In this episode host, Areti Ntaradimou had the opportunity to speak with Marina Aparicio Peña and Silvia Trevisan about the power and complexity of cross-border and cross-sector cooperation in advancing Europe’s clean energy transition. Marina explained how the THUNDER consortium, supported by EU funding, unites partners along the entire value chain. From academic institutions providing foundational research, to industries ensuring real-world application and end-users validating performance. She described how this mix “reduces time to market and facilitates knowledge transfer”, aligning closely with the Commission’s broader innovation agenda. Silvia, speaking about the SUSHEAT project, added that cooperation across sectors and borders helps tailor technologies to diverse European conditions, whether for industrial electrification or district heating systems. Her example of hybrid systems capable of adapting to local needs captured the essence of the EU’s ambition: flexibility through collaboration.