Priority 1: Promote entrepreneurship and innovation

 

Specific objectives of this priority include:

1. sharing knowledge between higher education organisations, companies and research centres

Increasing the capacity of the Atlantic area to innovate through research and technology by encouraging:

  • networking and co-operative research between research centres, higher education and business in the Member States;
  • transferring knowledge and insights, as well as skills between higher education, business and research, including through regional, national and cross-border maritime clusters and technology platforms.

2. enhancement of competitiveness and innovation capacities in the maritime economy of the Atlantic area

Improving skills in traditional Atlantic industries, such as shipbuilding, aquaculture and fisheries, as well as in the emerging sectors of the blue economy by:

  • putting in place educational and training measures, including cross-border programmes and mutual recognition of national education and training programmes;
  • raising awareness of sea-related careers, generating an enthusiasm for maritime culture and careers among young people and addressing other barriers that discourage young people from embarking on a maritime career; for example through sail-training, advanced technology courses and other joint Atlantic initiatives.
  • fostering adaptation and diversification of economic activities by promoting the potential of the Atlantic area

Supporting the reform of the Common Fisheries Policy and revitalising the EU's aquaculture industry through:

  • developing improved multi-species modelling, fishing gear and related techniques and technologies so as to minimise carbon footprint, seabed damage, discards and by-catch;
  • sharing information on tools that improve fisheries managers' understanding of the socio-economic and ecosystem impacts of management measures;
  • carrying out research to improve the growth, productivity, competitiveness and environmental sustainability of aquaculture (including offshore aquaculture) and the industry's ability to respond to market needs;
  • improving the market position of EU-sourced fisheries and aquaculture products by improving processing, labelling, traceability and certification.