International benchmarking of research and innovation portfolios and their monitoring approaches linked to long-term climate change mitigation efforts
Publication date: 17 September 2025 | Report language: EN
This study provides a comparative analysis of national research and innovation (R&I) strategies aimed at climate change mitigation, using Germany as a reference point. It draws on detailed case studies from Austria, France, the Netherlands, the United Kingdom (UK), and the United States (US). Each case study is structured to stand on its own, offering a complete and context-specific overview of political objectives, strategic frameworks, R&I funding portfolios, and monitoring approaches used to assess climate impact. This allows for both individual country insights and cross-national synthesis. All country case studies are structured in the same sections detailing (i) the overarching R&I policy framework, (ii) R&I portfolios linked to climate change mitigation, and (iii) monitoring approaches.
Germany’s approach is marked by comprehensive sectoral coverage, a well-developed institutional landscape, and significant investment in cross-cutting foundational technologies such as green hydrogen and battery storage. France offers a model of integrated governance and systemic monitoring, particularly through its France 2030 investment program aligned with the SNBC’s carbon budgets. The UK and the Netherlands focus on applied research and innovation deployment, facilitated by strong public-private partnerships and mission-oriented funding structures. Austria employs a clearly defined, mission-based R&I strategy supported by coordinated governance and sustainability evaluation tools. For the US, for which the focus was on analysing the conditions of the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) in the period 2022-24, innovation was primarily driven through large-scale fiscal incentives, emphasising rapid market deployment and industrial transformation.
While the individual national contexts and approaches differ, a common challenge remains: linking R&I measures to long-term, measurable GHG emission reductions. Germany, with its research-oriented approach and institutional strength, could benefit from enhanced outcome-focused monitoring frameworks to fully realise the potential of its R&I investments. The analysis highlights a set of practices from the case study countries that could be looked at to further improve and strengthen the monitoring of climate impact of R&I policies.
