Solliance Solar Research

By project S34Growth

Published on 19 March 2019

Netherlands

Noord-Brabant

About this good practice

As a research organisation with international ties, Solliance has a leading role in global research in the field of solar technologies such as thin-film solar cells. Founded in 2010, the founding parties (imec, TNO, Holst Centre, ECN and TU/e) set out to bring together industry and science. Through shared research programmes, industry, universities and research institutions come together to not only share the knowledge accrued and the facilities which are available but also the risks of research, making research more effective through a learning environment. As a member of Solliance, organisations are able to make use of the extensive network the Solliance has to offer, participate in one of the aforementioned shared research programmes, engage with other members in more specific R&D projects, and make use of the facilities and equipment the site has to offer.

Resources needed

A financial injection by the Province of North Brabant worth 28 million EUR was necessary for the establishment of a dedicated reseach location which was opened in 2014.

Evidence of success

Since 2010, Solliance has grown from an initiative of five members to an international network, bringing together members from not only the Netherlands, but also Belgium, Germany and beyond. Currently the network consists of 50 members.

Potential for learning or transfer

The key areas relating to the potential for learning or transfer are two-fold. On the one hand it demonstrates how the ambition to work on future technologies is not bound to regional borders. Solliance is a front-runner in its field and this is reflected through the participation of international parties. On the other hand, it demonstrates the importance of collaboration between actors in the field and the government, which is often pivotal in the launching of this and similar initiatives.