Mission Innovation: a novel approach to catalysing international cooperation on clean energy research and development

Daniele Poponi

Chapter 18 in Handbook of Energy Innovation, 2026, pp 340-358 from Edward Elgar Publishing

Abstract: Launched in 2015 at the Paris Conference, the Mission Innovation (MI) initiative has become an integral part of the international cooperation framework to accelerate the global energy transition. The first phase of the initiative, which ran from 2016 to 2021, was based on three main pillars: (a) a commitment by members to double their research and development (R&D) investments; (b) the establishment of an information-sharing platform; and (c) the creation of a ‘soft’ international cooperation framework based on eight technology collaboration platforms, called Innovation Challenges, and public–private partnerships. While only seven of the 24 members reported achieving the doubling target, the funding increase of all reporting members was significant, with an additional USD 5.8 billion (+70 per cent) spent by members on clean energy R&D. The outcomes and impacts of the first phase made a strong case for extending the life of MI in a second phase. The flagship element of the new cooperative strategy of ‘MI 2.0’ features seven joint activities called MI Missions, each with clearly defined goals to be achieved by 2030. In addition, a wide range of collaborative activities have been created or relaunched in several areas, ranging from information exchange to the issuing of joint R&D calls. On the whole, over its first nine years (2015–2024), MI can be credited with breaking new ground with the creation of a multi-layered, lean, collaborative platform that acts at multiple entry points to accelerate the clean energy transition and includes active engagement from emerging economies and the private sector.

Keywords: Mission Innovation; Clean Energy Innovation; Clean Energy Research; Development; International Research; Development Co-operation; Development Investment (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2026
ISBN: 9781035310401
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