EDITORIAL

Open innovation drives the future energy mix

Andrea Bombardi 
Executive Vice President, Open Innovation Hubs, RINA

The energy transition is entering a more tangible and less theoretical phase where industrial choices now matter more than abstract principles. One element is becoming increasingly clear: the challenge is not to select a single technology, but to coordinate a system of interacting solutions which can evolve and improve over time. 
 
In this context, innovation is becoming the true differentiator. The future energy mix will not be defined by a winning technology, but by the ability of players to continuously enhance performance, accelerate development and bring solutions to scale. Those who innovate more effectively will ultimately secure a stronger position in the market. 
 
Today, the challenge is not only to produce energy, but to do so while ensuring continuity, predictability and competitiveness. From this perspective, technological progress must be supported by a clear vision, strong expertise and well-structured value chains capable of sustaining innovation over time. 

 The contributions to this issue of goZERO reflect this evolution: from conceptualisation to practical application, and ultimately to the development of industrial capabilities and specialised expertise across the entire value chain. What emerges is a transition that is increasingly driven by tangible projects and measurable progress. 

At the same time, this transformation cannot happen in isolation. Open Innovation is becoming a key approach to connect competencies, industries and stakeholders, enabling the transition from promising ideas to concrete, scalable solutions. 
 
In addition to the technological dimension, other elements are gaining importance: the development of skills, the ability to build robust industrial supply chains, and the management of the entire lifecycle of solutions. These are areas that require structured approaches, transparency and rigorous standards. 
 
In this scenario, the role of companies like RINA is to foster trust: ensuring reliability, supporting the creation of standards, and accompanying technologies throughout their lifecycle, from design to deployment. 
 
The energy transition requires pragmatism as much as vision. Building a sustainable energy system means integrating solutions, strengthening capabilities and continuously advancing innovation. The credibility of the transition, in the long term, will depend on the ability to translate this innovation into a workable reality.