential future technology to leverage negative emissions. Furthermore, it aims to continue the policy initiatives for the decarbonisation of industry, including the funding programme Carbon Contracts for Difference (CCfD). |
| Greece | Greece aims to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 55% by 2030 (compared to 2005 levels) and achieve net zero by 2050. The plan includes reaching 80% renewable electricity by 2030, reducing final energy consumption by 38%, and phasing out lignite by 2028. Additionally, a national circular economy strategy is in place to reduce waste. The Just Transition Plan (JSP) is recognized as a pivotal policy initiative in Greece, aimed at transforming regions into a lignite-free economy. Policymakers are actively collaborating with businesses and other regional stakeholders to devise economic strategies tailored to the unique capabilities and conditions of these transitioning areas. The primary objective is to allocate policy resources to sectors and actions that are deemed valuable by regional stakeholders, facilitating a smooth and effective transition. To support these efforts, significant resources have been dedicated to the development of regional strategies, specifically territorial Just Transition plans. These plans involve a wide array of stakeholders from each transition area and require policymakers and implementing organisations to develop new skills and capacities. This aspect underscores the policing challenge and highlights the necessity for a substantial learning effort from all parties involved in the Just Transition plan. Furthermore, the Research & Innovation (R&I) Strategy for the Just Transition Plan is crucial in reshaping the productive patterns of transition regions in Greece. This strategy includes a detailed roadmap for implementing interventions that aim to fulfill the strategic objectives of the Just Transition Plan (JTP) through targeted research and innovation efforts. Pilot projects in green hydrogen, included in the R&I strategy for JSP, are underway in Western Macedonia and Thessaly. Related flagship initiatives are GR-eco Islands (decarbonisation of over 40 islands using renewables, energy storage, and sustainable tourism), Smart Cities Program (EUR 230 million investment in digital and green infrastructure) and Green Transition Fund (EUR 1.6 billion to support clean energy, circular economy, and green jobs). |
| Hungary | The Hungarian Government is committed to supporting industries that facilitate the green transition as outlined in the "European Green Deal," focusing on clean technological innovations. Among the 3+1 focus areas of the Hungarian RDI policy, significant emphasis is placed on the green transition and the circular economy. This approach aligns with the National Sustainable Development Strategy 2012-2024, which advocates for corporate R&D, innovation, and both basic and applied university research in areas such as waste management, wastewater management, renewable energy sources, and the development of ecological production and consumption systems. Additionally, the strategy supports the "blue economy" through model projects, research and development, and initiatives that promote local, ecological production systems of green energy, thereby increasing the use of biomass, geothermal, hydro, solar, and wind energy, as well as agricultural by-products, agrofuels, and biogas. In Hungary’s view, to effectively harness decarbonization ambitions, Europe needs to refocus its support on the production of clean technologies, particularly those where Europe leads or where there is a strategic case for developing domestic capacity. The John von Neumann Programme is instrumental in this regard, focusing on investments in research, development, and innovation across the 3+1 RDI priority areas. One key priority is supporting the green transition and developing a circular economy by fostering solutions that address climate change and geographical challenges such as agricultural innovation and water management. This includes increasing energy efficiency, accelerating the transition to clean energy, exploiting indigenous energy sources, and supporting sustainable and smart mobility, alternative propulsion, energy storage, grid innovations, and sustainable environmental and bio-based economy strategies like waste management, cyclical and recycling technologies, and new materials. The strategic goal of producing electricity efficiently and sustainably in Hungary, without carbon dioxide emissions, is centered on the use of nuclear power plants and renewable energy sources. Nuclear energy is pivotal in achieving net-zero emissions, with the Paks II project being a priority investment. This new nuclear power plant will contribute significantly to the country's energy sovereignty and help achieve decarbonization goals. Furthermore, the extension of the Paks Nuclear Power Plant's operational lifetime and the exploration of Small Modular Reactor (SMR) technologies are also integral to these objectives. |
| Iceland | Iceland is striving for carbon neutrality before 2040 and aims to achieve a 40% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions by 2030, in line with the Paris Agreement. Its energy profile is unique, with almost 100% of its electricity and heating sourced from renewable geothermal and hydro energy. This distinct energy landscape shapes the policy debates on integrating net-zero targets into Science, Technology, and Innovation (STI) policy objectives, setting Iceland apart from nations that are more reliant on fossil fuels. Geothermal energy is the primary power source for most of Iceland, yet there is a concerted policy effort to phase out the remaining uses of fossil fuels, particularly in transportation, agriculture, and fisheries. This transition is crucial for meeting the set environmental targets. Furthermore, Iceland hosts innovative Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS) technologies, such as Carbfix, which converts CO2 into basalt. A significant policy debate is centred on the necessary support to expand these technologies. The focus is not only on managing domestic emissions from sources like geothermal plants and industrial processes but also on establishing Iceland as a centre for international CO2 storage. Another critical discussion involves the effectiveness and focus of funding mechanisms, including the Climate and Energy Fund. There is a need to ensure that these funds are directed towards projects that not only aim for net-zero targets but also have a high potential for reducing emissions. This includes both the development of new technologies and the scaling up of existing ones. |
| India | The net zero transition includes a significant shift towards clean energy alternatives, increased manufacturing capacities, enhanced energy use efficiency, and a policy push for hydrogen, including production-linked incentives. India aims to source 50% of its energy from renewable resources by 2030, and by the same year, reduce its total projected carbon emissions by one billion tonnes. Various strategies have been adopted to support this transition, focusing on shifting from current production methods to low-carbon technologies in critical sectors such as power, industry, and transport. This includes the identification of suitable technologies and the exploration of new emerging areas for investment in research and development. In line with India’s commitment to achieve net zero carbon emissions, the government has launched several key clean energy initiatives. The National Solar Mission promotes solar energy to reduce fossil fuel dependence, targeting 280 gigawatts (GW) capacity by 2030 through rooftop systems and solar parks. The National Hydrogen Mission has been launced to make India a global hub for green hydrogen, helping decarbonize sectors like steel, transport, and refining. The Perform, Achieve and Trade (PAT) Scheme improves industrial energy efficiency through tradable Energy Saving Certificates. The National Electric Mobility Mission (NEMM) encourages adoption and manufacturing of electric and hybrid vehicles for sustainable transport. Faster Adoption and Manufacturing of Hybrid and Electric Vehicles (FAME) and Production-Linked Incentive (PLI) schemes support domestic manufacturing of EVs, solar photovoltaic (PV) modules, and battery storage. Institutions like the Solar Energy Corporation of India (SECI) and Indian Renewable Energy Development Agency (IREDA) play key roles in financing and implementing these projects. Efforts are also being made to support the translation of green technologies from the laboratory to the market. The implementation of commitments as part of the G20-New Delhi Declaration, notably India’s initiative of the 'Lifestyle for Environment Mission’ (LiFE), underscores the country’s commitment to its net zero goals. These comprehensive measures illustrate India's proactive approach to achieving its ambitious environmental targets. |
