Backing the Future: Public and Private Funding of UK Maritime Clusters

Despite the critical role clusters play in regional development, and the significance of adequate and secure funding in cluster development, growth and long-term sustainability there is relatively little in the literature examining the implications of different funding sources on their performance and long-term sustainability.

This research will examine the public and private funding strategies of UK maritime clusters in the context of cluster best practice. With clusters forming a central aspect of the UK’s Maritime 2050 strategy, and with links to Maritime UK’s Coastal Powerhouse Manifesto, research into the funding of UK maritime clusters will contribute to the long-term growth and sustainability of the sector.

The aim of the research is to examine the current nature of funding across UK maritime clusters in the context of cluster best practice.
- Examine the current scale and mix of public/private funding of UK maritime clusters
- Analyse the managerial and long-term sustainability implications of the current funding mix
- Develop maritime cluster funding best practice to achieve policy, societal and economic goals