The Energy Intensive Industries (EIIs) ecosystem is a cornerstone of OECD economies due to its role as a critical supplier to many other sectors and its importance for decarbonisation objectives. This paper provides new evidence on the characteristics of, and the main challenges faced by, the EIIs ecosystem across the world, primarily comparing the European Union (EU) with other major regions. The analysis relies on an array of data sources including global input-output tables (ICIO), trade in value added (TiVA), energy prices, international product-level trade data, patent data and skills and job openings. It then maps the existing policies supporting the ecosystem and provides recommendations that can help policymakers better articulate industrial strategies for EIIs.