| Indonesia | A major ongoing debate in Indonesia concerns the integration of the national target for Net Zero Emissions (NZE) into science, technology, and innovation (STI) policies. This debate encompasses policy objectives, design, and implementation, all of which face significant challenges related to consistency, cross-sectoral coordination, and the readiness of the national innovation ecosystem. Official planning documents such as RPJPN 2025–2045, BRIN's Grand Design, and national NZE roadmaps acknowledge the importance of STI rhetorically. However, in practice, there is a lack of synchronized regulation, funding, and concrete adoption of low-carbon technologies. The role of STI in achieving NZE remains unclear—whether it should focus solely on adaptation and mitigation or also support a transformation toward a green economy. Current STI policies tend to emphasize specific technological developments such as solar panels, batteries, and carbon capture (CCUS). Yet, they provide limited support for innovation in sustainable consumption, green social ecosystems, or low-carbon business models. Moreover, the formulation of STI policies is largely top-down and technocratic, with limited involvement from industry, civil society, and local communities. Consequently, many green technologies fail to respond to local needs or conditions. Another critical issue is the prioritization between local and global technology pathways. While some argue for focusing on locally relevant innovations—such as bioenergy from community forests or small-scale clean technologies—others prioritize global technologies like electric vehicles and hydrogen. However, Indonesia's technological self-reliance remains weak, and local research rarely reaches industrial scale. This challenge is compounded by a funding system that still favours short-term research outputs, such as publications and patents, over long-term interdisciplinary and community-based research that could drive real carbon reduction. Institutional fragmentation further impedes STI support for NZE. Agencies such as BRIN, the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources (ESDM), the Ministry of Environment and Forestry (KLHK), and the Ministry of Industry often operate overlapping programmes with poorly aligned roadmaps for green technologies. There is no central body orchestrating cross-sector NZE research. Additionally, the monitoring and evaluation (M&E) of research impact on carbon emissions remains underdeveloped. There is no national system to assess how STI contributes to emission reductions, and many green innovations fail to be integrated into budget systems or public procurement frameworks. |
| Ireland | Ireland is embedding net zero targets into Research and Innovation (R&I) policy through specific strategies such as our annual Climate Action Plan, the National Energy and Climate Plan (NECP), the Offshore Renewable Energy Development Plan (OREDP II), and the National Hydrogen Strategy. These policies prioritise R&I investment into areas critical to decarbonisation, including renewable energy, energy efficiency, sustainable mobility, low to zero carbon technologies, integrating social science research for behavioural change, and establishing impact measurement frameworks to track R&I’s contribution to achieving the Government’s objectives, including net zero targets. Furthermore, the Government’s funding of both the EPA Research Programme and the Sustainable Energy Authority Ireland (SEAI) National Energy RD&D Funding Programme is critical to support and underpin the transition to net zero. The EPA Strategy 2022 to 2026 aims to drive the transition to climate neutrality and resilience through its evidence and engagement work. The EPA Research Programme has a dedicated Research Hub on “Addressing Climate Change evidence needs” which delivers new evidence and research in support of a transition to climate neutrality. The research needs are met by collaborating with policymakers, research funders, and other key stakeholders through Environmental Research Coordination to identify and invest in key and emerging research priorities. These policy priorities are reflected by establishing regular thematic assessments of climate research priorities. The Climate Action Plan 2025 supports the reduction of emissions in energy supply and use through R&I investment in energy decarbonisation. This includes funding collaborative research centres and innovation pilots and demonstrators, enabling system-level emission reductions. The funding of pilots is designed to de-risk innovation and will therefore make clean energy more affordable. The Actions set out in CAP25 aim to mitigate fossil fuel emissions by promoting renewable gases and fuels like biomethane and green hydrogen. This is further supported by individual sectoral strategies; and complemented by investment and funding to support these industries, in order to grow and increase our renewable energy supply. Promoting RD&I in Powering Prosperity – Ireland’s Offshore Wind Strategy endeavours to foster a thriving RD&I ecosystem for the sector. The Strategy states that by 2030 Ireland will establish an Offshore Wind Centre of Excellence with a new Floating Offshore Wind Demonstrator site to support growth and innovation. There is close collaboration across Government Departments on progressing these key ambitions and corresponding detailed actions. Enterprise Ireland, IDA Ireland, Sustainable Energy Authority Ireland (SEAI) and Taighde Éireann-Research Ireland are all members of the Offshore Wind RD&I Working Group, which facilitates collaboration and communication on industry-focused RD&I. These agencies also offer an extensive range of programmes and supports to promote investment in RD&I, and it is intended to highlight these through a targeted communications campaign. The Research Ireland Co-Centre for Climate + Biodiversity + Water will be a home of research, innovation, and policy development across the interlinked challenges of climate change, biodiversity loss, and water degradation. This will be achieved through research to enable fair transformations to Net Zero, reverse biodiversity loss, restore water quality and ensure resilience for communities. The Co-Centre for Sustainable Food Systems will develop innovative and transformative solutions to transition the food system for positive and sustainable change in the transition to climate-neutrality by 2050. In order to address specific challenges centred around food system integrity and resilience, food safety and healthy diets from sustainable sources, the Co-Centre proposes to undertake a research programme across four platforms – Sustainable Food; Food Safety and Integrity; Nutrition and Health; and Food Systems Data Modelling. End-to-end solutions from soil-to-society will be developed and showcased. This collaborative initiative sees the very best minds and methods coming together to create a dynamic research network across Ireland, Northern Ireland and Great Britain. Through its research funding programmes, the Government is enabling research for sectoral decarbonisation and resilience. The Climate Action Plan, which aims to halve Ireland’s greenhouse gas emissions by 2030 and achieve carbon neutrality by 2050, underpins Ireland’s research strategy along with Food Vision 2030 and the Programme for Government. Ireland remains committed to aligning its funding mechanisms and strategic research agendas with our climate objectives, while also developing our own specific R&I strategy to further strengthen the agri-food sector’s contribution to Ireland’s transition to a climate-neutral economy. |
| Israel | Climate change has become a pivotal factor in shaping innovation planning, particularly evident in Israel's strategic inclusion of net-zero and climate objectives within its Science, Technology, and Innovation (STI) agenda. The Israeli Innovation Authority spearheads the "ClimaTech" national programme, aimed at developing the country's climate-tech ecosystem and framing climate challenges as economic opportunities. This initiative seeks to position Israel as a global leader in climate technology, targeting approximately 10% of global investment by leveraging its technological expertise. Over the past three years, the Authority has invested approximately $257 million in climate-related innovation and has initiated international collaborations, such as co-founding the "E5" Global Climate Tech Alliance with Sweden, Singapore, Finland, and Austria, to share knowledge and scale solutions globally. Major policy debates in Israel focus on aligning innovation incentives with the country's climate targets. The government has established national emission reduction goals, aiming for net zero by mid-century, but has faced criticism for its weak carbon pricing policies. This criticism has spurred discussions on enhancing R&D policy to include targeted funds for clean energy, green hydrogen, energy storage, and decarbonisation technologies. There are proposals for a special "Green Innovation Fund" and suggestions to integrate climate criteria into existing programmes. Additionally, there is a tension between research focused on mitigation and adaptation. Some experts advocate for increased investment in climate resilience, such as solutions for water scarcity and climate-proof infrastructure, rather than solely focusing on emission reductions. In practice, innovation calls now frequently highlight climate co-benefits, and several ministries including Environment, Energy, Transport, and Agriculture are coordinating with the Innovation Authority on joint pilot projects. In conclusion, while climate change is increasingly influencing the direction of STI policy, stakeholders continue to debate the extent to which net-zero goals should be prioritised, whether through market-based R&D incentives or government-led missions. There is also ongoing discussion on how to effectively measure progress towards both innovation and sustainability objectives. |
| Italy | In 2024, the integration of net-zero emission targets into Italy’s science, technology, and innovation (STI) policy is a pivotal issue in the national policy debate. This initiative is aimed at aligning STI strategies with the climate neutrality objectives outlined in the European Green Deal and Italy’s National Energy and Climate Plan (NECP). The primary goal is to expedite the development and deployment of low-carbon technologies and to foster systemic innovation across critical sectors such as energy, mobility, industry, and agriculture. The National Research Programme (PNR) 2021–2027 and the National Recovery and Resilience Plan (NRRP) have earmarked substantial investments for green technologies, renewable energy, energy efficiency, sustainable transport, and the circular economy. These plans promote public-private partnerships, extended research collaborations, and innovation ecosystems to encourage cross-sectoral solutions for decarbonization. Italy has also committed to developing a comprehensive hydrogen value chain that includes production, transportation, and storage. As part of this commitment, the National Recovery and Resilience Plan (NRRP) has allocated targeted investments for hydrogen initiatives. Furthermore, Italy has launched calls for research and innovation projects on hydrogen and has been instrumental in the creation of hydrogen valleys. Efforts also include the utilization of hydrogen in rail and road transport and transitioning hard-to-abate sectors to hydrogen, with a total investment nearing 3 billion euros. Additionally, the Italian Ministry of University and Research has initiated 12 Regional Innovation Ecosystems with a focus on climate, energy, and mobility, particularly emphasizing hydrogen. It has also created new positions for researchers and PhDs, strengthened research and technology infrastructures, including those dedicated to energy and materials, and formed extended partnerships aligned with Horizon Europe research priorities. This includes a specific partnership devoted to energy and hydrogen. Moreover, five National Centers on frontier research have been established, one of which is dedicated to sustainable mobility. |
