Assessing how collaboration shaped marine energy innovation

MEECE is part of the Innovate UK Offshore Renewable Energy Catapult and provides a centre for innovation activity to support marine based energy, including tidal and wave. The evaluation focused on the operation’s implementation, management and early outcomes during a period shaped by Covid-19 disruption and delays in accessing funding. Evidence from consultations with staff and stakeholders, interviews with supported partner organisations, and a review of monitoring information was drawn together to inform the findings.

The findings showed that the operation had successfully refined its delivery approach and delivery teams had adapted processes as experience developed, with learning from earlier activity informing later project management and engagement.

The evaluation identified several areas where the approach had supported participating organisations. These included:

• opportunities to collaborate across the marine energy sector
• access to specialist support and expertise
• increased confidence among some participating organisations
• stronger engagement between delivery partners

Feedback from supported organisations and stakeholders helped the programme team review how engagement and communications operated during delivery. The evidence gathered through interviews and monitoring activity informed recommendations for the improving the delivery going forwards.

The evaluation provided a clearer understanding of how collaborative delivery operated within the programme and how implementation had evolved during challenging external conditions. The findings and recommendations informed the next stage of delivery and supported the programme team as activity moved into its final year.