Research, Technology & Innovation

Innovation is at the heart of UK industry competing in the global maritime sector.  You cannot create products and services which are faster, better or cheaper without innovation.  This is why we focus on this subject through all our work.

There is a continual drive to increase the funding for maritime innovation both from government bodies like Innovate UK but also to drive up awareness of private sector finance and investment options.

We are active on a number of fronts to assist members with collaborations and support in accessing funding.  The Chief Executive currently represents the industry on a number of external bodies including the Working Group and Strategy Board of MarRI-UK and Chairs the Maritime UK Technology and Innovation Group. 

The Technology and Innovation Group specifically liaises with government and its agencies, such as Innovate UK and its Knowledge Transfer Networks. This high level involvement enables us to influence future funding calls to the benefit of our members.

SMI supports Sheldon Ryan in his Maritime UK National Innovation role also supported by the Department of Transport.  This role supports a programme of innovation awareness events and activities designed to bring together industry, academia and government.

MarRI-UK (Maritime Research and Innovation UK) has been created to strengthen the collaboration between industry, academia and government to meet the challenges and opportunities in the maritime sector.  Initially set up with funding from the Department for Transport, Babcock International Group and BMT, MarRI-UK has adopted a membership model attractive to all sizes of UK companies with a desire to accelerate their innovation agendas to create world beating products and services.

It is key that members have the tools to collaborate with other companies and have access to the necessary funding in order to progress with their research and development within the sector.

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