EE4InG2

EE4InG2: Accompanying Research for Energy Efficiency in Industry and Commerce 2.0

Funded by Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Climate Action (BMWK), 1 November 2023 to 31 October 2027

Project description

Energy and resource efficiency make important contributions to reducing greenhouse gas emissions and help mitigate the rising trend of resource costs for companies. In doing so, they contribute to securing the competitiveness of German industry. Research funding aimed at increasing energy efficiency for and with German industry and commerce seeks to advance innovation and technological progress, thereby unlocking new technical and economic efficiency potentials.

The joint project EE4InG2 is funded by the German Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs (BMWK) under the funding reference number 03EN2107A‑C. It was designed as an accompanying research project for the Industry and Commerce Research Network. A key project objective is the cross-sectional scientific evaluation of applied energy efficiency research and funding through the German Federal Government’s Energy Research Program, focusing on the past, present, and future. The focus here is particularly on evaluating the effectiveness and benefits of selected funding programs to identify and assess technology trends and innovation topics at an early stage. Building on these insights, recommendations will be developed for the Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Climate Action to support the optimization of research funding within the Energy Research Program (EFP).

Another project goal is to promote exchange among relevant actors in the innovation system (industry, science, politics), coordinated by a project-established coordination office for the Industry and Commerce Research Network. The project builds on the groundwork laid by the preceding joint project ‘EE4InG: Research Network Energy in Industry and Commerce – Networking and Support of R&D Activities as well as Accelerating the Dissemination of Results’ (funding reference number: 03ET1630A‑B).

Cross-sectional scientific evaluation of applied energy efficiency research and funding through the German Fereral Government´s Energy research Program

Ex-post evaluations
Identification of technology trends and topics
Technology assessment & scenario analyses

Facilitate the coordination of the Industry and Commerce Research Network

Establishment of a coordination office
Promotion of exchange within the FNW INDG (Research Network Industry and Commerce) and between different networks

Project goals

The research project pursues both technology- and research network-oriented goals in order to evaluate and optimize research funding in the energy sector and contribute to the further development of the energy system.

Technology-Oriented Goals:

The project primarily aims to evaluate the effectiveness of funded projects and their relevance to future energy systems. Based on this evaluation, recommendations will be made for adjusting research funding policies. To achieve this, comprehensive data and information, such as from database queries, surveys, and interviews, will be gathered. The collected data will be summarised in written analysis reports.
Another goal is to develop recommendations for increasing the efficiency and effectiveness of research funding, particularly within the structures of the FNW (Research Network). These findings will also be based on systematic analyses, which will be documented in reports and position papers.
Additionally, the project aims to identify national and international innovations and technology trends that are relevant to future research funding. These trends will be prepared in written analyses and position papers to align future research strategies accordingly.

Research Network-Oriented Goals:

In addition to the technology-oriented objectives, the project also seeks to strengthen the research network for industry and trade (FNW INDG). This will be achieved through the establishment and promotion of regular exchange formats, such as network meetings and working group meetings. Complementary to this, written position papers will be produced to support the further development of the network.
Another goal is to connect the FNW INDG with other national and international research networks in the energy field. This will be supported through regular meetings and participation in key events. In this context, the project team has already participated in various events, including the ECEEE Summer Study 2024, INFUB 2024, the Resource Efficiency and Circular Economy Congress Baden-Württemberg, as well as a delegation trip to the Humber Industrial Cluster organized by the CDI.
A central focus of the project is the promotion of research communication. This includes organizing two FNW INDG congresses, as well as disseminating project results via the project’s website, professional publications, conferences, and knowledge platforms. The conferences on “Energy Efficiency Research for Industry and Commerce” serve as a central platform to provide relevant stakeholders with a concise overview of current research topics that often go beyond their own specialized fields. The goal of these events is to foster personal exchange among researchers—whether through various formats or direct bilateral discussions. The organization and implementation of the conferences are the responsibility of the project team and aim to enhance networking and facilitate knowledge transfer within the community.
The use of social media platforms such as LinkedIn and the establishment of an international forum on “Energy Efficiency in Industry and Trade” are also part of the communication strategy.