The OECD's Directorate for Science, Technology and Innovation is pleased to announce an event entitled Innovation for a sustainable ocean economy: linking economic potential and marine ecosystem health through innovation that will be held in Naples on October 10-11, 2017.  Hosted by the Stazione Zoologica Anton Dohrn (SZN), a major European research centre for marine biology, this joint OECD workshop will examine how scientific advances and innovation are contributing to the development of major marine and maritime activities, while helping in protecting and restoring ecosystems. In this context, four major issues for the future of the seas and ocean will be discussed: the greening of shipbuilding and marine infrastructures; the decommissioning of marine platforms; the pivotal role of science and technology in enhancing maritime spatial planning; and innovation as the key force driving the potential emergence of a marine ecosystem restoration industry. 

The workshop will assemble some 50 international participants from leading research centres, the private sector, and intergovernmental organisations. The event will provide participants with an opportunity to exchange on national and international experiences, and will feed into current OECD research activities on the ocean economy and innovation.