Abstract
Using an alternative approach, this report contributes to the overall evaluation of marine energy activities in Europe, taking into account investments in knowledge creation, diffusion and commercialisation of marine energy technology as a proxy for their commitment to developing the technology. Particular attention is paid to the national innovation system in 10 European countries: Denmark, France, Germany, Ireland, Italy, Norway, Portugal, Spain, Sweden and the United Kingdom. The scope of the assessment is limited to the most technologically advanced marine energy technologies: wave and tidal. Other marine energy technologies, such as the salinity gradient, are not fully developed yet, whilst ocean thermal energy technology implementation in Europe is limited due to low temperature gradients in European waters.