| Japan | As stated in the Sixth STI Basic Plan, Japan aims to achieve net zero emissions of greenhouse gases by 2050 and create a circular economy through sound and efficient waste treatment and advanced recycling of resources. The plan envisions a world-leading society that fosters a virtuous cycle of economy and environment, driving economic growth through the development of green industries. To this end, it is crucial to implement three transitions: a decarbonised society, a circular economy, and a decentralised society. These transitions will reform lifestyles, the industrial structure, and the economy and society while addressing social issues. A vision and high goals are necessary, requiring collaboration between industry, academia, and government to be achieved by FY2030. In the face of increasingly serious global-scale issues, Japan will contribute to overcoming environmental challenges such as climate change and ensuring sustainability in line with the SDGs. The country aims to reduce its greenhouse gas emissions to net zero by 2050, leading globally towards net zero and promoting the transition to a circular economy. The major numerical targets in Science, Technology and Innovation Policy include achieving net zero national greenhouse gas emissions by 2050 and reaching a resource productivity of approximately 490,000 yen/ton by FY 2025. Additionally, the Roadmap of Follow-up on the Growth Strategy aims to elevate circular economy businesses to an 80 trillion yen market by FY 2030. Based on discussions with the Green Innovation Strategy Promotion Council, the government plans to achieve net zero through energy conservation and decarbonising electricity. This will involve accelerating the dissemination of technologies for the maximum introduction of renewable energy and the use of nuclear energy, always prioritising safety. The strategy includes stimulating groundbreaking innovations such as next-generation solar cells, carbon capture, utilisation and storage/carbon recycling, and hydrogen. To encourage technology adoption and social implementation, the government will advance public understanding and promote the decarbonisation of lifestyles. It will also focus on building and expanding zero-carbon cities, giving due consideration to the necessary systems and standards. With an increasing number of countries and regions declaring net zero greenhouse gas emissions and the global competition for long-term, large-scale investment in green transformation intensifying, Russia's aggression against Ukraine has reaffirmed Japan's energy security challenges. In May 2022, Prime Minister Kishida issued a directive to materialise a new policy initiative to realise over 150 trillion yen in investments over 10 years. Following this, and based on discussions at the GX Implementation Council, the "Basic Policy for the Realization of GX - Roadmap for the Next 10 Years" was approved by the Cabinet in February 2023, after public comment and other procedures. This policy aims to achieve the three goals of decarbonisation, stable energy supply, and economic growth simultaneously through the GX by making maximum use of decarbonisation technology fields where Japan has strengths. Subsequently, the "Act on Promoting Transition to the Decarbonized Growth Economic Structure (GX Promotion Act)" was enacted on May 12, 2023, which includes legislative measures necessary for the early materialisation and implementation of the pro-growth carbon pricing concept. |
| Kazakhstan | One of the central themes in STI governance is the integration of science and innovation policy with Kazakhstan’s long-term sustainable development agenda. STI policy is crucial in supporting the implementation of the Strategy for Achieving Carbon Neutrality by 2060 and the updated Concept for Transition to a Green Economy. It is expected to facilitate the development and deployment of renewable energy technologies, energy efficiency measures, and low-carbon industrial processes. Another key aspect of STI governance is the promotion of public-private partnerships and the attraction of strategic investments in vital technological sectors, such as wind and solar energy. The ongoing development of renewable energy infrastructure, supported by transparent auction mechanisms and favourable regulatory conditions, demonstrates Kazakhstan’s commitment to fostering a robust and innovation-driven energy sector. The STI policy framework also underscores the importance of building national scientific and technological capacity. This includes supporting fundamental and applied research, developing human capital, and promoting international cooperation. Initiatives to enhance commercialisation pathways and support innovation in priority sectors are integral to this approach. In conclusion, Kazakhstan’s STI policy governance is focused on ensuring coherence across strategic priorities, supporting sustainable development goals, and fostering innovation through institutional development, targeted funding instruments, and international engagement. |
| Korea | The Yoon Administration has sought to balance energy security and economic growth with net-zero targets, placing equal emphasis on both areas. Critics argue that this approach has resulted in aggressive climate action being sidelined in favour of immediate economic and geopolitical concerns. In response to these criticisms, the Yoon Administration has reintegrated nuclear power into South Korea's net-zero strategy. This energy source had been largely abandoned during the previous Moon Administration. The administration supports nuclear energy as a stable and efficient low-carbon power source, which is essential for South Korea's large manufacturing sector. It has proposed extending the lifespan of current nuclear reactors and constructing additional ones. However, concerns about safety, waste management, and the potential diversion of resources from renewable energy development remain significant. Additionally, the Yoon Administration plans to triple renewable energy production by 2038, indicating a commitment to diversifying the country's energy portfolio. A landmark ruling by the Korean Constitutional Court on 29 August 2024 has further influenced the national climate policy landscape. The Court unanimously declared that the absence of legally binding greenhouse gas (GHG) reduction targets for the period 2031–2049 violated Article 35 of the Constitution, which guarantees the right to a healthy and pleasant environment. This ruling placed an undue burden on future generations and highlighted the failure to ensure the gradual and continuous reduction of emissions necessary to combat climate change. The National Assembly was ordered to amend the law by 28 February 2026 to include specific mid- and long-term GHG reduction targets. This decision marked the first instance in Asia where a court recognised inadequate climate action as a violation of constitutional rights. |
| Latvia | No responses have been provided in 2025. |
| Lithuania | In implementation of Regulation (EU) 2024/1735 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 13 June 2024 establishing a framework of measures to strengthen the European net-zero technology manufacturing ecosystem, the Ministry of the Economy and Innovation plans to establish a national contact point to facilitate permitting procedures for net-zero technology manufacturing projects. The public institution Invest Lithuania is designated as the joint contact point responsible for facilitating and coordinating the permitting procedures for net-zero technology manufacturing projects, including strategic net-zero projects. The Innovation Agency is designated as the joint contact point responsible for providing and coordinating information on the procedures for submitting net-zero projects, publishing such information online, and developing a regulatory sandbox environment for net-zero technologies. |
| Malta | The National R&I Strategic Plan 2023-2027 has set a strategic mission to establish a robust R&I enabling framework. This framework is to be sustained by increasing investments in both public and private sector R&I, with a clear focus on the twin green and digital transitions. Malta's Smart Specialisation 2021-2027 identifies Sustainable Use of Resources for Climate Change Mitigation and Adaptation as a key thematic area. This includes niche areas such as Net Zero Carbon Buildings, Resource Efficiency in Industry, Turning Waste into Resource, and Renewable Energy Generation and Energy Storage Solutions. It is crucial that the implementation of the Smart Specialisation Strategy meticulously avoids both direct and indirect environmental impacts across all its activities. Furthermore, the Energy and Water Agency has introduced the Energy and Water Research and Innovation scheme. This initiative specifically targets the development of smart systems that facilitate the decarbonisation of energy use in both domestic and commercial buildings. It also encourages applications that focus on improving water systems, energy usage, and the development of solar and wind systems, among other sustainability-related areas. |
