The High Level Industry-Science-Government dialogue on ‘ Atlantic Interactions’ was aimed to address the need to further study and conduct research in Atlantic regions in terms of related natural resources, ecosystems dynamics and the interdependences with human activities towards achieving the 2030 United Nations goals for sustainable development, together with the potential exploration of new avenues for knowledge-based economies in south and north Atlantic.

The participants acknowledged the achievements on Atlantic related research over the last five years with the signature of the Galway statement on Atlantic Ocean Cooperation, which enabled the alignment of ocean observation efforts, as well as the priorities and actions outlined in the Atlantic ocean Research Alliance, and also noted that the results of the series of workshops on ‘  Atlantic Interactions’ held throughout 2016 , as well as other related meetings, have mobilized researchers worldwide towards the development of a new science and technology agenda for an integrative approach to the Atlantic focused on space and ocean sciences, as well as the implications of climate change and the development of sustainable energy systems.  They agreed that a better understanding of Atlantic regions in terms of their response to climate change and for the sustainable management of common resources entails the alignment of research and economic strategies through north/south – south/north international cooperation.

The meeting recommended the Portuguese Foundation for Science and Technology (FCT), to establish a small, high level, expert committee to guarantee the conclusion of the White Paper  Towards a Science and Technology Agenda for an integrative research approach in Atlantic regions through North-South Cooperation  and the Portuguese Government and the Regional Government of Azores, together with the FCT, to set up a high level working group regarding the establishment, by the end of 2017, of the Atlantic International Research Centre – AIR Centre.