Energy security is identified as a significant challenge and this appears in both the Welsh EPF and the Irish IS. There is a need for a balanced energy mix and the demand drivers of major low carbon energy generation and energy efficiency gives a clear indication that focus is needed in the drive towards the security of our future energy resources. Capitalising on our natural resources as sources for renewable energy is a focus of the EPF and the dedicated priority axes in the ERDF programmes demonstrates that ERDF can support research and innovation related to all aspects of energy security, including energy efficiency.
BUCANIER will contribute to the priority axis of innovation and will support and increase knowledge collaborations between research institutions and the SMEs that are involved in the operation. BUCANIER will be able to support supply chain opportunities for new ideas for products and services particularly with the expertise that there is across the regions with regard to wind energy, wave energy, tidal range and tidal stream. The Haven Waterway Enterprise Zone offers both renewable and traditional energy companies and an established industry base and supply chain, with skilled workforce, distribution and sites, with a range of energy related fields.
The beneficiaries of BUCANIER have been carefully chosen and on both sides of the Irish Sea, well established research institutions have been included i.e. Swansea University and IT Carlow that add a knowledge transfer capability from the research capacities of each institution. The Bord Iascaigh Mhara brings significant marine and aquaculture credibility to the operation. Furthermore, the Bridge Innovation Centre is identified within the EPF as a key investment project in the pipeline. BUCANIER will be run in Pembrokeshire from the Bridge Innovation Centre, thereby interfacing a key pipeline investment with the wider region and across the Irish Sea border into South East Ireland.
Energy
Energy security is identified as a significant challenge and this appears in both the Welsh EPF and the Irish IS. There is a need for a balanced energy mix and the demand drivers of major low carbon energy generation and energy efficiency gives a clear indication that focus is needed in the drive towards the security of our future energy resources. Capitalising on our natural resources as sources for renewable energy is a focus of the EPF and the dedicated priority axes in the ERDF programmes demonstrates that ERDF can support research and innovation related to all aspects of energy security, including energy efficiency.
BUCANIER will contribute to the priority axis of innovation and will support and increase knowledge collaborations between research institutions and the SMEs that are involved in the operation. BUCANIER will be able to support supply chain opportunities for new ideas for products and services particularly with the expertise that there is across the regions with regard to wind energy, wave energy, tidal range and tidal stream. The Haven Waterway Enterprise Zone offers both renewable and traditional energy companies and an established industry base and supply chain, with skilled workforce, distribution and sites, with a range of energy related fields.
The beneficiaries of BUCANIER have been carefully chosen and on both sides of the Irish Sea, well established research institutions have been included i.e. Swansea University and IT Carlow that add a knowledge transfer capability from the research capacities of each institution. The Bord Iascaigh Mhara brings significant marine and aquaculture credibility to the operation. Furthermore, the Bridge Innovation Centre is identified within the EPF as a key investment project in the pipeline. BUCANIER will be run in Pembrokeshire from the Bridge Innovation Centre, thereby interfacing a key pipeline investment with the wider region and across the Irish Sea border into South East Ireland.
FOOD
Food security is recognised as a significant challenge by both the Welsh and Irish Governments but also represents a major worldwide opportunity for both Wales and Ireland. Green growth has been targeted at 30% increase in the turnover of the food and farming/agriculture priority sector by 2020. Food tourism, food safety and the food supply chain are key demand drivers of the food industry, along with food poverty being a real issue and the need to increase the availability and affordability of food. BUCANIER will make a contribution towards the ambition of growing the food and drink sectors.
The choice of beneficiaries is significant; Carmarthenshire has the Food Park in Cross Hands (a joint venture between the Welsh Government and the Local Authority). A Food Park at Withybush in Pembrokeshire is now in advanced planning. The Bord Iascaigh Mhara in Ireland coupled with the R&D and knowledge transfer capabilities of the research partners Swansea University ILS/IT Carlow brings a strong dimension for cross border clustering in food and drink enabling SMEs to bring new innovative products, be they new food products, food safety products and services or food supply chain product development opportunities closer to the market enabling SMES to develop international competitiveness.
Moreover, there is potential for wider investigation into products and services in farming and land management ecosystems to be able to access wider markets such as carbon sequestration. The investment in a design centric approach within BUCANIER will allow SMEs to investigate the potential for eco-sensitive products, including packaging and delivery opportunities.
