Driven by the upcoming EU regulations, sustainability imperatives, and resource security concerns, there is a growing recognition among many players in the battery ecosystem of the necessity to investigate both battery production and recycling processes. Such investigations are inherently risky and costly when conducted directly on productive production systems. To address these challenges, two key strategies are essential. First is the focus on digital tools and methods to accompany investigations, as outlined in this paper. Second is the use of R&D pilot lines to develop, employ, and test innovations, underscoring the critical role of pilot lines in this context. For this reason, this paper considers that investing in pilot lines as well as in funded projects and standardization initiatives, is essential.