The importance of marine research and innovation is greater than ever before, driven by the ocean's key role in addressing major societal challenges. The Belgian marine research and innovation landscape is taking an increasingly prominent role with high-quality, internationally oriented research at the interface between people, the environment and the economy.

Internationally, Flanders has a strong and diverse array of marine and maritime companies and research institutes. The brochure "Gearing up our blue knowledge" provides an overview and sample of our knowledge and capabilities. It is a joint product of the Flanders Marine Institute, the Blue Cluster and the Department of Economics, Science and Innovation, released in the context of the Decade of Ocean Sciences declared by the United Nations (2021-2030).