FOOD
Food security is recognised as a significant challenge by both the Welsh and Irish Governments but also represents a major worldwide opportunity for both Wales and Ireland. Green growth has been targeted at 30% increase in the turnover of the food and farming/agriculture priority sector by 2020. Food tourism, food safety and the food supply chain are key demand drivers of the food industry, along with food poverty being a real issue and the need to increase the availability and affordability of food. BUCANIER will make a contribution towards the ambition of growing the food and drink sectors.
The choice of beneficiaries is significant; Carmarthenshire has the Food Park in Cross Hands (a joint venture between the Welsh Government and the Local Authority). A Food Park at Withybush in Pembrokeshire is now in advanced planning. The Bord Iascaigh Mhara in Ireland coupled with the R&D and knowledge transfer capabilities of the research partners Swansea University ILS/IT Carlow brings a strong dimension for cross border clustering in food and drink enabling SMEs to bring new innovative products, be they new food products, food safety products and services or food supply chain product development opportunities closer to the market enabling SMES to develop international competitiveness.
Moreover, there is potential for wider investigation into products and services in farming and land management ecosystems to be able to access wider markets such as carbon sequestration. The investment in a design centric approach within BUCANIER will allow SMEs to investigate the potential for eco-sensitive products, including packaging and delivery opportunities.
Life Sciences and Health
Life Sciences and Health is recognised as an economic opportunity. There are global challenges associated with an aging population and changing demographics offer significant market opportunities for life and health science business to generate economic growth. Personalised medicine is increasing and commercially minded innovation is a driver that could transform healthcare delivery in both public and private sector. Demographic changes will see jobs in the healthcare sector grow to meet increasing demand, thereby offering opportunities for innovation in the sector.
Amongst the drivers are UK R&D funding, major infrastructure investments in health and social care, recent inward investment success and major commercial investment funding for life science. There is significant capability in Wales, including the Life Sciences Hub, HPC Wales and the Institute for Life Sciences. Both the lead beneficiary and Swansea University ILS have had significant involvement with HPC Wales and formal partnerships were in place in the previous ERDF funding round. It is no mistake that Swansea University ILS has been chosen as a beneficiary for the BUCANIER operation. Their partnering in this operation will allow SMEs in Ireland and Wales taking part in the BUCANIER operation the opportunity to develop ideas for new products to use existing and create new networks offered by the inclusion of the ILS.
The desire to create new life science relationships between ILS and Ireland is a significant opportunity that the BUCANIER Operation beneficiaries are keen to exploit. Moreover, the ability to promote healthy living through outdoor recreation and leisure is recognised by the Ireland Wales programme as an area where EU funds will add value to the key drivers within the economic opportunity. This coupled with the ability to work across food and drink sectors to generate opportunities for cross sector products and services is an area that BUCANIER is keen to develop.
Life Sciences and Health
Life Sciences and Health is recognised as an economic opportunity. There are global challenges associated with an aging population and changing demographics offer significant market opportunities for life and health science business to generate economic growth. Personalised medicine is increasing and commercially minded innovation is a driver that could transform healthcare delivery in both public and private sector. Demographic changes will see jobs in the healthcare sector grow to meet increasing demand, thereby offering opportunities for innovation in the sector.
Amongst the drivers are UK R&D funding, major infrastructure investments in health and social care, recent inward investment success and major commercial investment funding for life science. There is significant capability in Wales, including the Life Sciences Hub, HPC Wales and the Institute for Life Sciences. Both the lead beneficiary and Swansea University ILS have had significant involvement with HPC Wales and formal partnerships were in place in the previous ERDF funding round. It is no mistake that Swansea University ILS has been chosen as a beneficiary for the BUCANIER operation. Their partnering in this operation will allow SMEs in Ireland and Wales taking part in the BUCANIER operation the opportunity to develop ideas for new products to use existing and create new networks offered by the inclusion of the ILS.
The desire to create new life science relationships between ILS and Ireland is a significant opportunity that the BUCANIER Operation beneficiaries are keen to exploit. Moreover, the ability to promote healthy living through outdoor recreation and leisure is recognised by the Ireland Wales programme as an area where EU funds will add value to the key drivers within the economic opportunity. This coupled with the ability to work across food and drink sectors to generate opportunities for cross sector products and services is an area that BUCANIER is keen to develop.
