 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.$^{4}$  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  $^{4}$ ETIP SNET Terms of Reference 2017, http://www.etip-snet.eu/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/ETIP-SNET- Terms-of-Reference-20170926.pdf  7 Governance 