North Sea Energy (NSE), launched in 2017, is an industry-driven Shared Innovation Program with more than 30 (inter)national parties in the energy value chain. The NSE programme researches in the potential of an integrated energy system on the North Sea. NSE distinguishes itself by its integral systems approach in which synergy of the various energy functions at sea are central. The benefits deriving from these synergies will save society money and time to realise the energy transition, and enable us to use space effectively and considerably reduce carbon emissions. The approach incorporates perspectives in the areas of technology, market, society, ecology, spatial planning and regulations. The goal is to deliver a roadmap for offshore system integration in the North Sea towards 2050 by the end of 2022. NSE not only investigates, but also initiates pilots and projects (e.g. PosHYdon) to test and demonstrate innovative concepts.