Representatives of IEA’s Technology Collaboration Programme gather in Paris to discuss strengthening international collaboration on energy innovation

On 9 and 10 June 2026, the IEA hosted the sixth Universal Meeting for its Technology Collaboration Programmes (TCPs) at the IEA’s headquarters in Paris, bringing together close to 80 representatives from the TCPs, governments and the Mission Innovation (MI) initiative.

IEA Executive Director Fatih Birol delivered an address to participants on the implications of the current energy crisis for energy innovation, noting it could boost innovation efforts for key technologies, as was the case after the crises of the 1970s. The IEA’s Director of Sustainability, Technology and Outlooks Laura Cozzi and Chief Energy Technology Officer Timur Gül also spoke about the intersection of innovation and energy trends, and Damitha Adikaari, Chair of the IEA Committee on Energy Research and Technology, delivered remarks on the importance of the TCPs for providing evidence-based insights to governments.

Other sessions focused on strengthening the operational aspects and communications activities of the TCPs, along with strategies for evaluating their performance and enhancing collaboration across the different programmes. And with the IEA set to host the MI Secretariat at its headquarters, MI Directors presented their upcoming priorities and discussed high-potential opportunities for collaboration with the TCPs.

The IEA’s Technology Collaboration Programme was created shortly after the Agency’s founding in 1974. The TCPs are independent, international expert groups that work to advance the research, development and commercialisation of energy technologies. They focus on different elements of the energy system, from individual technologies to cross-cutting areas like critical minerals.