Welcome to The Innovation Platform Issue 15, featuring industry-leading analysis into climate change, renewable energy, electric vehicles, AI, critical raw materials, quantum technology, and much more.
Whilst the UK has experienced a predominantly wet summer with seldom sunny days, the picture across much of Europe and other parts of the world has been very different. In particular, July saw major disruption and devastation in several countries as temperatures soared above 45°C in areas of Italy, Spain, and Greece. As well as factors such as travel delays and forced business closures having detrimental economic effects, the heatwaves also posed a major threat to life, with wildfires on the Greek island of Rhodes prompting the evacuation of over 20,000 people from affected homes and hotels. These events serve as another stark reminder of the rapid impact of climate change and the urgent need to act now to reduce its effects.
Driving climate action
An important tool for monitoring environmental changes and helping to prevent or mitigate the impact of natural disasters is Earth observation (EO). EO is the practice of using remote sensing technologies to monitor land and marine environments, as well as atmospheric conditions. Recognising the importance of satellite-based EO, several major space agencies have dedicated Earth observation programmes. In this edition’s foreword, Simonetta Cheli, Director for Earth Observation Programmes at the European Space Agency (ESA), explains just how important EO is in combatting the impact of climate change and details ESA’s work in the field.
Accelerating the transition to electric vehicles
Following on from our foreword, the issue is kickstarted with our section on Electric Vehicles, Battery Research and Development – one of the industries that has seen great acceleration as a result of the global energy transition. In this focus, you can find content from the Advanced Propulsion Centre looking at how net-zero targets are shaping change in the automotive sector, a breakdown of recent innovations in lithium from the Critical Minerals Association, and special features on battery metal supply chains in locations such as Europe, Australia, Canada, the US, and more.
Exploring the renewable energy landscape
You will see that climate change and the energy transition are a strong focus throughout the publication, and never more so than in our Energy section. Heading up our focus on sustainable energy, we have content from the International Energy Agency’s Simon Bennett, who highlights the importance of investment and innovation in sustainable energy. The section also covers solar power, ocean energy, and green ammonia.
New frontiers in AI and quantum technologies
Elsewhere in the edition, we have very interesting and thought-provoking pieces. Our Science section explores the recently launched Euclid mission in an interview with Euclid Project Manager Giuseppe Racca. You may also notice a new addition to the major focuses in the publication, as we have introduced an extensive Technology section. This includes content on Artificial Intelligence from organisations including the Council of Europe and the European Tech Alliance, alongside features on quantum technology from Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada and the UK Quantum Communications Hub.
On a personal note, this issue will be my last for a while as I head off on maternity leave. However, I leave the publication in the very capable hands of our new editors, Maddie Hall and Matt Brundrett. I have very much enjoyed my time so far at the helm of the publication, and I look forward to returning next year.
Georgie Purcell
Editor
The Innovation Platform
