High-Level Dialogue on a forward-looking Research and Innovation agenda for Climate Neutrality by 2050

Transforming Europe into a climate neutral economy by 2050 requires extraordinary efforts. Each sector must fundamentally rethink the way it operates to ensure that it can be transformed towards this new net-zero paradigm, without jeopardising other environmental and societal objectives, both within the EU and globally. Our ability to meet our climate neutrality target directly depends on our ability to innovate. However, the current level of innovation is insufficient to meet the net-zero challenge.

The report ‘Research and Innovation for Climate Neutrality by 2050: Challenges, Opportunities and the Path Forward’ aims to provide policy recommendations regarding the design, principles, and solution landscapes needed for a long-term, forward-looking R&I agenda to accelerate the transition to net-zero emissions.

Based on this report’s reflection and the need to further discuss how R&I can best contribute to the climate neutrality goal, DG Research and Innovation is organising this online event on 12 June from 10:30 CEST.

Deputy Director-General Joanna Drake will open the event, which will be followed by a panel discussion moderated by Clean Planet Director Rosalinde van der Vlies.

In the panel discussion, formed by three high-level speakers, will provide their expert views and strategic vision on the role, challenges, and opportunities of R&I as a driver of zero-carbon solutions for a climate-neutral economy by 2050:

• European Commission representative: Director General of DG CLIMA Kurt Vandenberghe
• High-level expert representing the innovators community: Vice President of Breakthrough Energy Europe Ann Mettler
• High-level expert representing academia: Deputy Vice Chancellor at Lund University Professor Sylvia Schwaag Serger

To register to event and check out the programme, follow the link here.