Brussels, 25/02/2013 (Agence Europe) - LeaderSHIP 2020 focuses on qualifications, access to third markets, access to funding, and R&D. The regions are closely involved.
On 20 February, the European Commission presented its new short- and medium-term strategy to strengthen the competitiveness of European shipbuilding and maritime technology. Developed in collaboration with the industry - represented by Sea Europe, the trade unions, the maritime regions and the member states - LeaderSHIP 2020 aims to boost a sector which employs over 500,000 people in Europe and which has an annual turnover of nearly €72 billion, but which faces strong international competition and the impact of an unprecedented crisis. Following on from LeaderSHIP 2015, which was set up in 2003, LeaderSHIP 2020 involves a wider range of players. All the maritime technology industries are involved, as well as the wind power industry, ship owners and the dredging industry. The regions are also closely involved in the process.
This new strategy is based on recommendations which range from the wider use of EU instruments to foster new skills and qualifications, to public-private partnerships (PPP) for new maritime research, to new opportunities for EIB funding, to smart specialisation strategies in regional policy. In the view of European Commissioner for Industry and Entrepreneurship Antonio Tajani, LeaderSHIP 2020 will give fresh impetus to the shipbuilding and maritime industry in the areas of innovation, greening, applying new technologies, and diversifying into new emerging markets - such as off-shore wind energy.
Employment and skills. The strategy underlines the problem of skills shortages for the sector and proposes a systematic approach at EU level to map the available skills and to address needs for training and skills, through the use of EU programmes like the programme for social change and innovation 2014-2020, and involving member states and regions through the creation of regional networks. LeaderSHIP 2020 is also based on a wider communication of the long-term vision of the maritime industries - the existing tools provided by EU programmes and initiatives should be harnessed to promote the attractive image of a career in the European maritime technology industry. Lastly, the strategy recommends the promotion of mobility and the exploration of ways to harmonise degrees and accreditation systems in the EU in order to meet market needs and improve graduate employability.
Market access and fair conditions. Initiatives planned for this chapter involve international organisations such as the OECD, WTO and ILO on intellectual property rights and public procurement. They focus on the need to redefine the role of the OECD on shipbuilding, in order to consider new ways to regulate unfair and unsustainable trade practices. This includes monitoring government interventions and price developments. New methods to reduce capacity and overhaul common rules should also be explored, as should the design of a general framework and strategy to include public value targets in public tenders and higher levels of innovation, and the enforcement of greater reciprocity in market opening between the EU and third countries.
Access to finance. This has become the single most important factor in competing for international shipbuilding contracts. Methods to resolve problems of access to financial resources and to stimulate financing environmental improvements include using the EIB and the possibilities for broadening its lending activities for projects related to green shipping, offshore renewable energy, and modernisation. The strategy also plans a new measure for long-term ship financing to be defined by the European Commission, the member states, financial operators and the industry. Lastly, the strategy plans for the possibility of creating a blue PPP, that meets state aid rules.
R&D and innovation. LeaderSHIP 2020 suggests that the industry develop a roadmap for a PPP at EU level by 2020, aiming to focus maritime R&D on low carbon technology, energy efficiency and the maximum safety of vessels. The feasibility of a PPP on marine renewable energy could also be explored. Lastly, the strategy plans to use the possibility of allocating 2014-2020 structural funds for the diversification of the maritime technology industry into new market sectors, in the context of regional strategies for smart specialisation. (EH/transl.fl)