 report on the implementation of RD&I activities at European, national/regional and industrial levels; 

 provide input to the SET Plan action 4, which addresses the technical challenges raised by the transformation of the energy system; 

 identify innovation barriers, notably related to energy market design, regulation and financing; 

 develop enhanced knowledge-sharing mechanisms that help bring RD&I results to deployment; and 

 prepare consolidated stakeholder views on Research and Innovation to European Energy Policy initiatives. 

Its thematic scope is on smart networks, storage and other sources of flexibility, and integrated energy systems. It also looks at customer participation and the impact of digitalisation. 

The ETIP SNET’s vision, mission and governance is set out in its terms of reference.$^{4}$ 

## Governance 

The Governing Board is the main decision-making body and includes more than 30 members. It steers the ETIP, launches initiatives, elaborates and approves a yearly work plan. The members of the Governing Board are representatives from stakeholder associations. They are expected to bring their unbiased expertise to the ETIP SNET and to represent the collective view of their stakeholder organisation, not that of their own company. 

Members should be able to contribute actively, demonstrate a high degree of commitment, and devote sufficient time to the Governing Board. The members of the Governing Board meet at least twice a year in plenary meetings and when it is considered necessary by its Executive Committee. Governing Board membership is not subject to remuneration or reimbursement of travel expenses. 

The Executive Committee (ExCo)  currently includes nine members. They are the Chair and Vice-Chairs of the Governing Board together with the leaders of the Permanent Working Groups. The ExCo provides executive support to the Governing Board and acts as facilitator to drive the processes, and the decisions taken by the Governing Board. 

The Chair and Vice-Chairs of the Governing Board serve for a period of up to three years and are endorsed by the Governing Board. In order to ensure renewal and continuity, the Chair rotates every year and at least one new Chair or Vice-Chair is appointed every year. The 

