Horizon scanning for emerging technologies and breakthrough innovations in the field of ocean observation
This technology foresight report documents the process and findings of a horizon scanning exercise conducted in the context of FUTURINNOV (FUTURe-oriented detection and assessment of emerging technologies and break-through INNOVation), a collaboration between the European Innovation Council (EIC) and the Joint Research Centre (JRC). The exercise aims to support the EIC’s strategic intelligence through foresight and other anticipatory methodologies.
The workshop, held online on 12 November 2025, focused on the identification, evaluation, and prioritisation of emerging technologies and breakthrough innovations across all technology readiness levels (TRLs) in the field of ocean observation. Signals were collected through expert inputs, literature review, and text and data mining of patents, scientific publications, and EU-funded research and innovation projects.
These signals were subsequently assessed by a multidisciplinary group of experts, leading to the prioritisation of eight key observation technologies: autonomous eDNA and eRNA samplers; lab-on-chip systems; cost-effective and modular sensors; data fusion between Earth observation and in-situ measurements; distributed acoustic sensing; AI-enhanced passive acoustic sensing; deep learning-enabled imaging; and flow cytometry and particle-based high-frequency observations of plankton. In addition, four enabling technological and innovation fields were identified as critical for advancing ocean observation capabilities: expanding in-situ observation infrastructures; data interoperability and integration; autonomous surface and underwater vehicles; and artificial intelligence.
The brief also highlights a range of contextual factors shaping the development and uptake of ocean observation technologies across social, technological, economic, environmental, and political and regulatory dimensions. These include challenges related to data standards and taxonomic expertise, tensions between budget constraints and increasing monitoring demands, the need for real-time detection in the face of accelerating environmental change, and geopolitical dynamics influencing international cooperation and the governance of dual-use technologies.
The outcomes of this exercise can inform future EIC Challenges and other European Commission funding calls, contribute to EIC and EC strategic reports, and support broader EU policy initiatives related to marine and ocean governance, environmental monitoring, and sustainable blue economy objectives.
FARINHA Joao;
NAGY Orsi;
BAILEY Gwendolyn;
POLVORA Alexandre;
2026-02-27
Publications Office of the European Union
JRC144401
978-92-68-37676-8 (online),
OP KJ-01-26-072-EN-N (online),
https://publications.jrc.ec.europa.eu/repository/handle/JRC144401,
10.2760/3939356 (online),
