Sea Change: A Marine Knowledge, Research and Innovation Strategy for Ireland 2007-2013 Part 1

Abstract

The Irish marine sector has a turnover of €3 billion annually and supports over 44,000 jobs (direct and indirect), 56% of which are outside the most developed regions of the country. However, its significance is far greater due to its direct impact on the wider economy and the natural environment, and its potential is hugely underdeveloped. To underpin the next stage of development of the marine sector, the Marine Institute is bringing forward, on behalf of government, a Marine Knowledge, Research and Innovation Strategy for Ireland 2007-2013. This Strategy builds on the achievements of the 1998 Strategy and the solid foundation that has been established since then in terms of marine research infrastructure and significant strengthening of marine research capacity. The Strategy aims to ensure that Ireland fully maximises the economic, social and environmental contribution of its marine resources in a manner similar to countries such as Denmark, the Netherlands and Norway. In these countries, the marine sector is four, five and seven times greater, respectively, than the Irish marine sector. Furthermore, they place great emphasis on maximising its value, especially as a driver of regional development, through R&D, innovation and technology transfer.