The starting point of this initiative is to reduce the current fragmentation of innovation ecosystems all over Europe. Consequently this initiative provides for renewed and reinforced coordination and cooperation mechanisms with Member states and associated countries but private initiatives can also be included.
With an ecosystem they are looking at the broader sense of the word so it not just about innovative people but also about infrastructure and processes. The end goal is to create a flow of information, resources, knowledge and talent within the ecosystem which should lead to sustained co-creation and breakthrough innovations in the longer run.
A total budget of 500 million EUR is foreseen for this part of the third pillar.
Ria.debreucker@vlaio.be
+32 2 553 13 77
Infosheets contain edited content on aspects related to this programme. They are reviewed at least yearly.
Related links are easy pointers towards external information. We curate the list, but are not liable for the destinations.
Documents contain additional information related to this programme, and are similar to related links.
Autoship is, as the name suggests, an acronym for autonomous ship. Just like with self-driving cars, the possibilities of an unmanned boat seem endless. It can create more efficient freight transport, around the clock deliveries and these are just a few of the examples. The project has two societal challenges.
At first, De Vlaamse Waterweg was a bit hesitant as their experience with FP7 or Horizon 2020 projects was limited and they had not been very successful up until then. The fact that they were already doing basic research on the topic of autonomous boats, and the administrative help of NCP FLanders helped De Vlaamse waterweg to cross the line and get involved.