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.