H2ignite – „Igniting H2 transport innovation ecosystems in the North Sea Region“

The “H2ignite” project, which is co-funded by the Interreg B North Sea Programme, aims to develop innovative business models for the use of hydrogen (H2) in the transport sector and to promote new policy initiatives. To this end, four regional hydrogen innovation ecosystems (so-called “pilots”) will be set up in Sweden, Denmark, the Netherlands and France. These pilots will facilitate the exchange between different sectors as well as the transfer of regional H2 innovation strategies. An important focus of the project is to fill knowledge gaps and to improve cooperation between public and private actors. Therefore, H2ignite will promote cross-border dialogue and drive transnational innovation by bringing together the cross-sector stakeholders in each pilot and by establishing of a “Cross-Sector Hydrogen Forum” for the North Sea Region (NSR).

Keywords: Green hydrogen, heavy-duty transport, mobility, circular economy, sustainability, platform markets, business models, regional ecosystems, strategy
Duration: 9/1/24 - 8/31/27
Website: Webseite H2ignite
University institution: Department of Strategic and International Management

Description

Together with the other 10 project partners of the NSR, Europa-Universität Flensburg is working to achieve the following objectives:

1. Development of four interconnected regional pilots;

2. Developing and testing innovative business models along the green hydrogen value chain, for example for trucks and vessels;

3. Narrowing the gap between legislators and companies by introducing a cross-sectoral forum;

4. Promoting innovation in hydrogen policy for public administrations, and

5. Developing action plans to implement tested business models and policies to ensure long-term, cross-border interaction and transfer in the context of the NSR.

Result

Why is a project on green hydrogen relevant for the NSR?

The North Sea Region is at the forefront of innovation and has considerable potential for the application of green hydrogen. So far, advanced technologies and policy approaches in the NSR have only been applied locally. There is a lack of standardized implementation of innovations in the various regional innovation systems. Additionally, the following challenges prevent H2-ecosystems from realizing their full potential:

- The majority of hydrogen ecosystems are made up of a few, mainly private sector actors who are testing hydrogen applications for the first time. They often lack the opportunity to exchange ideas, coordinate efforts, or learn from similar projects.

- There is a lack of concrete, innovative and viable business models for the use of green hydrogen.

- There is a lack of suitable innovation strategies on the part of public administrations and cross-border strategies. As a result, private companies are left to take on big financial risks to use hydrogen in heavy goods transport.

We as a project partner at H2ignite

Within H2ignite, Prof. Dr. Susanne Royer, head of the Department of Strategic and International Management, and Sebastian Wirth are responsible for researching the business models of hydrogen actors in the nascent hydrogen ecosystems in Activity 1.3. This way, companies with relevant activities receive additional information regarding the hydrogen market and the value chain for hydrogen-powered commercial vehicles. The insights acquired will enable interested firms to evaluate their investment uncertainties in hydrogen technologies more effectively and to gain a comprehensive understanding of the potential for value creation and capture in this economic sector.