ABSTRACT
This chapter introduces some examples of smart alliances in Europe and ecosystems built around applied research institutes. It then provides an overview of technological fields including batteries, wind energy, hydrogen, new chemical industry and smart chips, and it concludes by discussing the role of the European Commission. European industrial policy takes shape in the internal market, where strict competition rules apply and state aid is limited to prevent unfair competition. The commission, which monitors compliance with the rules and any possible relaxation, has to negotiate between the wishes of countries that want more room for state aid and those that do not have the financial resources to provide that aid.
