mission

Pushing scientific excellence and maximizing impact for EU-funded SDV initiatives by joint dissemination activities – across programs and beyond projects.

members

Founded by CODE4EV, the initiative brings together a growing community of members collaborating towards shared goals.

science impact

The cluster is losely organised based on mutual understanding of the participants but closely linked to two main driving forces: science and impact.

the strategic importance of software-defined vehicles

The automotive industry is undergoing a fundamental shift as software becomes the core driver of vehicle innovation. By integrating advanced software systems, SDVs offer enhanced innovation, efficiency, and customization, allowing manufacturers to adapt quickly to changing market demands and consumer preferences. According to the Software-Defined Vehicles Adoption Report 2026, 45% of automotive OEMs and suppliers now rank SDV transition as their top strategic priority, ahead of autonomous driving and electrification and with the SDV market projected to reach USD 633.85 billion in 2026, the shift toward software-centric engineering marks one of the most significant inflection points in automotive history.

about sdv4(e)u

The Software Defined Vehicle Cluster brings together EU funded initiatives with a shared mission to push scientific excellence and maximize impact through joint dissemination activities across programs and beyond individual project boundaries. The cluster operates as a loosely organised community built on mutual understanding, while remaining closely connected to two main driving forces: science and impact. Through coordinated efforts, the cluster promotes high quality scientific exchange, including joint publications, position papers, business cases and activities that strengthen the international dimension of European SDV research. By combining expertise from multiple initiatives, the cluster increases visibility, accelerates the uptake of results and contributes to Europe’s leadership in software defined mobility.

science impact

Our approach to science impact goes beyond generating knowledge—we translate research into meaningful outcomes for academia, industry, and society. Rooted in European projects and a shared community of practice, we foster collaboration, inform strategic decisions, and connect partners across borders. By combining rigorous research with practical application and international exchange, we contribute to innovation and help shape a more sustainable, zero-emission future for Europe.