Many other industries such as electronics, automotive and aerospace have already had the benefit of a long term research agenda for their sector which allows them to collaborate effectively and have a coherent approach to access funding. It must therefore be seen as vital that the marine sector should also develop a comprehensive plan to look at short, medium and long term research and development requirements.

Neutral paper DTI officials will produce this "neutral" paper, which will act as a document to stimulate collaboration and also aid funding agencies, banks, financial institutions and investors in their approach to funding marine related projects.

Nine key themes were discussed during the day including efficient propulsion systems, hydrodynamics and hull optimisation, sensors and control systems, navigation and traffic management, manufacturing technology, autonomous vehicles, renewable energy, advanced structural materials as well as cross cutting environmental technologies.

Ideas and information relating to each of these key themes was gathered from the delegates and the DTI will produce the paper in the next month or so. These themes are all areas which impact on our marine leisure sector and it's still not too late to contribute to the work - get in touch with the DTI and they will send you a work pack to complete and return.

In Europe similar work is starting on Waterborne - an EU funded Technology Platform which will produce a vision for the maritime industry for the future leading to a strategic research agenda. This work will then feed into the next round of EU Framework R&D funding.

Actively involved The UK is actively involved in this so it's vital to get your requirements adequately represented.

Kelvyn Derrick who is chief executive of Hamworthy Plc, opened the day with a look at innovation challenges for the future. Against a background of increasing competition from overseas markets with a lower cost base, yet rising skills and knowledge, there are certainly turbulent times ahead.

Develop value Innovation and ideas that develop value will be vital for the marine sector's continued success and research and development is at the very heart of innovation. Most innovative companies find that the majority of their revenues come from recently introduced products and with government tax credits available, now is the time to focus on R&D.

Copies of the DTI Marine Sector Technology Plan will be in the public domain soon. Nick Heyes, who heads up the innovation section within DTI Marine, hopes the report will be like a key for a combination safe holding potential R&D funds- it's a start in opening it but there's still a combination lock to crack, which needs hard work, great ideas and a good business plan.

For more information, e-mail nick. heyes@dti.gsi.gov.uk