AquaInnova intends to establish a solid framework for European aquaculture that will support the sector’s sustainable development. It will focus on maximising the potential for innovation and technological development in the aquaculture value chain. This issue has been addressed partially by the establishment of the European Aquaculture Technology and Innovation Platform (EATIP), which was created in 2008 for the purpose of identifying and implementing actions to improve the competitiveness of professional European aquaculture and related industries. The EATIP is a collaborative structure of dedicated companies, RTD institutions and representative organisations. Thus, its members are making an active contribution to the aquaculture value chain, while others are driving research and innovation efforts or promoting policy and development aspects. A statutory goal of the EATIP is to put in place measures and structures to improve research, technology, development and innovation (RTDI) framework conditions. AquaInnova will provide a much-needed structured opportunity that supports the goals and objectives identified for European aquaculture. This base will allow for consultation across the entire aquaculture value chain and with the European Commission, national governmental agencies, civil society organisations, related KBBE technology platforms, and national research funding organisations. Once the consultation platform has been developed by AquaInnova for operation, there will be sufficient capacity for the preparation of comprehensive vision documents and strategic research agendas that will identify the innovation and RTD needs that are required for the sustainable development of European aquaculture.
