Faced with the disaffection of the young for the traditional marine sector trades and professions in the Atlantic Area and with the reduction of economic growth and competitivity in the coastal areas, the application of new technologies (nanotechnologies, information technologies, ocean biotechnologies, etc.) present real opportunities for replacement and dynamisation both of the industries involved and of the SMEs in the marine sector. The TRIDENT project is intended to accelerate this process by creating direct links between the traditional marine SMEs and the centres of Research and Development of the Atlantic Area, while extending and mobilising the existing work of scientific and technological marine research by setting up an active network and by regional and trans-national partnerships, as well as by encouraging a greater opening of access to the knowledge already available. Achievements: - A general study tailored to SMEs related to marine industries and the R&D sectors of the regions participating in the project. - Create an environment favourable to specific working groups to build 5 clusters of industrial establishments in the sector. - Creation of a guide to the companies participating in the project. - Creation of working networks from workshops formed by the project they took part in, with over 30 partners and collaborators. To 30/08/05, several contracts have already materialised. Of the networks formed with the SMEs, 10 have already had partnership contracts, and from now on it is hoped that there will be more partnerships in 2005-2006. - Creation of a website (www.atlanticTRIDENT.com). - The project has filled a gap in the training needs of SMEs. A work model has been created and has proved effective, and is transferable to other networks of SMEs.