The European Commission’s Research & Innovation Framework Programme Horizon Europe, has launched its first Joint transnational call entitled « The way forward: a thriving sustainable blue economy for a brighter future ». This Horizon Europe co-funded partnership gathers a network of 60 Partner institutions from 25 countries and the European Commission, engaging with relevant initiatives at sea basin level and the Atlantic Ocean. Over the next 7 years, 450 million euros will be invested in five intervention areas, of which two are especially relevant for Maritime Spatial Planning:
- Intervention Area 2 on Blue generation marine structures focusing on developing multi-use structures
- Intervention Area 3 on Planning and managing sea-uses supporting the development of tools and approaches of artificial intelligence-based MSP.
To be eligible, research consortia must include partners from a minimum of three independent legal entities from three different countries participating in the call. Self-funded partners including partners from countries (and/or regions) not participating in this Co-funded call are allowed but do not contribute to the minimum eligible consortium size. Stakeholder engagement as partners or self-funded partners is encouraged (according to national/regional regulations) to enhance innovation, policy, and societal relevance and ultimately the impact of the projects.
Further information on how to engage in the Sustainable Blue Economy Partnership and the intervention areas can be found here.