Capability vs Control: Who Captures the Value?

Cornwall has considerable expertise in marine engineering, offshore operations, environmental science and renewable energy. But having the capability to participate in new industries is not the same as controlling them — or retaining the value they create.

This flagship seminar asks a bigger question: who captures the value? As investment in offshore energy and the wider Atlantic economy grows, will Cornwall mainly provide skilled people, specialist services and places to operate, while ownership and decision-making sit elsewhere? Or can more businesses, intellectual property, investment and strategic control be retained within the region?

Jan Ward CBE, Chair of the Cornwall FLOW Commission, will explore what it would take for Cornwall to move from being a capable participant to having greater influence over the industries developing around it. Bringing together themes from across the seminar series, the session will consider what success should look like — not simply in terms of activity and jobs, but in building lasting economic value for Cornwall and its communities.