Abstract
The overall objective of Work Package 1 was to facilitate the execution of the SET Plan prior to its revision process (still ongoing as of June 2023) that will set not only its new high-level objectives but will also enhance means of its execution. The success of this major undertaking aiming at boosting European R&I of low carbon technologies will finally depend on the same crucial principle as in 2007: on active and balanced participation of all EU Member States and Associated Countries. There is a clear evidence that after 15 years of its inception, a timely and effective execution of its Implementation Plans by 30 national stakeholders appears to be uneven to such an extent that two parallel binaries have emerged: on one side, the fast-paced one guided by the EU14 Member States (EU prior to 2004 enlargement process) - complemented by Associated Countries such as Norway - and, on the other side, the slow-paced one, encompassing the EU13 Member States (those joined after 2004). Although today the SET Plan, based on the findings from the 2022 consultation process1, continues to facilitate the accomplishment of its originally highly level objectives, the unbalanced contribution of all parties to its IPs not only jeopardizes the systemic deployment of low carbon technologies but also challenges the full achievement of 2030 and 2050 climate and energy goals across the continent.