HARVEST ATLANTIC PROJECT - SECTORIAL ANALYSIS OF MARINE BIOTECHNOLOGY IN THE ATLANTIC AREA

Abstract

Marine Biotechnology involves utilising  “marine bio resources either as the source or the target of biotechnology applications” (Irish Marine Institute, 2014).

This component of th HARVEST Atlantic Project  focused on analysing different subsectors of the maritime economy including marine biotechnology in Atlantic territories, specifically- Ireland, Portugal, Scotland and Spain. Using an online survey and structured interviews with relevant companies in the industry, this subsector was examined to guage a more in depth understanding of its strengths and weaknesses in order to highlight recommendations enabling innovation and competitiveness in this sector.

The  key recommendations from the analyses conducted were; the need for a reduction in associated bureaucracy, the need to simplify sector legislation, the need to  promote awareness and involvement in all sector activities, and the need to put in place a support channel for SME’s,  (HARVEST Atlantic Project, 2014).