Bridging the Innovation Gap: The "Missing Middle"
Accelerating the transition from initial maritime laboratory concepts to market-ready industrial solutions through mid-TRL applied research
The Challenge of the Maritime Innovation Valley of Death
Europe excels at foundational scientific research, yet a critical barrier remains when translating these concepts into real-world applications. This gap—often referred to as the "Missing Middle"—occurs at medium Technology Readiness Levels (TRLs 4-6). Without dedicated support, breakthrough ideas risk stalling before they can achieve industrial scalability.
Key Focus Areas for Applied Research
To maintain Europe's competitive edge and deliver on the green transition, research priorities must focus on vital maritime domains operating within mid-range TRLs (4-6)
Innovative propulsion systems & energy efficiency
Ship automation
AI methods for ship dynamics and safety
New materials and production processes
CCS Capture & Hydrogen production Onboard ships
Use Cases
Translating early-stage concepts into operational maritime realities requires dedicated pathways. The following use cases demonstrate how targeting the 'Missing Middle' bridges the gap between laboratory success and industrial deployment, delivering tangible breakthroughs across our core research pillars.
Wind-Assisted Ship Propulsion Monitoring
Computational Fluid Dynamics optimisation
Ship automation & autonomous shipping
Sustainable materials integration
Collaborate now on applied research projects
ECMAR supports the development and validation of digital solutions at mid-TRL levels, ensuring their readiness for industrial deployment. The network fosters collaboration between research centres, technology providers and maritime operators.
Join a network of leading maritime research organisations shaping the future of sustainable shipping.