The added value of collaboration to maritime innovation

Marnix Krikke, Director Innovation and Human Capital at Netherlands Maritime Technology, shares his perspective on how the technological maritime cluster in the Rotterdam region deals with innovation. And the added value of collaboration and talent development to the position of the region as maritime capital of Europe

Marnix, which developments do you see in the regional maritime knowledge and innovation ecosystem?

Before answering that question I would like to start with defining the regional maritime cluster and its strengths. The area between Maasvlakte 2 and Gorinchem contains a mix of world leading shipyards and clients. Including equipment suppliers of any kind and sort. It is safe to say that whatever maritime challenge you encounter, you can find a sound solution over here.

The maritime technology industry in the Rotterdam region is renowned for innovation and collaboration. It is known as a one stop shop for maritime challenges. Our main focus lies on innovation in the areas of sustainability (including greening), digitalisation and ‘blue growth’. Blue growth covers solutions that support activities at sea other than transport. Think about deep sea mining, aquaculture or installing and maintaining systems for renewable energy for example. Innovation starts from the need to respond to changing realities that call for new approaches or visionary clients that would like to explore uncharted territories. This calls for a healthy innovation ecosystem with a mix of operators that are open to change and innovative companies that are able to think out of the box to cater these needs. Within the regional maritime cluster I see a lot of creativity and willingness to cooperate to come up with such solutions and bring them to market.

Download the overview of regional research and research institutes.

For a large part this is possible due to the abundance of maritime knowledge, education, research institutions and innovation campuses in our region. This is highly important because sound and marketable solutions call for high-end knowledge and expertise. I believe that it is essential to go beyond just attracting and developing talent. It is crucial to be aware of developments in other sectors and understand what could be applicable in our industry as well. Fortunately the educational institutes are on top of this. Students of adjacent studies are encouraged to take maritime minors for example. This creates connections between various disciplines and broadens the talent pool.

Which opportunities arise from this development?

Innovation calls for specialised in-depth technological knowledge and expertise. However rapid developments; in combination with the growing need for 21st century skills; require employees and companies to adapt quickly to new realities. This means that traditional ways of learning and certification are not always sufficient anymore. Hard skills alone are no longer covering all needs. Working in cross-disciplinary teams (between companies) also call for increased soft skill competences.

In order to be successful it is important that the cluster is able to source from a broad talent pool. Therefore a lot of attention is given to creating specified accredited education and training. This is a unique cooperation between the industry and educational institutes. Netherlands Maritime Technology offers a wide variety of professional training opportunities for example. I am certain that this flexible infrastructure aids to the competitiveness of the region and creates opportunities.

How can the network of Rotterdam Maritime Capital of Europe help to capitalise these opportunities?

Even though sustainability might not be top of mind at all times, I believe that the call for a more sustainable society and maritime industry will stay. This means that the demand for innovative solutions will remain as well. In order for the regional maritime cluster to keep it’s competitive edge, it is important that industry players, knowledge institutions and (regional) governments work closely together. Fortunately this is one of our differentiating factors. Next to this it is helpful that (regional) authorities are already focused on boosting sustainable innovations. By creating an infrastructure for various alternative fuels for example. We need to be careful about letting ourselves be downplayed by the current low oil prices. To be able to capitalise on benefits of our unique knowledge and innovation ecosystem we need to create a clear vision on sustainability, digitalisation and blue growth; communicate the value of the maritime cluster in a proactive manner; and remain positive. Personally I believe this is where the Rotterdam Maritime Capital of Europe network proves to be beneficial. It aids to the strength and innovative power of the regional maritime cluster.