| Mexico | The incorporation of net zero emissions targets into national STI public policy represents a structural transformation involving multiple political-institutional, scientific, and technological dimensions. Among the main debates are: -The sectoral allocation of climate responsibilities, particularly with regard to emissions generated by productive activities. This discussion involves strategic decisions on how to distribute reduction commitments among the different emitting sectors. -The evolution of the national energy matrix, which continues to depend on fossil fuels. In this context, a gradual transition is proposed that prioritises the more efficient and less polluting use of these fuels, while making the adoption of clean technologies economically viable. -The need to incorporate interdisciplinary approaches, especially from the social sciences and humanities, as well as social technological innovation, with the aim of designing comprehensive policies that reflect a perspective of socio-environmental and territorial justice. This implies reviewing the socio-technical adequacy of the technologies adopted in relation to local realities. Institutional reforms in STI agencies. At the institutional level, the climate governance structure has been strengthened through the creation of the Undersecretariat for Sustainable Development and Circular Economy within SEMARNAT, in coordination with the General Directorate for Climate Action Policies (DGPAC) and the National Institute of Ecology and Climate Change (INECC). In addition, cross-cutting sectoral reforms have been promoted in Energy (Geothermal Energy Law and Biofuels Regulation), Agriculture (biodigesters, sustainable agricultural practices), Welfare, Transport, Waste, and other levels of government, including state and municipal authorities. Initiatives aimed at technological innovation in the energy sector. Among the relevant initiatives are the regulatory update of the Geothermal Energy Law and the Biofuels Law, as well as the process of reviewing the Nationally Determined Contributions (NDC). This process considers mitigation measures differentiated by sector, which minimise negative impacts on households and complement emissions reductions through indirect actions. Sustainable mobility: innovation in transport. The National Electric Mobility Strategy is the main policy aimed at promoting research and innovation in clean technologies for transport, with the aim of progressively decarbonising the sector and reducing its associated emissions. Transformation of the agricultural and food sector. In the agricultural sector, initiatives such as the Climate Change Action Plan for the agricultural sector, the National Seed Programme, and the Institutional Programme of the National Committee for the Sustainable Development of Sugarcane (CONADESUCA) stand out. These strategies promote the genetic improvement of plant and animal species, as well as the use of advanced technology (remote sensing, traceability) to delimit the agricultural-forestry frontier and certify deforestation-free products. Decarbonisation of the steel sector. As part of the NDC update, measures are being considered to optimise the energy efficiency of steelmaking processes, promote the circular economy and facilitate the adoption of low-emission technologies. |
| Netherlands | At the Ministry of Climate Policy and Green Growth, there is an increased focus on 'green growth' alongside the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions. The coalition agreement of 2024 highlights this shift by stating that investments in renewable energy sources and innovation are creating a favourable climate for entrepreneurship in the Netherlands. This approach not only leads to a cleaner environment but also stimulates economic growth and opens up new business opportunities. Meanwhile, at the Ministry of Education, Culture and Science, the primary focus is on enhancing the sustainability of the sectors covered by the ministry, including science. The Ministry is actively addressing this issue on multiple levels: nationally, within Europe through the coordinated and support action in WIDERA, and internationally via an OECD project. The central challenge we face is how to encapsulate the ambition to make science more sustainable in our policies or funding instruments without imposing overly complicated procedures on individual researchers. Furthermore, we are exploring ways to support and amplify grassroots initiatives. An integral part of our strategy involves integrating climate knowledge into policy-making. This is being pursued through initiatives such as a national working group under the Climate Research Initiative Netherlands (KIN) and the Science for Policy team at the ministry. |
| New Zealand | New Zealand's science, innovation, and technology (SI&T) system reforms are designed to make the system more responsive and adaptable. This will enable the sector to contribute more effectively toward achieving net zero emission targets. The reforms include updating the gene technology rules to match scientific and technological advancements. Specifically, this involves ending the effective ban on genetic engineering (GE) and genetic modification (GM) in New Zealand, as well as streamlining approvals for field trials and the use of non-GE/GM biotechnology. The Gene Technology Bill is currently progressing through the parliamentary process. Another key debate in the net zero transitions policy arena focuses on the mechanisms for translating research breakthroughs into practical, scalable solutions that can drive emissions reductions across various sectors. There is an emphasis on incentivizing collaboration among research institutions, businesses, and end-users. This collaboration aims to accelerate the adoption of low-emission technologies and practices. Additionally, intellectual property frameworks and commercialization strategies are under scrutiny to ensure that publicly funded research contributes effectively to the net zero transition. Furthermore, there is an ongoing dialogue about the role of regulation and market-based mechanisms in promoting innovative, climate-friendly technologies. For instance, the New Zealand Emissions Trading Scheme is discussed as a tool for creating demand for and driving the uptake of these technologies developed through SI&T efforts. |
| Norway | Following discussions over time, a general principle has been introduced requiring all funded projects to contribute to the transition towards a low-emission society. This principle applies across all innovation funding, encompassing business research, innovation activities, industrial infrastructure, export support, and more. Despite its broad scope, this principle sets a clear expectation from the government to national funding agencies, significantly influencing their priority mechanisms during the project selection process. Additionally, the Green Platform, a cross-agency programme supporting projects relevant to the green transition, has been operational for several years. Within this programme, projects can receive funding across the Technology Readiness Level (TRL) scale from various agencies, including those focused on research, innovation, and piloting. The Pilot-E scheme operates under a similar framework. Recently, an innovation funding scheme was introduced to support concrete value chains related to the EU's Important Projects of Common European Interest (IPCEI) initiatives. This scheme, essentially an exemption from the usual state aid rules, allows for a higher amount of national support for projects that are integral to a European Partnership. This instrument is actively utilised within the EU to foster the development of new green and digital value chains deemed strategically important. However, the directionality of this business innovation and development policy has been challenged by the Fiscal Council in its 2025 recommendations, as detailed in section 1.1. |
| Peru | Peru has set ambitious climate commitments by targeting net zero emissions by 2050, in line with the objectives of the Paris Agreement. This goal was formalized in the update of its Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC). To achieve this goal, Peru is aligning its national climate strategy with the objective of carbon neutrality by 2050, emphasizing the role of REDD+ mechanisms. To move towards carbon neutrality, it is crucial to strengthen Peru's institutional and policy framework. This enhancement will ensure the effective implementation of its national climate strategy and promote a just and inclusive energy transition. The approach includes increasing investment in clean energy and low-carbon technologies and ensuring the active participation of all societal sectors, including indigenous communities and vulnerable regions, in the formulation and implementation of climate policies. International collaboration and access to climate finance are essential to support these efforts and fulfill the commitments made. |
| Poland | Since the early 90s of the twentieth century, Poland has placed great importance on environmental protection and climate change, which was related to the modernisation of the economy and the introduction of modern technologies. Poland significantly exceeded its obligations under the implementation of the Kyoto Protocol, reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 33% in 1997, yet it did not sell surplus emission rights. Poland has presided over the Conference of the Parties to the Convention on Climate Change four times, demonstrating a strong commitment of the scientific community and leading to progress in achieving the objectives of the Convention. Polish scientists and researchers actively contribute towards achieving these objectives and the European Union's policy in this field. However, a significant portion of the population, including professional and social groups, feels threatened by the effects of the rapid transformation proposed by the European Commission. The main concerns are related to the adoption of the EU Fit for 55 package, which will entail a significant increase in electricity and heat prices and put many social groups at risk of energy poverty. Poland is also affected by the Russian-Ukrainian war, raising concerns about whether the necessary strengthening of the country's defence potential can be reconciled with incurring significant economic and social costs related to climate protection. The Polish Academy of Sciences has consistently asserted its official position on climate change, emphasising that human activity is the dominant cause of modern global warming, for which there is irrefutable scientific evidence. In Poland, the debate over how net zero emissions targets are being incorporated into science, technology, and