The Malta Sociological Association (MSA) notes the European Commission's initiative to develop a European Ocean Research and Innovation Strategy and recognises its importance in supporting sustainable, resilient and evidence-informed ocean governance.
The MSA recommends that the Strategy explicitly strengthen the contribution of the social sciences, including sociology, alongside the natural sciences, engineering and technological innovation. Many ocean challenges—including climate adaptation, the blue economy, fisheries, coastal development, maritime transport, marine conservation and ocean governance—have important social dimensions that require interdisciplinary research.
The MSA also recommends mainstreaming Social Impact Assessment (SIA) within European ocean research and innovation. Research and innovation should not only advance scientific and technological knowledge but also improve understanding of how ocean policies and innovations affect coastal communities, workers, social inequalities, cultural heritage, wellbeing and public participation.
Particular attention should be given to the experiences of small island states, peripheral regions and coastal communities, where environmental, economic and social challenges are often closely interconnected.
The MSA further encourages the Strategy to promote participatory and transdisciplinary research, bringing together researchers, policymakers, civil society, industry and local communities in the co-production of knowledge. Such an approach would contribute to more socially just, inclusive and effective ocean research and innovation across the European Union.
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