Hochschule Emden/Leer
HSEL
- Ausbildung von Studierenden - Forschung u.a. in den drei HRK-zertifizierten Forschungsschwerpunkten "Nachhaltige Technologien", "Industrielle Informatik Elektrotechnik" sowie "Ressourcenorientierung im Spannungsfeld von Individuum und Gesellschaft" - Transfer von Forschungsergebnissen in Wirtschaft und Gesellschaft
ID: 926476298343-55
Lobbying Activity
Response to European strategy on research and technology infrastructures
22 May 2025
Europe stands at a pivotal moment in its pursuit of climate neutrality, industrial competitiveness, and technological sovereignty. The hyperloop, as a transformative transport technology, directly aligns with the European Unions ambitions to decarbonize long-distance mobility, extend the TEN-T corridors, and establish a new net-zero industry. Yet, the realization of this opportunity hinges on the creation of a dedicated, large-scale research and test infrastructure at the European levelan infrastructure that can accelerate innovation, harmonize standards, and anchor a globally competitive hyperloop industry within the EU. Europes leadership in hyperloop research and development is already evident: test facilities are operational or planned in several Member States, and the continent has pioneered cross-border collaboration through the Hyperloop Development Program. However, these initiatives remain fragmented, and the absence of a coherent, EU-level technology infrastructure threatens to dissipate momentum, risking a diffusion of responsibility and leaving hyperloop stranded between the established domains of rail and aviation. A unified European test infrastructure would not only consolidate technological progress but also provide the necessary scale to validate, certify, and industrialize hyperloop systems for both passenger and freight applications. The need for such an infrastructure is underscored by the evolving European policy landscape. The European Commissions recent strategies and expert reports stress that technology infrastructuresdistinct from research infrastructuresare essential for bridging the gap between laboratory innovation and market deployment. They enable companies, especially SMEs and start-ups, to test, upscale, and validate new technologies in real-world conditions, reducing risk and accelerating the journey from concept to commercialization. In the context of hyperloop, this means moving beyond small-scale, isolated demonstrations to full-system proof-of-concept and minimum viable system facilities, as proposed by the Hyperloop Development Program: a 35 km test track for initial validation, followed by a 3050 km facility for certification and operational readiness. Such a European hyperloop infrastructure would deliver multiple, interlinked benefits. First, it would provide a harmonized platform for testing and certification, ensuring interoperability and safety across borders. This is vital for a networked transport mode intended to connect 90% of European cities within three hours and to serve as a sustainable alternative to short-haul flights and congested highways. Second, it would catalyze industrial investment and public-private partnerships, derisking private capital and enabling the emergence of a robust European hyperloop industrymuch as shared testbeds and pilot lines have done for other strategic sectors. Third, it would anchor Europes standard-setting power, allowing the EU to export not only hyperloop technology but also the regulatory frameworks and operational models that will define the global market. The European Commissions expert group on technology infrastructures has called for a strategic, coordinated approach: formalizing the definition of technology infrastructures, improving access (especially for SMEs), establishing prioritization and governance mechanisms at the EU level, and dedicating funding streams that pool public and private resources. Hyperloop is a textbook case for such an approach. The scale and complexity of the required infrastructure far exceed the capacity of individual Member States or companies; only a European framework can deliver the necessary investment, regulatory alignment, and cross-border integration. Moreover, the competitive imperative is urgent. Other global regions, notably China and the United States, are advancing their own hyperloop initiatives. If Europe fails to act, it risks ceding technological leadership and future market share
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