innovation (STI) policy is gaining momentum, driven by both the country’s commitment to the EU Green Deal and its own domestic climate goals. The transition to a net-zero economy involves significant adjustments across various sectors of the economy, and there are several key issues at the heart of current policy discussions around STI and decarbonisation. These include balancing the need for rapid decarbonisation with potential economic impacts, such as job losses in coal-dependent regions, and how STI policies can support the just transition for workers and communities that depend on coal and high-emission industries. The implementation of carbon pricing mechanisms, such as carbon taxes or emissions trading systems, is a key topic in the debate about how to reduce emissions. There is also a policy debate on how STI policies can be aligned with carbon pricing mechanisms to drive the adoption of green technologies and decarbonisation in sectors that are difficult to decarbonise. Another debate is how to stimulate sufficient green investment in R&I, especially as the transition to net-zero emissions requires substantial financial resources. The availability of financing for climate-related innovation is critical, but there are concerns about whether Poland’s financial systems are prepared to meet the demands of the green transition. The main policy debates around how net-zero emissions targets are being incorporated into STI policy in Poland centre on how to manage the transition from a carbon-intensive economy to a sustainable, green future. Key concerns include supporting decarbonisation in hard-to-abate sectors, incentivising green innovation, aligning green finance with R&I, and fostering the development of sustainable urban systems and climate-smart agriculture. There is also emphasis on ensuring that the green transition is just and inclusive, with efforts to reskill workers and communities affected by decarbonisation. Balancing innovation with economic and social considerations, while meeting both domestic and EU climate commitments, is central to these policy discussions. |
| Portugal | According to the Conselho Nacional do Ambiente e do Desenvolvimento Sustentável (CNADS), Portugal's priorities include energy policies that focus on energy efficiency across all sectors, the introduction of new economic instruments to promote the energy transition, and the crucial establishment of a nationwide network of municipal 'one-stop shops' for energy. These shops are dedicated to energy literacy and facilitating access to financing instruments. It is also vital to implement local strategies to combat energy poverty. The National Energy and Climate Plan (PNEC 2030) has been updated, setting a target of 51% of renewables in the final energy consumption by 2030. Additionally, the goal to cut greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions has been set at 55% compared to 2005 levels. The RONDA initiative, a national roadmap aimed at decarbonising the aviation sector through research and development of sustainable technologies, exemplifies these ambitions. The Voluntary Carbon Market has been implemented, allowing businesses to invest in offsetting their emissions within Portugal. Furthermore, the Social Climate Fund is designed to support citizens when climate measures lead to higher bills or other unfair impacts. The establishment of the Climate Agency, which embodies the Climate Framework Law, ensures greater efficacy in implementing climate policy, planning, monitoring, and accountability to achieve carbon neutrality by 2045. The Local Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) platform is instrumental in mobilising municipalities and other relevant entities to achieve the SDGs of the UN 2030 Agenda at a local level. The 2024 report, devoted to monitoring the state of SDG indicators in the 308 municipalities, reveals the best average performance in SDG 4 – Quality Education, SDG 6 – Clean Water and Sanitation, and SDG 14 – Life Below Water. This indicates that Portugal needs to strengthen its actions towards SDG 13. Aligned with this need is the ongoing Thematic Programme for Climate Action and Sustainability, part of the Portugal 2030 strategy, which focuses on sustainability, urban mobility, and transport networks. This programme is supported by 3.1 billion euros in European funding from the Cohesion Fund to tackle challenges in the energy and climate transition. Achieving carbon neutrality by 2050 will require national R&D programmes in intelligent energy management systems, new infrastructures, energy storage, low-carbon technologies, energy efficiency, and green hydrogen. These efforts target complex climate change challenges, address knowledge gaps, and adopt increasingly interdisciplinary approaches. STI policies and funding instruments are crucial in achieving carbon neutrality. The Foundation for Science and Technology has implemented Calls under the Energy+Science programme and the Science4Policy initiative, which supports the definition and implementation of public policies, planning, foresight, and policy evaluation. This involves different government areas in diverse themes such as climate transition and sustainability. Additionally, Portugal participates in initiatives like PRIMA, focusing on water-food systems; DUT, which addresses urban transition challenges; and SBEP, directed at the blue economy at the pan-European scale. The Clean Energy Transition Partnership supports the implementation of the European Strategic Energy Technology Plan (SET Plan) and builds on existing initiatives under the SET Plan. Portugal also participates in the ERA Policy Agenda Action 11.3 ("ERA4FutureWork"), which aims to identify and recommend best practices, address gaps, and set future research and innovation investment priorities. Portugal's geopolitical position along the Atlantic axis enhances the country's initiatives in the Sea Economy. Notably, while deep-sea mining is a source of minerals for electric batteries, Portugal has applied a moratorium on deep-sea mining until 2050, recognising the biological and ecological value of this ecosystem. This decision safeguards biodiversity and the natural habitat, with significant value for the bioeconomy. |
| Republic of Moldova | Current debates around the role of research and innovation in achieving net-zero emissions targets focus on integrating green technologies, eco-innovation, and sustainable practices into key sectors such as energy, transport, agriculture, and waste management. The government has actively involved various stakeholders, including research institutions, the private sector, and environmental organisations, in shaping policies aimed at reducing emissions. The Environmental Strategy for 2024-2030 and the National Programme for Low Emissions by 2030 set the framework for this transformation, promoting the development of green technologies and research-driven solutions for pollution reduction. One of the main policy debates centres on the balance between the urgency of reducing emissions and the economic costs associated with implementing green technologies, especially in sectors that are less ready for immediate transitions, such as agriculture and heavy industry. In this context, the private sector often advocates for more flexible, gradual approaches with clear transition timelines, while researchers and environmental NGOs emphasise the need for urgent and long-term solutions. These debates also highlight differences in perceptions of feasibility and urgency between various actors. Public research institutions tend to advocate for bold, science-driven strategies focused on long-term impact, often prioritising innovative, sustainable solutions with high potential for future growth. Meanwhile, businesses are more focused on the immediate economic impact, seeking solutions that minimise costs and maintain competitiveness. NGOs push for progressive visions that centre on ecosystem protection, public participation in decision-making, and ecological justice. Government authorities, especially the Ministry of Environment, find themselves in the position of mediator, striving to reconcile these diverse perspectives and ensure that the policy responses are both scientifically grounded and socially accepted. This dynamic has shaped the National Green Economy and Circular Economy Programme and other initiatives that emphasise applied research, eco-products, and digitalisation in industrial processes, while ensuring that the economic and social realities of Moldova are adequately considered. The outcomes of these debates are reflected in the policies adopted, such as the National Climate Change Adaptation Programme and the Forest Rehabilitation Programme, which incorporate innovative approaches to environmental protection, carbon sequestration, and sustainable land and water management. Furthermore, Moldova's commitment to international agreements like the Paris Agreement is reinforced by the regular National Inventory Report on Greenhouse Gas Emissions that monitors progress and guides future policy actions. Through these frameworks, Moldova seeks to ensure that its path to net-zero emissions is not only scientifically and economically viable but also socially inclusive and environmentally just. |
