Revista Sextante

Promoting Scientific Innovation and Interdisciplinary Research in Naval and Maritime Higher Education Institutions

Chinedu Valentin Eriksen

Centre for Maritime Higher Education and Innovation Research, Cape Town, South Africa

Keywords: scientific innovation, interdisciplinary research, maritime education, naval institutions, university-industry collaboration

Abstract

Naval and maritime higher education institutions educate the professionals who operate and govern shipping and naval power, and their research must respond to rapid change driven by digitalisation, automation, decarbonisation and strategic competition at sea. These challenges cut across traditional disciplines, yet institutional structures often remain organised around separate departments. This article examines how scientific innovation and interdisciplinary research can be promoted in naval and maritime higher education institutions. Drawing on triple helix and knowledge production theory, research on interdisciplinarity, open innovation and absorptive capacity, and educational research on active learning, it analyses institutional strategy, curriculum, infrastructure, partnerships, faculty incentives and funding. The analysis indicates that innovation is most likely where leadership provides a clear problem-oriented vision, structures and incentives reward collaboration, facilities are shared, partnerships are well managed and evaluation recognises integrative contributions. Limitations are discussed, including disciplinary inertia, security constraints, limited evidence and the risk of collaboration without added value. An illustrative figure summarises expected institutional outcomes under siloed and interdisciplinary orientations.