The objective of the concept is to provide economic development through innovation for coastal communities. The emphasis will be on new product development through a process of combined community involvement, transnational cooperation together with the academic institutions to conduct research and support for local businesses.
Establish a number of Academic Hubs in the Atlantic Strategy Area at locations where the unique attributes of the individual areas combined with third level educational institutions and together with the local business community will combine to drive innovation. The Atlantic Academic Hubs will provide a centre for third level courses for local and international students building on the regional location of each hub in the areas of marine science, aquiculture, sea weed production, geography, music, cultural heritage, geology, food and tourism. The research conducted will be shared between all of the partners and the local business communities to develop new products and services that will benefit the member organisations of the Atlantic Academic Hub and create new jobs. Third level students from each Atlantic Academic Hub will undertake specialist courses or conduct research in each area to a mutually agreed programme using the best resources available to them from the combined resources of all of the hubs. The student activity will provide tourism income in each area. Working with the local business community each Atlantic Hub will identify new product