| Romania | The National Hydrogen Strategy, which is soon to be approved following its strategic environmental impact assessment procedure, targets the promotion of green hydrogen and RDI-related funding among other objectives. This strategy aligns with the national smart specialization priorities outlined in the SNCISI 2021-2027, particularly in the sectors of "Energy and mobility". Similarly, regional RIS 3 documents echo these priorities. The SNCISI also addresses energy and climate within its list of societal challenges, focusing on the energy transition towards decarbonisation. Under the new SNCISI 2022-2027, various R&I programmes may support technologies that directly address the net zero emission targets. In a broader scope, the Romanian government is adopting a whole-of-government approach to RDI funding related to climate change. This includes a national project that mirrors the EU Mission 100 Smart and Climate Neutral Cities by 2030. Initially, this project supported the three Romanian municipalities participating in the EU initiative. Subsequently, an additional ten Romanian cities were selected to learn about climate city contracts and to receive financial support where possible. The Committee managing the M100 initiative tailors funding mechanisms to local specificities and available funding solutions. The M100 initiative focuses on developing decarbonisation strategies within cities, covering energy, transportation, buildings, industry, and agriculture, and includes educational and RDI components dedicated to these efforts. Moreover, the relevant ministry in the field of transport is engaged in extensive quantitative and qualitative analyses to identify areas vulnerable to the risks associated with climate change and to determine where infrastructure needs modernisation and rehabilitation. This effort aims to enhance resilience to climate change. Various public institutions and administrations from the transport sector are participating in relevant EU or international projects, such as PIONEERS (Portable Innovation Open Network for Efficiency and Emissions Reduction Solutions). |
| Serbia | Serbia has taken a pioneering step in its commitment to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by becoming the first country to develop the (STI) Roadmap for the SDGs, utilizing the smart specialization approach. This initiative, supported by the European Commission’s Joint Research Centre and UNIDO, has integrated the SDGs into the Smart Specialisation Strategy Serbia (4S) and led to the creation of the STI Roadmap for SDGs in 2021. Despite the success of this strategic framework, challenges persist that fuel ongoing policy debates. A central issue is how to effectively incentivize research and development of innovative solutions that contribute to achieving net zero emissions. Discussions are centered on the role of government in promoting research and innovation through regulatory frameworks, setting standards, and providing financial incentives such as subsidies. There is also consideration of more robust government interventions, including setting ambitious national targets and designing regulatory measures to foster innovation and hasten the transition towards climate neutrality. The integration of net zero emission targets into Serbia’s STI policy is increasingly recognized as crucial, though a fully coordinated approach is yet to be established. Net zero objectives have been partially incorporated into strategic frameworks like the 4S, with horizontal priority domains that include renewable energy, energy efficiency, and green technologies. This evolving focus highlights the importance of aligning research and innovation policies more closely with net zero targets to ensure a sustainable future. |
| Slovak Republic | The transition to a net-zero emission economy in Slovakia is generating intense debates about the role of research and innovation (R&I) in achieving these ambitious goals. Central to these discussions is the recognition that technological advancements, particularly in renewable energy, energy storage, and green manufacturing, are crucial for decarbonisation. However, opinions differ on how aggressively the government should promote these innovations. Environmental organisations and progressive political groups are advocating for a rapid shift towards green technologies. They urge policymakers to significantly increase funding for R&I in clean energy sectors and industries that are difficult to decarbonise, such as heavy industry and transport. This includes the development of green hydrogen technologies and carbon capture and storage (CCS) solutions. Conversely, representatives from traditional energy sectors and manufacturing express concerns about the pace of change. They argue that Slovakia's heavy reliance on coal and the challenges faced by industrial sectors necessitate a more gradual approach. These stakeholders emphasise the need for transition technologies such as carbon-neutral fossil fuels and energy efficiency improvements. They also highlight the importance of creating a favourable regulatory framework that incentivises innovation without compromising economic stability or job security. The Slovak government finds itself caught between these opposing views. Some ministries are pushing for stronger environmental commitments, while others advocate for a balance between green innovation and economic feasibility. Recent policy shifts have seen the government aligning more closely with EU climate targets, such as increasing investment in sustainable R&I through EU funds. However, some activists and researchers believe that these actions are still inadequate and call for more bold and urgent policies. There is also a growing recognition of the need for collaboration between different sectors and actors. University-led research has seen increased interest from both the public and private sectors, highlighting the role of innovation hubs, startups, and international partnerships in driving the green transition. While Slovakia is working within the EU framework of green research initiatives like Horizon Europe, there are calls for more tailored domestic policies that connect research outputs directly to real-world applications. Some policymakers advocate for more direct government support to bridge the gap between research and commercialisation, while others believe that the market should drive innovation, supported by clear regulatory frameworks. Ultimately, Slovakia’s path towards net zero is still evolving, with ongoing debates about how research, innovation, and policy can align to achieve the ambitious targets set by the EU and the country itself. |
| Slovenia | Slovenia is actively integrating net-zero emissions targets into its strategies and legislation, significantly influencing the policy of scientific research and innovation activities. The Long-Term Climate Strategy (LTCS) and the National Energy and Climate Plan (NECP) are pivotal in this integration. Both documents outline Slovenia's ambition to become a climate-neutral society by 2050, emphasising efficient resource management and economic competitiveness. They set strategic sectoral targets for transport, energy, industry, and agriculture. The Resolution on the National Programme of Higher Education to 2030, adopted in 2022, identifies green higher education as a crucial driver of sustainable development. Similarly, the Resolution on the Slovenian Scientific Research and Innovation Strategy 2030 provides a strategic framework for addressing challenges in the field of zero emissions. Specific measures and targets are detailed in the revised NECP, a strategic action-oriented document mandated by EU Regulation 2018/1999 on the governance of the Energy Union and climate action. The NECP sets objectives, policies, and actions up to 2030 (with a view to 2040) across five dimensions of the Energy Union: decarbonisation, energy efficiency, energy security, the internal market, and research, innovation, and competitiveness. Research and innovation measures are also supported by the national Climate Fund and could be implemented through the Research and Innovation Funding Office (RFO) in line with a whole government approach. Furthermore, the Smart Specialisation Strategy (S5) and its priority areas focus on sustainability, aiming for a green transition of the economy and society. This strategy emphasises "smart directionality", notably incorporating STI in different sectoral policies. A "green orientation" is also prioritised in the Strategic Energy Technology Plan (STEP), recently adopted at the EU level. Greentech is a focal point, and there has been a robust policy debate on how to implement STEP priorities within the Slovenian research and innovation system. |
| South Africa | South Africa is actively integrating net-zero emission targets into its Science, Technology, and Innovation (STI) policy framework. This strategic alignment is part of the country's broader goal to transition to a low-carbon and climate-resilient economy by 2050. The integration of these targets is guided by South Africa's Low-Emission Development Strategy (LEDS), which was submitted in 2020 and aims to achieve net-zero emissions by the mid-century. Additionally, the Just Transition Framework, released by the Presidential Climate Commission in 2022, reinforces this target by promoting an inclusive and equitable shift towards a sustainable economic model. The country's approach to achieving these ambitious goals involves several key strategies. These include aligning long-term strategies with the net-zero vision, developing clear pathways to reduce emissions while ensuring socio-economic development, and promoting inclusive and just transitions. Furthermore, the integration of climate adaptation and resilience into overall planning is a critical component of South Africa's STI policies, ensuring that the transition not only mitigates the impact of climate change but also enhances the nation's ability to adapt to evolving environmental conditions. By focusing on these areas, South Africa aims to foster a sustainable future through innovative and strategic policy implementation, setting a precedent for integrating environmental goals within the framework of science and technology policy. |
| Spain | Within the framework of the EU's overall strategy, Spain is committed to the transition toward sustainability through various strategic instruments and programmes. Notably, the updated National Energy and Climate Plan (NECP) for the period 2023-2030, under the research, innovation, and competitiveness dimension, focuses on the effects and consequences of climate change and the evolution of renewable energy generation systems. Spain's involvement in global initiatives such as the European Strategic Energy Technology Plan (SET Plan) and Mission Innovation is also significant. The State Plan for Scientific, Technical, and Innovation Research (PEICTI) for 2024-2027 reinforces strategic lines aimed at decarbonisation and the development of the circular economy. It incorporates eco-responsibility as a framework condition in the definition and implementation of initiatives and schemes to foster R&D. Sustainability is addressed from a broad perspective, encompassing environmental and societal visions, as well as consumption and production. Mission-based and ecosystem-based approaches are established through programmes focused on multidisciplinary and multi-stakeholder initiatives. These include the Strategic Projects for Economic Recovery and Transformation (PERTE) and support for the participation of Spanish stakeholders in international initiatives, particularly in European partnerships or Important Projects of Common European Interest (IPCEIs). In parallel, the current era presents new challenges and opportunities that require Spain to redesign its energy research and innovation activities. An example of this is the field of nuclear fusion, where a new programme has been launched to accelerate activity toward commercial fusion energy. This includes opportunities offered within the IFMIF-DONES project. |
