1st stakeholder consultation on the EU Ocean R&I Strategy. Commissioner Costas Kadis' welcome speech

First stakeholder consultation on the European ocean research & innovation strategy

This event marked the launched of the consultation process for the European Ocean Research and Innovation (R&I) Strategy, expected to involve a wide array of public and private stakeholders. Ad-hoc dialogues will run through 2025 and 2026, leading to a broader public consultation 2026, while the publication of the call for evidence is expected in the coming weeks.

EU added value in mission-oriented ocean science, research and innovation

The panel emphasised that Europe’s added value lies in its ability to bring forward Mission-oriented, cross-border research that requires systemic understanding, long-term funding and collaboration across sectors, governance levels and sea basins. Speakers called for better coordination across EU, national and regional levels, particularly to support transnational access to facilities.

While national systems remain central, the EU provides the scale, funding and platforms (such as JPI Oceans and basin-wide agendas) that align efforts across Europe. Participants highlighted the need to strengthen co-design with NGOs and industry and break silos between research, industry and territories. Public authorities were encouraged to improve innovation procurement, use new data sources and AI tools and foster broader ocean literacy.

Ocean health and the triple planetary crisis

Discussions on ocean health stressed the climate-ocean-biodiversity nexus and the need for long-term data to understand ecosystem services and inform investment needs. Blue carbon markets and nature-based solutions were cited as emerging opportunities, but requiring solid science, governance and financing models. Participants called for integrated approaches across biomes and stronger public–private partnerships, including frameworks that ensure net-positive environmental impacts.

Blue economy competitiveness

Panellists noted that while the blue economy offers significant innovation and investment potential – from decarbonised mobility to aquaculture and bioeconomy value chains – innovation (and innovation funding) remains fragmented. Gaps between low and high Technology Readiness Levels (TRLs), insufficient testbeds and limited national-level governance bodies for the blue economy were highlighted. Simplifying administrative burdens and improving dissemination and exploitation of R&I practices were cited as priorities.

Ocean technology and observation

Speakers stressed the need for end-to-end funding for ocean technologies, from basic research to deployment (TRL1–9). Connectivity – linking infrastructure, data, and AI – was identified as a major challenge, alongside the need for governance frameworks for key data and digital assets. After a question on possible topics for a future EU Ocean Technologies Initiative, suggestions included joint procurement and coastal resilience and dual-use needs (energy, food security, critical infrastructure).

Next steps

During the closing remarks, the European Commission highlighted resilience, competitiveness and strategic autonomy as guiding objectives for the new Strategy. Immediate next steps include a call for evidence in the coming weeks and a major stakeholder event on 3 March (during the EU Ocean Days), with high-level political interest. 

The consultation signalled a clear invitation – and expectation – to engage early and help shape the upcoming EU Ocean R&I Strategy, ensuring alignment of regional strategies and incorporating mission-oriented approaches when developing this framework. ERRIN will follow up closely on these next steps. If your region has a special interest in Ocean R&I priorities, get in touch with us and let us know.

ERRIN and the EU Mission Restore our Ocean and Waters by 2030

ERRIN has consistently worked to ensure that the regional dimension is recognised in both the design and implementation of the EU Mission Ocean And Waters. Through its Blue Economy Working Group, ERRIN has highlighted the contribution of regional ecosystems, shared best practices from its network, and maintained a close dialogue with the Mission Secretariat at the European Commission. 

This advocacy has been positively acknowledged, particularly in the context of Horizon Europe calls that emphasise the crucial role of regions in achieving the Mission’s objectives.  

In addition to this policy work, ERRIN took part in the Mission’s implementation, first by endorsing the Mission Charter, but also by becoming a partner in the project managing the Mission Implementation Platform (MIP Ocean). In 2025, ERRIN further strengthened its engagement in the Mission by joining two projects: CO-WATERS, which brings together regions, cities and islands committed to the Mission objectives by providing capacity-building services and fostering collaboration; and BlueActionBANOS, which supports transition agendas and community-led action in the Baltic and North Sea basin.