Analysis on a strategic public-private partnership approach to foster innovation in fusion energy : final report

This study provides analysis and recommendations for the EC on the establishment of a public-private partnership approach to support industrial innovation in fusion in the EU. It is based on analysis of leading public-private partnership schemes to foster industrial innovation in the EU and globally, both for fusion and in other sectors. The study engaged closely with stakeholders through interviews, a workshop and focus groups to develop a clear understanding of the characteristics, needs, and interest of key stakeholders in the EU. The report provides a summary of the key lessons from existing programmes, the needs of stakeholders, the current policy and funding landscape and also the potential instruments within the EU under which a fusion PPP could best be based. It addresses the objectives of a potential PPP and specific design recommendations. In summary the study recommends the EC to pursue PPP arrangements in parallel through three instruments (a Co-Programmed European Partnership, F4E Innovation Partnerships and the EIT-KIC InnoEnergy) which each address different needs and are complementary towards achieving the proposed objectives. The objectives focus on supporting EU innovation on key enabling technologies for fusion with the goal to contribute to future DEMO design and development, maintain EU industrial know-how and competitiveness, and to leverage EU scientific leadership and the ITER project.