A significant discussion took place at Klaipeda University, initiated by the university’s rector, Prof. Dr. Artūras Razbadauskas. In response to the growing need to enhance the Baltic Sea’s hybrid and energy security, scientists and business representatives gathered around the same table. The discussion addressed pressing contemporary issues, such as the protection of maritime infrastructure and vessels from physical and cyber threats and explored how science and business could contribute to mitigating these risks.
KU researchers presented the university’s capabilities and resources, including the capacity of its scientific laboratories, the technological potential of the research vessel Mintis for exploring the seabed, and their experience. They also highlighted their collaboration with the European Space Agency in developing a data processing programme for the Baltic Sea region.
KU Vice-Rector for Science and Innovation, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Laura Šaltytė-Vaisiauskė, highlighted that Klaipėda University is currently implementing 12 projects under the Horizon Europe programme, two of which are in the field of technological sciences. This clearly demonstrates KU’s expertise and the internationally recognised competencies of its researchers. Additionally, she emphasised the scientists’ experience in processing big data to monitor unusual vessel movements in the Baltic Sea, as well as the capability to observe the area above and below the Baltic Sea using surface and underwater drones.
Among the business representatives attending the meeting were Andrius Sutnikas, Head of the Lithuanian Maritime Cluster; Roma Stubrienė, Director of Klaipėda Science and Technology Park; and Arnoldas Šileika, CEO of the Western Shipyard Group (VLG). The latter emphasised the importance of collaboration between the business and academic sectors, particularly in developing high value-added solutions.
“Strengthening cross-sectoral partnerships in the areas of security and defence is crucial for harnessing existing potential and identifying points of interaction between science and business. From the perspective of the maritime engineering industry, we proposed an initiative to collaborate with the academic sector in developing a programme focused on high value-added solutions in this field. A significant part of such a programme could involve the development of military maritime drone technologies, drawing on our engineering expertise,” said Arnoldas Šileika, CEO of the Western Shipyard Group (VLG).
KU representatives, led by Rector Prof. Dr. A. Razbadauskas, agreed that close collaboration between science and business is a key factor in achieving long-term goals.
“The security of the Baltic Sea region is our shared goal. Klaipeda University is not only ready but also eager to take the lead in this important initiative. By combining the knowledge and expertise of science and business, we can achieve truly significant results,” said Prof. Dr. A. Razbadauskas.
The discussion participants unanimously agreed that the partnership between the university and the business sector holds great potential for developing innovative solutions to prevent hybrid and energy threats at sea. This meeting once again reaffirmed that joint efforts and the synergy of knowledge are the keys to success.
