This paper focuses on the development of the ocean energy sector, identifying the necessary steps that are required in order to facilitate the development and deployment of ocean energy technologies towards the formation of a viable and successful industry. Europe, in particular the Atlantic Arc region, has a vast wave and tidal energy resource, which could supply a significant part of the European electricity demand and play an important role in the future European energy mix. The sector is still in a nascent state, with the most advanced prototypes currently undergoing long-term testing to prove reliability, operability and durability of the devices. At the current stage of development, effort is needed to secure the correct technology solutions and the underpinning policies that will allow growth of the ocean energy sector, facilitating competitive and sustainable development. The sector has seen the announcement of numerous ambitious targets; however, the current deployed capacity is small. The step from pre-commercial device demonstration to array demonstration requires significant investment, and sustained long term support mechanisms will be required in order to allow the first array projects to take off. Sustained engagement with industry, in both stakeholder interviews and a supply chain focussed workshop, has allowed for a diverse range of inputs into what is a challenging and demanding topic within the ocean energy sector: Providing recommendations for overcoming the barriers facing the wave and tidal energy sector. Facilitating development and deployment of nascent ocean energy technology to allow commercialisation of technology, and formation of a viable and successful industry, is critical for a successful future for this emerging renewable energy technology. A list of actions required for the implementation of the sector has been identified and prioritised through collaboration with the broader wave and tidal energy sectors. These actions are fundamental in achieving performance improvement and cost reduction targets for the sectors. The implementation of recommended actions through joint research and industrial activities, addressing the themes presented in this document, plays an important role in achieving the critical mass and effectiveness required to ensure technologies are ready for deployment across Europe. By working together, the ocean energy stakeholders within both industry and the supply-chain can demonstrate that the sector is capable of large-scale technology production, addressing the three-fold challenge of energy security, CO2 emission reduction, and inward investment within the EU. It is only through achievement of these challenges that the sector can gain traction and accelerate towards 2030 and 2050 ocean energy deployment and commercialisation targets and become a substantial part of the future European energy mix. This paper presents recommendations which could represent a key opportunity to reinforce Europe’s leadership in RD&D as the ocean energy sector progresses from concept to market penetration and will provide direct input into the development of a Market Deployment Strategy for the sector. ; JRC.F.6-Energy Technology Policy Outlook