The Spanish Technology Platform for fisheries and aquaculture (PTEPA) is a non-profit association that promotes research, development and innovation in the Spanish fisheries and aquaculture sector.
PTEPA was (and still is) the only technological initiative at the national level that includes the entire value chain of the sector. Today PTEPA comprises more than 290 organisations representing over 750 experts, with new members constantly being added. The membership covers 95% of the sector giving PTEPA an important role in ensuring the coherence and coordination of research and development at the national level.
A platform for defining industry’s research needs
Together with representatives from the sector PTEPA defines the technological priorities within fisheries and aquaculture. These priorities then form the basis of projects that respond to commercial and social needs. PTEPA collaborates actively with Spanish ministries to ensure that the needs and interests of the sector in terms of research and development (R&D) are considered in the publication of R&D calls and when formulating national strategic plans like the strategic plan for innovation and technological development of the fisheries and aquaculture sector, developed jointly by PTEPA and the Spanish Ministry of Agriculture and Environment. PTEPA also has a leading role in the implementation of EFTP (European Technology Platform for Fisheries) and works to optimise the Hispanic-European collaboration on fisheries issues under the Horizon 2020 programme. PTEPA has therefore become a key figure to increase the competitiveness and leadership of the Spanish fishing and aquaculture sector in the European Union.
The platform together with other stakeholders – research, industry, and the administration – ensures the smooth coordination with other regional and national actors as well as international organizations. PTEPA is a forum where the public administration can discuss R&D issues with the sector. Thus, with innovation and technological progress it seeks to modernise this very traditional sector in Spain. To achieve this PTEPA also defines short and long term research priorities; coordinates actions and national, public and private investment in R&D; and collaborates internationally to share Spanish R&D and to benefit from technological developments in other countries.
Wide range of activities
PTEPA develops R&D activities in the fisheries and aquaculture sector in Spanish and European R&D programs. It promotes networking opportunities between its members to identify R&D priorities which are then transmitted to the administration. The platform promotes events and conferences at different levels (national and international), in different formats (open, designed for specific members), and in collaboration with different partners. It organises meetings with the media, and workshops, seminars, etc. for its members. PTEPA also offers a consultancy service that provides advice on the most strategic funding calls, and on how to prepare a successful proposal, and that facilitates the search for partners and the creation of R&D consortiums.
For projects already approved, PTEPA develops activities related to dissemination, networks with other organisations in the sector (at the national or the international level, due to its collaboration with European mirror platforms), and approaches the end users. The platform also has years of experience in the preparation of documents reflecting the needs and priorities of the Spanish fisheries and aquaculture sector, including the processing and distributing of its products, in terms of R&D. In this respect, the Platform has published more than 15 studies, all available at the website www.ptepa.org. PTEPA maintains and updates the website www.ptepa.org, and publishes two newsletters. It also publishes news and events on its social media pages. it prepares and disseminates materials and advice, and informs the public where to go for information about R&D in the Spanish fisheries and aquaculture sector.
A busy two years to 2016
In the period 2014-2016 more than 1,000 R&D initiatives have been channelled through PTEPA. The platform has supported 13 projects, conducted more than 600 partner searches and has advised more than 100 organisations about their proposals. Additionally, the platform has disseminated information about more than 170 successful R&D cases. Among these initiatives is an integrated innovation project, Aquasef, which endeavours to improve energy and environmental sustainability in aquaculture. PTEPA has been closely involved in the project in terms of organising technical visits and networking events, and putting together a panel external experts. Aquasef will use renewable energy (solar and wind) to reduce the emission of greenhouse gases from an aquaculture facility.
For more information:
Spanish Technology Platform for Fisheries and Aquaculture (PTEPA)
Technical Secretariat: Ariema Energia y Medioambiente s.l.
Tel.: +34 91 804 53 72/ 241 95 31
Fax: +34 91 771 08 54
info@ptepa.org
www.ptepa.org
