Using Economic Cost Benefit Analysis Methodologies to underpin the sustainability and strategic planning of Coastal Ocean Research Infrastructures in Europe.

摘要

The JERICO-RI (Joint European Research Infrastructure for Coastal Observatories, http://www.jericori.eu) is a Network of Coastal Observatories which are being integrated into a sustainable system of systems. Initiated in 2010, the basic elements of the system are nationally funded observing platforms, i.e. Ferrybox, fixed platforms (moorings, cabled observatories, piles), coastal gliders, HF radar, coastal profilers and vessels of opportunity. One of the main challenges for the European marine research community is now to increase the consistency and the sustainability of these dispersed networks and infrastructures by integrating their future within a shared Pan-European framework/infrastructure. A comprehensive cost benefit and value analysis for the Research Infrastructure is presented, outlining both the direct costs and benefits, but also the non-quantifiable costs and benefits associated with the operation of an integrated network of coastal marine observing systems. We show how the results of the economic appraisal and Cost Benefit Analysis outputs are best represented by the calculation of the Net Present Value (NPV) for each of the governance options considered. This value, in combination with the Benefit Cost Ratio (The ratio of the total benefits to total costs when total benefits and total costs are expressed in discounted present value terms) are calculated and presented with the high values in both cases illustrating the strong rationale for the development of a permanent Pan-European Research Infrastructure for coastal observations.