Cross-border Innovation (Priority 1)
This priority focusses on increasing innovation within Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs), including social enterprises, by encouraging collaboration between Higher and Further Education institutions and other public sector organisations with SMEs.
EU investments will also Improve innovation performance and increase productivity within SMEs through the increase of knowledge sharing between sectors. They will help create new and improved products, services or processes in the cross-border area.
The priority focuses on activity in the following sectors:
- Marine and Environmental Sciences (including renewable energy)
- Food and Drink
- Life Sciences
Adaptation of the Irish Sea and Coastal Communities to Climate Change (Priority 2)
Working collaboratively to preserve and enhance the marine and coastal environment for the enjoyment of future generations in the face of the increasing impacts of climate change.
The effects of climate change have impacted on society, the economy, businesses and our shared ecosystem. This priority focuses on the links between the impact of climate change on jobs and growth and seeks to respond to cross-border challenges on the Irish Sea and coastal communities.
Capacity and knowledge of climate change adaptation across the Irish Sea and its coastal communities will be increased by commissioning joint research, sharing existing research and expertise and monitoring the impacts of climate change.
Cultural and Natural Resources and Heritage (Priority 3)
This priority focuses on enhancing sustainable growth through co-operation by maximising the potential of the natural and cultural assets of the cross-border maritime area.
Cultural and natural heritage is used as to stimulate economic growth by utilising the assets, enhancing the natural and cultural environment and increasing the attractiveness of the coastal communities in the programme area as places to visit. A key focus is support and diversification the tourism sector to increase visitor numbers to coastal communities.
It explores how the Irish Sea can be used and how green and blue growth can be utilised to underpin economic growth, with the aim of capitalising on the strengths of the unique, shared heritage and the maritime and coastal character of the Programme area.