The shipbuilding and naval repair sector in the Atlantic area

Abstract

Maritime activities are one of the key elements of the Lisbon Strategy. According to the European Union, those sectors related to the exploitation of the seas represent 3-5% of the Union GDP. Those sectors have contributed to the building of the Atlantic Area identity. Some subsectors from the maritime economy face tough times, while other offer great opportunities for economic growth and employment. In this context the HARVEST ATLANTIC (Harnessing All Resources Valuable to Economies of Seaside Territories on the Atlantic) project is developed, approved by the Atlantic Area Interreg IV-B Program. This study includes the main results obtained from the above mentioned project related to the shipbuilding and repair sector in four countries from the Atlantic area (Spain, Portugal, Ireland and Scotland). The surveys that were conducted among companies from the sector included different aspects related with their location, innovation, human capital and policy making.