EU executive aims to integrate marine and maritime research

摘要

Targeted, coherent and integrated research activities can help promote growth in maritime sectors and coastal regions while ensuring environmental protection. The strategy, adopted on 3 September by the European Commission1, proposes ways of integrating marine research (knowledge and protection of the marine environment) and maritime research (technologies, energy, transport, use of resources), with the aim of enhancing effectiveness by pooling knowledge and resources, and setting up partnerships of scientists, industry and institutional players in the coastal regions. The strategy constitutes the research component of the integrated maritime policy for the European Union for 2007. The Commission notes the need to move beyond the traditional boundaries between science and policy development, science and technology, scientific disciplines and industrial disciplines. This involves the reinforcement or development of new means, whether specialised research infrastructure or skills renewal, and innovative financing measures.