The Oceanic Platform of the Canary Islands is a public consortium, created in 2007 by the then Ministry of Education and Science and the Government of the Autonomous Community of the Canary Islands. It builds and operates marine infrastructures for research in marine sciences and technologies, including an offshore platform, observatories, and test-bed facilities. PLOCAN supports the development of knowledge and technologies for the sustainable use of the ocean, and fosters research, innovation, and training at national and international levels.
Maturity Mapping status (Phase 1)
An early‑stage pilot with a strong foundation in Working Conditions – one of the consortium’s highest scores in this area. This provides a solid operational base on which to build. While other areas are less developed, the institution has already shown emerging strategic awareness and a clear commitment to reform.
Main challenges for future improvement
- Develop institutional strategies for research careers
- introduce foundational career stability frameworks
- design practical mobility schemes
- align internal policies with European interoperability standards.
Results of the first analysis for PLOCAN
Method: Self-assessment at the starting stage of the project. Maturity mapping and gap analysis according to 8 Action Areas.
Overall maturity score of the institution: 0.87 (on a scale 0-4)
Strengths:
- Working Conditions is exceptionally strong (≈3.4), reflecting robust HR structures, clear employment practices, and well-established operational frameworks typical of advanced research infrastructures.
- Evidence of emerging efforts in Strategy and Skills, though not yet systematically embedded.
- Clear organizational identity and operational mandates support future RCF adoption.
Weaknesses:
- Very low maturity in Stability, indicating limited long-term career structures or progression mechanisms.
- Mobility is nearly absent, with few mechanisms supporting inter-institutional or international researcher movement.
- Interoperability remains rudimentary, reflecting limited alignment with ERAor cross-system frameworks.
PLOCAN requires foundational support in designing career stability frameworks, defining mobility schemes, and aligning internal policies with broader research career pathways. However, its strong working conditions and infrastructure context provide a solid platform for implementing reforms.