Skills development is key for enabling Blue Growth promoting foresight analyses of the ocean. This working group will therefore define a strategic agenda to identify essential training topics for the next generation of marine scientists as well as specific training needs in the extensive framework of Blue Growth, paying particular attention to Fisheries, Aquaculture and Seafood Processing (FASP) sectors. This strategic agenda aims at paving the way for a suitable environment for the development of human resources and the transfer of know-how, while promoting a transdisciplinary approach and enhancing cross-border collaboration in marine research and education.
KEY OBJECTIVES
The Working Group is divided into three main parts/goals:
- Establishment of training needs in support of Blue Growth, to be addressed through presentations by invited speakers and a round table. There will also be a showcase of relevant initiatives and best practice sharing.
- Identification of optimal MSc, PhD courses and Postdoc training able to join competences from academic and non-academic sectors (fostering of T-Skills).
- Proposal of operative tools/instruments to support the training of marine scientists and professionals, with special emphasis on the identified training needs.
EXPECTED OUTCOMES
- A strategy document listing possible concrete actions to be undertaken
- A letter of intent for the appointment of a EuroMarine delegate in other working groups
- A 'Call for Actions' activity in support of Blue Human Resources
EXPECTED IMPACT
Expected impacts include further uptakes of the working group's outputs in relevant strategies, programmes, and initiatives, including the FOOD2030 Strategy and the joint calls to be launched by the ERANET COFUND on Blue Bioeconomy. Enhanced cooperation will be pursued according to EuroMarine principles, also addressing actions aimed at supporting the development of R&I marine and maritime policy frameworks at macro-regional level, with specific regard to the BLUEMED Initiative for blue jobs and growth in the Mediterranean area, the Atlantic Ocean Research Alliance, the BONUS EEIG, and the works of the Black Sea Commission.
