Sea

© Vidmantas Matutis photo

Spausdinti   Supplement to article

There is a plan to create an institution, unifying and coordinating maritime businesses and science in Klaipeda. Now, both fields are working apart. Separate associations manage to unify only certain business activities.

Science and business cooperation

In Western Europe, according to the EU guidelines, new so-called maritime clusters were created, unifying businesses, educational institutions, public agencies, local authorities and sea ports. Upon last year’s visit in Alesund, journalists were represented with such possibilities. Businesses are supporting educational institutions by introducing scientific centers, building shipping simulators and laboratories. It is believed that upon unifying businesses and educational institutions, their alignment helps to improve business environment, train specialists and make important savings. In essence, it is called business and science cooperation.

Danish are leaders

In the unification of business and science, the furthest advanced are Danish. In partnership such companies as Maersk Line, DFDS Seaways, offshore wind farm construction and operation company Dong Energy, other energy, logistics and transportation companies are working together. They, as well as other business organizations, are joined in marine cluster EMUC. Recently, this cluster was rewarded with EU bronze certificate. Currently, this is the highest award for a marine cluster development organization. It is valid for two years. Since 2013, new gold and silver awards will be provided. Cluster movement in the Western Europe acquires new various forms. Also, a new cluster club is created in Europe, called ECMC (European Cluster Managers Club).

Purpose: maritime cluster

“When looking for opportunities to work together, we believe that the best partner is Danish Cluster Group,” – said the representative of Klaipeda Science and Technology Park Andrius Sutnikas. Experts of this park are a part of the project MarChain, which has allocated 100 thousand euro for Lithuania in order to help to improve and unite educational institutions, maritime businesses and authorities. The main goal is to establish a maritime cluster or association at the end of 2013 in Klaipeda. According to this program, similar funds were allocated for three regions in Poland, two in Norway and Finland, and one in Lithuania, Latvia, Estonia and Germany. Conferences in Denmark in order to create these clusters are held from February 6^th. The representatives of Klaipeda Science and Technology Park, Klaipeda Municipality, Baltic Valley, and Klaipeda University Marine Engineering Department will attend the meetings. In Denmark, they will be given an opportunity to communicate with the representatives of Danish Shipowners’ Association, Green Future of Ships Movement, Danish Maritime Fund, Shipbrokers Association, Shipping Economics and Innovation Centre (CENS) and Copenhagen Business School (CBS).