| Sweden | Industry plays a pivotal role in the Swedish economy and significantly contributes to Sweden's competitiveness. As the engine of the climate transition, Swedish industry not only accounts for about one-fifth of the country's GDP but also holds a critical position in ensuring prosperity through a competitive edge. This competitiveness is bolstered by internationally leading research that aids the industry's transition to net-zero emissions and enhances productivity. For the industry to successfully transition to a fossil-free future, there is a need for increased circularity, energy storage solutions, and the development of new innovative materials. Net-zero industrial transitions are a major driver of research and innovation (R&I) investments in industry and science, technology, and innovation (STI) policy in Sweden. These transitions are characterised by a considerable number of large-scale, highly ambitious, and uncertain STI and industrial investments. The interdependence of these net-zero transition investments and strategies is evident and strongly connected to the EU's net-zero transition policies as well as to STI-policy and industrial policy investments. This alignment is reflected in the two most recent national STI Bills and in the Energy policy Bills, and is also supported by several STI-policy programmes. |
| Switzerland | In 2022, the Swiss Parliament passed the Federal Law on Climate Protection Targets, Innovation and Strengthening Energy Security (KIG). This law commits Switzerland to achieving net zero greenhouse gas emissions, or climate neutrality, by 2050. Article 10 of the law specifically mandates that the Swiss Confederation and cantons must reach net zero emissions by 2040, setting a more ambitious target for public authorities a full decade ahead of the national goal. While the Federal Council is currently detailing the measures necessary to achieve the net-zero target, educational and research institutions at both federal and cantonal levels are required to align with these objectives. Balancing these ambitious environmental goals with the preservation of research independence, academic freedom, and innovation excellence in a competitive international environment poses a significant challenge for the coming years. The Swiss Federal Council’s 2025–2028 main education, research and innovation policy embeds sustainable development as a central transversal theme alongside digitisation, equity, and national/global cooperation. It aligns the research and innovation policy with the 2030 Agenda and Switzerland’s 2030 Sustainable Development Strategy, anchoring sustainability principles into the ERI (Education, Recherche, Innovation) ecosystem. Specifically, vocational training curricula are reviewed and new sustainability-focused modules are funded; national research centres and federal programmes integrate sustainability into their objectives; Switzerland supports ESA led Earth observation projects to monitor climate change; and institutions such as universities, the Swiss National Science Foundation and Swiss academies have embedded sustainability targets in their strategic plans. This comprehensive approach not only strengthens sustainability as a policy aim and implementation tool but also highlights its role as a competitive asset for Swiss science, technological innovation and global net zero commitments. |
| Thailand | Thailand's response to climate change has been shaped by a series of national policies, strategies, and institutional developments. The National Strategic Plan on Climate Change, introduced in 2008, marked the beginning of coordinated efforts, instructing all government departments and agencies to integrate climate change considerations into their policies and planning processes. For instance, the current Science, Research and Innovation Plan 2023-2027 places carbon neutrality among its 15 priority areas with a dedicated funding programme. The Climate Change Master Plan (2015–2050) currently serves as the most comprehensive national framework, outlining long-term directions and key strategies for mitigation, adaptation, and cross-cutting issues. Its goal is to steer Thailand towards a low-carbon and climate-resilient society. Complementing this is the National Adaptation Plan (NAP), launched in 2018, which provides guidance for climate adaptation efforts in six priority sectors: water management, agriculture, natural resource management, tourism, public health, and human settlement. On the international front, Thailand became a party to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) in 1991, ratified the Kyoto Protocol in 2002, and joined the Paris Agreement in 2016. The country has fulfilled its voluntary Nationally Appropriate Mitigation Action (NAMA) commitments and is actively implementing its Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC) Roadmap, with goals of achieving carbon neutrality by 2050 and net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2065. The current (second update) NDC Action Plan on Mitigation 2021 – 2030 is a strategic framework aimed at reducing greenhouse gas emissions in Thailand by 30-40% from the business-as-usual scenario by 2030. It focuses on five main sectors: energy, transportation, industrial processes, waste management, and agriculture. Thailand also engages with UNFCCC mechanisms for technology and finance. Through these channels, Thailand has forged international collaborations on climate technologies and financing. To date, seven projects have been implemented with technical assistance from the Climate Technology Centre & Network (CTCN), ranging from the development of climate-resilient agricultural technologies to the formulation of a national hydrogen strategy. One ongoing project is exploring the use of blockchain technology to improve parametric crop insurance in Thailand. Thailand completed its Technology Needs Assessment (TNA) and Technology Action Plans (TAPs) in 2012, prioritising technologies that reduce emissions and support climate adaptation, with support from the Global Environment Facility (GEF). Findings from the TNA informed the Climate Change Master Plan, the NDC Action Plan on Mitigation, and the National Adaptation Plan. Thailand has been selected to participate in TNA Global Project Phase V, scheduled for implementation from 2025 to 2027, to update its TNA and TAPs and further align technology planning with its climate goals. The National Committee on Climate Change Policy (NCCC), established in 2007 and chaired by the Prime Minister, is the highest-level body overseeing climate change policy. It comprises representatives from relevant public and private sector agencies, experts, and stakeholders. The Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment (MNRE) acts as its secretariat. In 2023, the Department of Climate Change and Environment (DCCE) was established under MNRE to serve as a central agency spearheading Thailand’s climate action. Meanwhile, the draft Climate Change Act is undergoing final revisions and is expected to be submitted for Cabinet approval in 2025, with implementation targeted for 2026. Science, technology, and innovation (STI) play a critical role in supporting Thailand’s climate agenda, demonstrated through close collaboration between the DCCE and the Ministry of Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation (MHESI), particularly via the Office of the National Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation Policy Council (NXPO). A prominent collaborative initiative is the Net Zero Campus programme that aims to transform universities nationwide into net-zero institutions through the advancement and application of climate technologies. The programme also positions universities as critical technology partners supporting the net-zero transition of industry and society. This partnership has also enhanced Thailand’s international engagement, with NXPO serving as the country’s National Designated Entity (NDE) for the UNFCCC technology mechanism, and DCCE acting as the National Designated Authority (NDA) for the UNFCCC financial mechanism. Through this framework, Thailand has successfully implemented several internationally supported projects, including participation in the TNA Global Project Phase 1 (2009–2013) and Phase 5 (2025–2027). Furthermore, the ‘MHESI for EV’ initiative was launched to drive research, workforce development, and the adoption of electric vehicles (EVs) across its agencies, supporting the government’s 30@30 policy, which targets 30% of vehicles produced in Thailand to be zero-emission vehicles (ZEVs) by 2030. The forthcoming Climate Change Act will establish a legal framework that actively integrates science, technology, and innovation into climate action through mechanisms such as greenhouse gas reporting, an Emission Trading System (ETS), a carbon tax, carbon credits, and a National Climate Change Fund — ensuring that research-driven solutions, low-carbon technologies, and capacity-building initiatives play a pivotal role in Thailand’s transition to net-zero emissions. Thailand has maintained a longstanding partnership with the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) for over two decades and, in 2018, became the first Southeast Asian country to participate in the OECD Country Programme. As part of this collaboration, the OECD and Thailand’s Department of Alternative Energy Development and Efficiency (DEDE) jointly developed the Clean Energy Finance and Investment Roadmap of Thailand under the Clean Energy Finance and Investment Mobilisation (CEFIM) Programme. This roadmap offers targeted policy recommendations to unlock financing and investment in two key areas: 1) renewable power, with a special attention to small-scale renewable power systems; and 2) energy efficiency in buildings, with a focus on cooling applications. Building on this foundation, the National Economic and Social Development Council (NESDC) and the OECD are currently working on an industry decarbonisation project targeting the petrochemical and plastics value chain. Conducted under the OECD’s Framework for Industry’s Net-Zero Transition, this ongoing initiative aims to design financing solutions and improve enabling conditions to accelerate decarbonisation in these focused sectors. |
