This report examines the potential enablers and barriers, in terms of policy and regulation, for the large-scale implementation of innovative solutions within the Mission Ocean & Waters. Focusing on technologies and solutions currently in the development or pilot phase, the aim of this report is to shed light on the landscape of policy, regulation, and the associated challenges faced by innovators in the field and to bring forward solutions and recommendations. 

To achieve this, a top-down approach was used, compiling 77 policies and regulations, linked to these technological innovations into a heatmap. This heatmap thus gives a clear overview of the currently relevant policy documents and instantly shows how closely they are linked to the specific objectives. At the same time, it is also set up as a living document capable of incorporating new developments as they arise. 

The heatmap provided the framework for a bottom-up approach: 16 semi-structured interviews with innovators and researchers were conducted between June and October 2023 to gather their experiences in developing and deploying Mission-related innovations, supplemented by surveys sent out in collaboration with the PREP4BLUE partners.  

From this information, respectively eight and seven higher-level barriers and enablers were distilled. Where possible, these barriers and enablers are illustrated in the report with practical examples or regional regulations are cited as sources of inspiration. One of the barriers for example is the disparity of policy implementation and adoption, where marine spatial planning and the port reception facilities are put forward as practical examples. One example of the enablers is the implementation of new technologies as result of the adoption of certain regulations, for which the Danish Mussel Policy is a good case study.  

Finally, recommendations and solutions were formulated based on the work carried out in collaboration with stakeholders during subsequent workshops. A focus group workshop, attended by policy actors from all Mission Ocean & Waters Lighthouse Areas as well as representatives from the EU and marine innovators, facilitated an in-depth exploration of the study's findings and proposed recommendations. The most prominent solutions and recommendations were distilled based on the input from the focus group resulting in “The Five Commandments”: 

• Allow faster access to testing and licensing, without losing out on the necessary diligence; 

• Improve ways in which local contexts can be included in policy formulation and implementation; 

• Adequate implementation of existing regulations, including foreseeing the necessary resources for this on all levels; 

• Be open and clear about hindering factors that limited development of business and initiatives so that others can learn from it;