About the Cluster
Cluster development is identified as part of the EU Lisbon Agenda. The European Commission is highly supportive of the cluster approach. It brings together expertise, services, resources, suppliers and skills with the objective of stimulating growth and innovation. Marine clusters can also play a valuable role in marine environmental protection and sustainable development. The importance of cluster development is recognised within the relevant Regional Development Agency's economic strategies and is firmly part of UK Government policy. The central aim of the North Sea Marine Cluster is to develop a collaborative strategy, with emphasis on actions and not just words. The focus will be on activities within the North Sea but application of the collective expertise and skills within the Cluster will also have an EU and international dimension.
The North Sea Marine Cluster (NSMC) constitutes a cross-sectoral group focussed on supporting regional growth and catalysing a higher profile for marine services and technologies in the region. Initial members are Gardline and the University of East Anglia. The aim is to build regional membership among complementary enterprises and organisations that share the aims and objectives of the NSMC.
Aims and Objectives
- Maintain an open and effective network that brings together the capabilities and strengthens the capacity of the Cluster, facilitating communication among members and providing further scope for co-operation, both within the Cluster and with other relevant players.
- To operate a watching brief on relevant marine issues, to enable members of the Cluster to influence and prepare for change.
- To champion the capabilities within the Cluster with a view to creating and securing business, development and research opportunities which will bring Regional economic and scientific benefits and, in doing so, raise the profile of the Region in these areas.
- To act as a consultation forum and to contribute to regional decision making.
