The Waterborne Technology Platform welcomes the European Council conclusions on competitiveness and twin transition, underlining the need for increased research, development and innovation and its deployment.
Recently, the European Council discussed a competitive green transition and recalled the urgent need to intensify collective efforts to ensure Europe’s industrial renewal, modernisation and decarbonisation in a technologically neutral manner. Furthermore, the European Council underlined that, in this context, particular attention should be paid to traditional industries, such as shipping so that they remain resilient and competitive in a global market and a challenging geopolitical environment. Finally, the European Council stressed that further efforts are needed to strengthen European Union’s competitive advantage in clean and digital technologies, as well as cutting-edge innovation.
These conclusions are seen as particularly relevant in light of the negotiations concerning Horizon Europe beyond 2027, and the closely linked European Competitiveness Fund (ECF). The latter is a new instrument, and will focus on specific policy windows, including ‘clean transition and decarbonisation’. This policy window supports investments in the European waterborne sector to achieve clean, multimodal, digitalised, and safe transport and mobility solutions – including vessels, infrastructure (such as ports), systems and operations. Furthermore, investment, innovation and modernisation are anticipated in sustainable blue economy sectors, including shipbuilding and shipping, offshore energy, and blue technologies.
Horizon Europe, the EU’s successor to its current research, development and innovation programme, aims to strengthen its scientific and technological foundations, enhance the circulation and uptake of knowledge, technology and innovation and mobilise public and private investments across the full research and innovation chain, from fundamental research to market commercialisation.
Jaap Gebraad, Secretary General, Waterborne TP, said: “The transition towards a resilient, competitive and sustainable waterborne sector requires a joint and coordinated approach. Pooling public and private resources towards research, development, innovation and its deployment, will be key for the sustainable transition of the waterborne sector, and critical for enhancing the technology leadership of its manufacturing industry. The Waterborne TP is currently developing a technology roadmap, paving the way for a resilient, competitive and sustainable future, and designing the building blocks for Horizon Europe beyond 2027 and the European Competitiveness Fund.”
Image: The Waterborne TP long term strategy includes a technology roadmap (source: Waterborne TP)
