Blog Articles 2025

An Introduction to AI powered Automated Competency Analysis: How can you tell which innovative technology areas a company focuses on?

Universities and public research organizations (PROs) are a central source of innovation in Europe. Translating the knowledge generated at universities and PROs into market applications, however, often proves challenging. A key instrument for knowledge and technology transfer from research to industry is academic patents. Fraunhofer ISI has developed a new method to make these academic patents measurable, enabling a better understanding of technology transfer from universities and PROs.

Almost three quarters of industrial CO₂ emissions in the EU are generated during the production of process heat – a huge and largely untapped potential for decarbonisation. Technologies such as heat pumps and the direct electrification of industrial furnaces can replace the use of fossil fuels in industry. It is precisely this electrification of industry that the EU Commission is promoting in a new pilot auction with a budget of one billion euros. The auction rules (Terms and Conditions) have now been published. Fraunhofer ISI is closely involved in the design of the auction. With scientific evidence and extensive experience, we are supporting the development of an instrument that will enable funding to be used in the most straightforward, effective, cost-efficient and technology-neutral way possible.

How can approaches from the electricity sector help to master the challenges of water scarcity? Our interdisciplinary team has examined the potential of innovative solutions beyond sectoral boundaries. We show new perspectives that open up for the water sector.