Publication - Dutch Maritime Network (Netherlands)

Dynamic European Maritime Clusters

Europe is a maritime superpower as its maritime sectors are leading in terms of market shares, innovative technology and global operations. However, European maritime industries are often fragmented, not only geographically, but also in terms of sectors and company size. In order to face the increasing global competition, in particular from the Far East, Europe should address these constraints and create a more integrated network and market of all the European maritime sectors, industries and entrepre- neurs: not so much to defend its position, but most of all to take advantage of the abundant growth opportunities in global markets.

To achieve this, actions at various levels will be necessary. First of all the entrepreneurs should strengthen their (innovation) networks, create more economy of scale, either through cooperation with SME’s or through consolidation, nationally and within Europe. The many maritime sectors should be strongly organised in clusters on national levels and on European levels. Strengthening the maritime clusters from within, as well as at the economic policy level are important enablers to address the competitive challenges.

The European Commission’s initiative for a holistic European Maritime Policy underscores the importance of maritime clusters and integrated maritime policies. How can the European Commission contribute to the strengthening of European maritime clusters? Its fi rst and foremost priority should be to understand the structure and economic importance of maritime clusters. As there are no standardized definitions of maritime sectors and clusters in Europe, and as statistics are not geared to measure and monitor maritime clusters, the European Union and member states should create a solid quantitative statistical foundation.

Without this basis, it will be difficult to formulate and monitor a future European Maritime Policy. This book contains various high-level contributions from a number of maritime clusters and policy makers which underlines the necessity to do just that.

The European Network of Maritime Clusters is ready to assist the European Commission when it decides to commission an EU-wide study with the objective to establish a detailed insight in the European maritime cluster.