Frontier research in perovskite solar cells: Following the paths of European research and innovation

Perovskite solar cells (PSCs) have been skyrocketing the field of photovoltaics (PVs), displaying remarkable efficiencies and emerging as a greener alternative to the current commercial technologies. With the ongoing European Green Deal and the REPowerEU Plan, the European Union (EU) emphasizes the need of creating a novel, strong PV value and know-how chain, which PSCs could provide. Here, we provide a map of the EU-funded projects related to PSCs and rationalize them into seven main research domains. Furthermore, drawing on the identified frame, we conduct a worldwide patenting activity analysis, with a focus on the European context, to highlight the development trends of the technological outcomes originating from research on PSCs. Overall, our analysis delineates the current stage of PSC research and technology development, which can become a reference for not only researchers and technologists but also stakeholders and policymakers aiming at developing a European sovereignty in this fast-moving field.