Organic Growth: Toward a Holistic Approach to European Research and Innovation

This article summarizes the efforts of European network operators to adopt a holistic approach to their research and innovation (R&I) activities. Transmission system operators (TSOs) in Europe represented by ENTSO-E and distribution system operators (DSOs) represented by EDSO-SG, as well as organizations such as European Technology Platform Smart Grids (ETP SmartGrids), regularly publish and update road maps, implementation plans, and strategic research agendas. These documents are closely related to each other, aiming at ensuring a coordinated approach to grids and the integration of new technologies. As a package, all of this activity is tailored to addressing the challenges network operators face in meeting many overarching energy policy goals at the pan-European level.