The success of the European battery ecosystem hinges on the urgent need to address a projected shortage of 100,000 battery experts by 2030, emphasizing the critical role of sustained investment in research, development, and industry collaboration

The German Constitutional Court’s ruling on Climate and Transformation Fund (KTF) has sparked concerns about sustainable financial resource use, especially with current cuts in KTF funding for electric mobility, raising fears of a shortage of skilled workers in battery research. The growth of battery researchers in Europe, largely fueled by public funding, may double their presence in the industrial labor market by 2030 if investment continues. However, demand for battery experts in R&D and production is escalating, with a potential skills gap by 2030.

The broader battery value chain, beyond researchers, is estimated to link up to 800,000 jobs to the EU by 2025. Skilled non-R&D personnel are crucial, with battery experts serving as multipliers in training. The need for training, re-, and upskilling may extend to 1.5 million employees across the EU by 2030, leading to 4-5 million jobs if a successful battery ecosystem is established.

In conclusion, there is a significant gap between the supply and demand for skilled workers in the European battery industry, with a projected shortage of 100,000 battery experts by 2030. The recommendation is to not only maintain but expand R&D programs to bridge this gap, emphasizing the importance of industry contribution. Publicly funded R&D could focus on lower Technology Readiness Level (TRL) technologies, with estimated funding leading to highly trained specialists and job creation in key future industries. Therefore, the continuation and expansion of battery research are deemed essential investments in the future of European industry.

How can European nations strategically navigate the delicate balance between sustaining public funding for battery research, ensuring a skilled workforce, and fostering industry contributions to bridge the looming skills gap in the evolving battery ecosystem?

Click here to read the full article by innovation researchers from Farunhohoer ISI