

Division Manager – Transformation of the Economic Environment, acatech – National Academy of Science and Engineering
Team Lead, Battery Pass Project
Dr. Johannes Simböck is a leading voice in evidence-based policy development at the intersection of digital innovation, sustainability, and circular economy. As Division Manager at acatech – the National Academy of Science and Engineering, Johannes leads strategic initiatives focused on transforming Germany’s industrial and regulatory landscape for a more sustainable future. He currently oversees the division “Transformation of the Economic Environment” and serves as Team Lead for the Battery Pass consortium project, one of Europe’s flagship efforts to implement digital product passports for lithium-ion batteries.
At the core of Johannes’ work is the development of actionable policy frameworks and cross-sector standards that align industrial competitiveness with environmental stewardship. Under his leadership, the Battery Pass project is developing and piloting technical and content standards for a digital battery passport—designed to track the full lifecycle of EV batteries, from production and use to reuse, recycling, and raw material recovery. This includes key data points on GHG footprint, battery health, traceability, repairability, and recyclability, helping companies meet the requirements of the EU Battery Regulation (2023/1542) and beyond.
Johannes brings a unique systems-level perspective, combining deep academic and policy insight with practical engagement across industry, government, and civil society. His work enables the implementation of circular value chains, supports regulatory alignment at national and EU levels, and promotes the digitization of sustainability.
At the EV Battery Recycling Summit Europe 2026, Dr. Simböck will provide a detailed look into the Battery Pass initiative, including its use cases, infrastructure requirements, standardization roadmap, and how it can serve as a catalyst for scalable, responsible battery lifecycle management across Europe.