Project Summary

The BLUNEW project aims to enhance the capacity for innovation in the Adriatic-Ionian region, particularly focusing on supporting Blue Growth initiatives. It involves key stakeholders such as research hubs, universities, development agencies, and municipalities to create a network aimed at bolstering innovation. BLUNEW builds upon the first transnational Smart Specialization Strategy on Blue Growth developed in the 2014-2020 Adrion Programme, aiming to raise awareness and capacities for smart and sustainable water management, especially in IPA countries. One of its unique aspects is the correlation between the maritime sector and internal rivers and lakes challenges and opportunities. Identifying the lack of cooperation partnerships and the need to increase capacities as relevant challenges, BLUNEW proposes technical actions including training courses and stakeholder involvement in developing guidelines for policymakers on local, national, and European scales. The project will model an innovative service to stimulate and support the emergence of innovative entrepreneurial organizations operating in the Blue Economy. This model will be tested in territories through a hybrid approach of online and in-person workshops to collect feedback for further improvements. The project is structured into four work packages (WP). WP1 focuses on capacity-building activities on Blue Economy, ecological transition, and innovation ecosystems, targeting local authorities, scientists, researchers, NGOs, and SMEs interested in Blue Economy sectors, including freshwater systems. It aims to increase knowledge, awareness, and capacities among stakeholders. WP2 aims to develop a transnational network of territorial innovation and modeling of support services to create a Blue Innovation Ecosystem in the IPA-ADRION area. WP3 involves the implementation of pilot actions to support territorial innovation, testing support services for innovative entrepreneurial realities in the blue economy and collecting feedback for refinement. WP4 focuses on innovation and water smart strategies for IPA countries, aiming to define pathways for innovation, establish public-private partnerships, and implement actions for sustainable water management. Overall, BLUNEW represents a promising approach to address common challenges by providing thematically precise solutions focused on the Blue Economy and freshwater management, thereby fostering innovation and sustainability in the Adriatic-Ionian region.