The 3i project aims to improve maritime safety in the cross-border area by using new technologies, implementing remotely piloted aircraft or autonomous systems. These systems also called Unmanned Aircraft Vehicles (UAV) will allow the creation of a new, cost effective and reliable monitoring service, for maritime safety organisations that border the English Channel and southern North Sea. The 3i project will gather a consortium of scientific & specialist organisations (Further and Higher Education institutes, SMEs and economic development agencies) and Public Sector bodies (Police, harbour agencies, fire-fighting & emergency departments). The partners will work together in research and development activities, setting up a joint prototype UAV and performing joint testing and demonstrations. The main applications and scenarios for unmanned aircraft will be for search and rescue purposes, border and customs control as well as environmental screening.This cross-border project will improve knowledge on unmanned aircraft for maritime security applications and will help develop a new range of technology and business opportunities for the 2 Seas area. Expected Results: What are the key results of the project?The Research and development phase (AP1) has the following results:- 4 working group meetings per research program- 7 papers as output of the research programs- 1 project office- 1 set of specifications of the scenario’s to be demonstrated- 1 set of specifications to build the prototype & laboratory UAV system- Multiple new defined innovation project idea’s- Multiple new partners for new defined innovation project idea’sThe Build and Test phase (AP2) has the following results:-1 working space for 6 persons of the other partners;-1 central build-up location including space for storage of materials and equipment- Delivery of joint prototype UAV system- 1 Final Acceptance Test with all project partners;- 1 Test-report with recommendations;- Multiple dissemination meetings, events, tests with other UAV systems and organizations.The Demo phase (AP3) has the following results:-Real Life demonstrations through out the 2seas region-3 preparation plans (scenario description, scenario tasks, UAV flight plan, security actions, etc.)-3 communication plans (inform public, region, invite project partners, invite other interested parties, ect.)-3 local demonstrations of maritime security scenarios according plan with the prototype UAV system and invited other UAV-systems-3 partner meetings coupled with the local demonstrations-3 Evaluation reports of the demonstrations (as input AP1 and for dissemination phase)-3 communication press releases of planned and performed demo’s-3 international articles-Validation of the prototype UAV system-Define improvements of prototype UAV system-new ideas for further enhancements as input for new innovation projects (to be further defined in AP1)Are all partners and territories benefitting from the results?The 3i project has the folowing target group1. Companies in the public sector responsible for maritime safety2. Research institutes and universities3. SME’s4. Authorities:a. Local, regional and national authoritiesb. Policymakersc. Stakeholders in the 2-Sea Area and institutions and projects across Europe dealing with maritime safety5. General public / EU citizensGeographic scopeThe 3i project will engage with target groups essentially from the 3i participation regions: Brittany (France), Kent and Hampshire (United Kingdom), Groot Rijnmond and West-Noord-Brabant (The Netherlands).The final beneficiaries are the citizens of the 2 Seas member states. They will be living in an area where public sector organizations have knowledge and access to the newest technology available to achieve best safety and security.What are the effects / outcomes for the territories involved?Within the EU cohesion policy the Europe 2020 objectives the 3i project improves the conditions for innovation, reseach and development. With 4 universities and 2 SME's working together, the 3i project will strengthen the scientific base, will foster the international research collaboration and support industrial R&D.With two economic development agencies within the project the 3i project will promote innovation and smart specialisation and foster the creation of new firms in the knowledge intensive UAV sectorWith the 4 end-user organisations involved and the intensive use of ICT in UAV systems, the 3i project wil enhance the accesiblity to and quelity of information and communication technologies.The final beneficiaries are the citizens of the 2 Seas member states. They will be living in an area wherepublic sector organizations have knowledge and access to the newest technology available to achieve bestsafety and security.Due to the ‘open innovation’ set up of the project, the knowledge gathered from the project can be used for other, new initiatives like projects, services, products on UAV and Maritime security that will help the socio-economic development of the whole 2Seas area and European Community.