15 Years of Impact: Reflections from ESEIA Director and Co-Founder Brigitte Hasewend

On 19 November 2024, as part of ESEIA’s 15-Year Anniversary celebrations in Brussels, Brigitte Hasewend, ESEIA Director and Co-founder, delivered a compelling presentation reflecting on the organization’s journey and accomplishments since its inception in 2009. Her address celebrated ESEIA’s significant impact on sustainable energy innovation, capacity building, and collaboration across Europe and beyond.

How It All Began

ESEIA was officially established on 19 November 2009, in Graz, Austria, during its first General Assembly following the EIT KIC Energy proposal. Founding members from TU Graz, including Hans Sünkel, Harald Kainz, Franz Stelzer, Michael Narodoslawsky, and Brigitte Hasewend, envisioned a cross-sector alliance addressing the energy transition systemically from research to governance.

Achievements Over 15 Years

  1. A Strong Alliance:
    • ESEIA has maintained an average of 28 member organizations across 15 EU countries.
    • Current membership includes 23 institutions from 12 countries, comprising 13 higher education institutions, 4 research organizations, and 6 businesses.
    • Partnerships with over 71 private and public businesses and 41 cities highlight ESEIA’s commitment to fostering public-private collaborations.
  2. Impact in Numbers:
    • Generated €17.7 million from 21 EC-funded research and innovation projects, with 88 proposals submitted and a success rate of 1 in 4 projects funded.
    • Conducted 44 education and training events, including 16 international summer schools and 12 lecture evenings, reaching 1,750 participants.
    • Published the FP10 Position Paper, advocating flexibility in future European R&I programs.
  3. Global Outreach:
    • Engaged with 86 organizations across 58 countries, including collaborations in Europe, Africa, the Middle East, and South Asia.
    • Projects like EMERGE demonstrate ESEIA’s role in fostering international cooperation for sustainable development.
  4. Recognition:
    • Acknowledged by the European Commission as a reliable partner for research and innovation projects and as a leader in education and training initiatives.

Vision for the Future

Under the theme “The Way Forward,” Brigitte Hasewend presented the 3M Model of Co-Creation, emphasizing:

  • Members: A reliable and engaged membership driving ESEIA’s mission.
  • Mindset: A performance-driven approach led by a coordinated team.
  • Mechanisms: Effective systems for collaborative innovation.

Key Takeaways

ESEIA’s impact over the past 15 years underscores its role as a trailblazer in sustainable energy innovation. Its collaborative approach, dedication to capacity building, and commitment to driving impactful solutions position it as a key player in achieving Europe’s Green Deal targets.

Learn More

See the full presentation on 15 Years of Impact and visit ESEIA’s website to explore our initiatives, and join the movement toward a sustainable energy future.

Contact ESEIA Team: office@eseia.eu

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