1.1 Developing and enhancing research and innovation capacities and the uptake of advanced technologies

Projects activities are expected to apply innovation to the economic sectors and place-based challenges, especially in the blue economy green economy, industry 4.0, silver economy, and cultural & creative industries. The objectives are to improve SME competitiveness, strengthen innovation capacities, support experimentation and pilots, and influence public policies. Projects should involve social and economic innovation networks, and focus on marine/maritime activities. The expected results are to enhance the competitiveness and resilience of the blue economy sectors and the Atlantic communities through social innovation and cooperation.

1.2 Reaping the benefits of digitalisation for citizens, companies, research organisation and public authorities

Projects are expected to address the integration of technological aspects, business models, and strategies, emphasizing the importance of data and ICT access in providing support for the digital transition of the entire ecosystem. Focus should be done to upskilling and reskilling in the blue economy and tourism sectors, and promoting actions such as awareness-raising, training, digital tools availability, and collaboration between education and industry. The main goals are improving skills, increasing digital media use, enhancing competitiveness, and providing public e-services in the Atlantic Area, in alignment with the sea-basin strategy and horizontal principles.

2.1 Promoting energy efficiency and reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

Projects are expected to address the challenge of limited resources for large-scale renewable energy investments by focusing on stimulating solutions for energy efficiency and renewable energy production, especially in marine and maritime energy like wave, tidal, and ocean current energy. The objective of this priority is to encourage the analysis of possibilities for new green/blue energy projects while facilitating the coordination of regional and national actors. The programme aims to support SMEs in developing and testing pilots in real conditions, contributing within its means to the long-term achievement of a carbon-neutral environment.

2.4 Promoting climate change adaptation and disaster risk prevention, resilience, taking into account eco-system-based approaches.
Projects activities must focus on preventing disasters, preserving environmental status, and supporting effective planning and financing for climate change adaptation, encompassing actions such as hazard identification, development of mapping and joint action plans, promotion of sectoral or territorial plans, and strengthening social resilience and counteracting socio-economic impacts. The expected outcomes include increased capacity for risk management, enhanced citizen involvement, more sustainable living areas, improved climate change planning and resilience, and a strengthened governance framework in the Atlantic Area.

2.6 Promoting the transition to a circular and resource-efficient economy.
Projects are expected to emphasize the circular and resource-efficient economy by targeting actions such as identifying improvements in sectorial value chains, increasing awareness about the need for circular economy transition, supporting actions to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and plastic waste, exchanging knowledge on circular economy solutions, and promoting eco-innovative business models. The expected outcomes include increased capacities for circular economy implementation, engaged citizens in sustainable consumption, and a strengthened governance framework in the Atlantic Area.

2.7 Enhancing protection and preservation of nature, biodiversity, and green infrastructure, including in urban areas, and reducing all forms of pollution.

Projects are expected to focus on improving the management of natural resources, enhancing the sustainability and resilience of natural habitats, and promoting balanced development between protected areas and economic activities. This includes actions such as restoring degraded ecosystems, protecting natural heritage, implementing sustainable tourism strategies, testing innovative solutions for ecosystem restoration, promoting nature-friendly practices, and conducting coordinated studies on the impact of climate change on biodiversity. The expected outcomes include better-preserved and interconnected natural areas, reinforced ecosystem-based approaches, and improved ecological connections in the Atlantic Area.

4.6 Enhancing the role of culture and tourism in economic development, social inclusion and social innovation

Projects are expected to promote a transition towards a more sustainable tourism sector in the Atlantic Area, addressing climate change challenges as a cross-cutting issue, supporting innovative opportunities for tourism professionals to adapt to sustainable practices, endorsing actions on the flexibility of the tourism sector in dealing with climate change challenges, enhancing cultural heritage, developing well-trained tourism professionals, and improving the capacities, skills, and well-being of the Atlantic communities, with a focus on social economy and social innovation. This includes encouraging interdisciplinary initiatives aligned with the New European Bauhaus values and incorporating sustainable, aesthetic, and inclusive activities such as biodiversity restoration, rediscovery of historical heritage, and fostering balanced development and employment.

6.1 Projects are expected to focus on providing more visibility and better appreciation of valuable project results, feeding into existing or potential governance networks, improving coordination with other actors in the cooperation area, including the Atlantic Maritime Strategy and other ETC programmes, and capitalizing on results for specific strategic themes in the Atlantic Area. The expected outcome is a better identification and recognition of projects results by strategic stakeholders within the Atlantic Area, contributing to improved governance coordination and synergies.