Study on the relevance of the proposed future EIT KIC :Water, marine and maritime sectors and ecosystem (WMM) : Lot 2, Sustainable Blue economy and ocean affairs

Table of Contents

• Table of Contents 5
• LIST OF TABLES 7
• LIST OF ACRONYMS 8
• ABSTRACT 10
• EXECUTIVE SUMMARY 11
• Introduction 11
• Methodology 11
• Key findings 12
• Conclusions of the study 14
• RÉSUMÉ 15
• Introduction 15
• Méthodologie 15
• Principales conclusions 16
• Conclusions de l'étude 19
• ZUSAMMENFASSUNG 20
• Einführung 20
• Methodik 20
• Wichtigste Ergebnisse 21
• Schlussfolgerungen der Studie 24
• 1. INTRODUCTION 25
• 2. METHODOLOGY 27
• 2.1 Desk research 28
• 2.1.1 Objective 28
• 2.1.2 Data Collection 28
• 2.1.3 Data Analysis 28
• 2.2 Stakeholder interviews 28
• 2.2.1 Objective 28
• 2.2.2 Stakeholder mapping 28
• 2.2.3 Interview Process 29
• 2.2.4 Data Analysis 29
• 3. STUDY ANALYSIS 30
• 3.1 Analysis of the challenges faced by the Water, Marine and Maritime sectors and Ecosystems today 30
• 3.1.1 Challenge 1: Water scarcity, droughts and floods 30
• 3.1.2 Challenge 2: Marine and freshwater ecosystem degradation 36
• 3.1.3 Challenge 3: Circular and Sustainable Blue Economy 39
• 3.2 Analysis of the potential relevance and impact of a KIC in the field 44
• 3.2.1 Europe’s position in the maritime economy sphere and socio-economic importance of blue economy sectors 44
• 3.2.2 Fragmentation of efforts and disconnection between education, research and innovation activities 47
• 3.2.3 The contribution that the creation of a KIC can make to confronting and overcoming the challenges faced by the sector 50
• 3.3 Synergies and complementarities with existing initiatives 53
• 3.3.1 Policy and strategic level 54
• 3.3.2 Initiatives and partnerships 60
• 3.3.3 Platforms, hubs, enablers 63
• 3.3.4 Global dimension 65
• 3.3.5 Knowledge transfer-related projects 66
• 3.3.6 Conclusions 67
• 4. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUDING REMARKS 68
• 4.1 Challenges and opportunities 68
• 4.2 Potential relevance and impact of WMM KIC 69
• 4.3 Synergies and complementarities with existing initiatives 70
• ANNEXES 72
• Annex 1 - Summary table of trends in developments and the impact on challenges confronted by the WMM sectors and ecosystems 72
• Annex 2 - Analysis of the most recent developments - in relation to the thematic challenges identified in the factsheet to the SIA 76
• The challenge 76
• Water scarcity, drought and floods 76
• Marine and freshwater ecosystem degradation 76
• The circular and sustainable blue economy 76
• Relevance and impact 76
• Synergies and complementarities with existing initiatives 77
• Conclusion 77
• Annex 3 – Further analysis of the challenges 78
• Further analysis of Challenge 1: Water scarcity, droughts and floods 78
• Relevance of the challenge 78
• Scientific, technological and socio-economic developments 79
• Scientific developments 79
• Technological developments 80
• Solutions for transitioning to a water-efficient and water-saving economy 80
• Solutions for improving the EU’s prevention, preparedness and overall resilience to water-related disasters 84
• Socio-economic developments 86
• Further analysis of challenge 2: Marine and freshwater ecosystem degradation 87
• Relevance of the challenge 87
• Scientific, technological and socio-economic developments since 2019 90
• Technological developments 92
• Socio-economic developments 94
• Annex 4 - Stakeholder consultation 96
• Summary 96
• Annex 5 – References 100