| Türkiye | Türkiye has taken significant steps to integrate its net-zero emission targets into science, technology, and innovation (STI) policies. Following its ratification of the Paris Agreement in 2021, Türkiye announced its commitment to achieving net-zero emissions with a 2053 Net Zero Emission Target. This commitment has shaped national policies, including the Twelfth Development Plan (2024-2028), which emphasizes green and digital transformation as key drivers of sustainable socioeconomic development. The Plan prioritises the development of an environmentally friendly, disaster-resilient, and high value-added production ecosystem. Key technologies are identified as critical enablers of this transformation. Key policy frameworks supporting the net-zero transition include the 2024-2030 Climate Change Mitigation Strategy and Action Plan and the 2024-2030 Climate Change Adaptation Strategy and Action Plan. The Climate Change Mitigation Strategy and Action Plan outlines 49 strategies and 260 actions across sectors such as energy, industry, transportation, agriculture, and waste, with a focus on just transition and carbon pricing mechanisms. The Climate Change Adaptation Strategy and Action Plan identifies 40 strategies and 129 actions to address climate risks in 11 priority sectors, including water resources, biodiversity, public health, and disaster risk reduction. Türkiye’s Green Deal Action Plan, aligned with the European Union’s Green Deal, focuses on the green transformation of industries and harmonization of trade policies. Under the coordination of the Ministry of Trade, the Green Growth Technology Roadmap was developed to identify the technological needs of six critical sectors: iron and steel, aluminum, cement, chemicals, plastics, and fertilisers. The roadmap adopts a product life cycle approach, covering raw materials, production processes, energy inputs, waste management, and recycling stages. It sets 31 technological objectives, 72 critical products, and 189 research, development, and innovation topics for 2026, 2030, and 2035, supporting the development of green technologies and production processes. Türkiye has launched its low-carbon pathways initiative, a project supported by the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) focusing on decarbonisation in the steel, cement, aluminium, and fertiliser sectors. These pathways create roadmaps for sustainable decarbonisation involving critical technologies, financing, and policy measures. The outputs of the Green Growth Technology Roadmap have been directly integrated into TÜBİTAK's priority setting. The TÜBİTAK Priority Research, Development and Innovation (RDI) Topics 2024-2025 study explicitly focuses on the green and digital dual transformation, aligning with the 12th Development Plan's vision. The "RDI Topics in Green Growth Technology Roadmap" constitute one of the four main pillars of these priority topics. TÜBİTAK's 2024-2025 priorities also include priority and key technologies, compliance with the EU Green Deal, and adaptation to climate change, as well as strategic and need-oriented priorities. The Türkiye Green Industry Project entered into force in August 2023 with a total budget of $450 million . It is supported by the World Bank. It serves as a key implementation tool for the roadmap. Under the project, KOSGEB will provide reimbursable support for the green transformation activities of SMEs. The project allocates $175 million through TÜBİTAK to support green innovation activities. Programmes such as the Climate-Informed and Green Innovation Technology Extension Programme, which helps small and medium-sized enterprises adapt to green transformation, and the Green Research, Development, and Innovation Call, which supports the development of new products from the prototyping stage, are key components of this initiative. Additionally, the Industrial Innovation Network Mechanism Programme fosters industrial R&D networks to develop high value-added products that contribute to Türkiye’s green growth. In the energy sector, Türkiye has set a target of achieving 120 gigawatts of installed solar and wind energy capacity by 2035. Mechanisms such as the Renewable Energy Sources Support Mechanism and Renewable Energy Resource Areas have accelerated investments in wind and solar energy. Energy efficiency policies, eco-design approaches, and sustainable transportation projects also contribute to emission reductions. Türkiye’s STI policies are developed through an inclusive process involving over 6,000 stakeholders from the public and private sectors, academia, and civil society. The Long-Term Climate Strategy, approved in 2024, provides a comprehensive roadmap for achieving net-zero emissions and aligns with the updated Nationally Determined Contribution. Through these coordinated efforts, Türkiye is leveraging science, technology, and innovation to address global challenges, enhance competitiveness, and achieve its 2053 net-zero emission target. |
| Ukraine | Ukraine is actively participating in EU Research and Innovation (R&I) missions and partnerships, aiming to enhance its role in the green and digital transitions of its industrial ecosystems. Notably, Ukrainian institutions and organisations are involved in consortia of 21 Horizon Europe projects that focus on Green Deal research. Additionally, Ukraine is a part of the EU-Ukraine Strategic Partnership on Raw Materials and Batteries, which seeks to integrate critical raw materials and battery value chains to develop mineral resources in Ukraine sustainably and responsibly. Another significant project is the implementation of the ETUT (European Training Network in collaboration with Ukraine for Electrical Transport) under the Horizon 2020 programme. This project is dedicated to developing efficient interfacing technology for more-electric transport. Furthermore, Ukraine has seen successes in local initiatives. For instance, 12 Ukrainian cities, including Chernihiv, Chernivtsi, Dnipro, Kalush, Kharkiv, Konotop, Kyiv, Mykolaiv, Novovolynsk, Pervomaisk, Vinnytsia, and Zviahel, have joined the SUN4Ukraine initiative of the EU Climate-Neutral and Smart Cities Mission. This initiative is part of a broader effort to promote sustainability and resilience at the municipal level. In terms of enhancing research infrastructure resilience, 19 Centres for Joint Research Equipment Use were modernised with solar power plants. This upgrade, funded by a state budget allocation of EUR 0.65 million, not only protects the infrastructure from power outages but also strengthens logistics and ensures sustainability. The centres received energy equipment to increase energy independence, components for existing equipment, and technical support. Additionally, a new methodology for the state assessment of research institutions now includes indicators that consider investments in energy-saving equipment. |
| United Kingdom | The UK is committed to achieving net zero emissions by accelerating the transition to clean energy by 2030. This initiative not only addresses environmental concerns but also enhances national security by reducing dependence on unstable international energy markets. It aims to provide stability for both family and national finances, aligning the economic, security, and environmental imperatives toward a unified goal. Our strategy involves building a diverse low-carbon energy system that leverages the UK's abundant natural resources. This approach will help keep energy bills low permanently and shield consumers from future price shocks. By doing so, we aim to rejuvenate British manufacturing, creating jobs and attracting investment into the industrial heartlands of Britain. This effort will harness the potential of British technological innovation and draw significant private investment into the country. UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) aims to harness the full power of the UK’s research and innovation system to tackle large-scale, complex challenges such as the transition to net zero. Building a green future has been identified as one of five strategic themes to enable working across disciplines and leveraging new and existing investment and activity. It will accelerate the UK’s transition to a secure and prosperous green economy by 2050. Partnering with UK government departments, business and internationally, UKRI is building on its existing £800 million (per year) portfolio to fast-track development of solutions necessary for meeting our net zero targets, through strategic cross-UKRI investments. This aims to keep the UK at the forefront of the green industrial revolution. Furthermore, the government plans to create hundreds of thousands of good jobs across the economy by seizing the economic opportunities presented by the net zero transition. This will involve substantial investment throughout the UK and will ensure the protection of our planet for future generations. Our progress in this mission is tracked through legally-binding carbon budgets, which serve as a critical metric for measuring our advancements in reducing territorial emissions. The government's approach to this transition is fundamentally based on fairness. It focuses on ensuring energy security and protecting bill payers, while also making decarbonisation a pathway to reindustrialisation for workers. This balanced strategy aims to safeguard both consumers and the workforce as we move towards a sustainable future. |