Strengthening Innovation in the Blue Economy of the Adriatic–Ionian Region
Project manager: mag. Heidi Olenik
Contact: heidi.olenik@rrc-kp.si
The Regional Development Centre of Koper, as Lead Partner, is implementing the BLUNEW project (BLUe economy NetWork for sustainable innovation), co-funded by the Interreg IPA ADRION Programme.
The project focuses on strengthening innovation capacities and developing a joint transnational Smart Specialisation Strategy for the Blue Economy in the Adriatic–Ionian region.
Strategic relevance of the project
BLUNEW addresses the need for a more coordinated, sustainable and digitally driven development of the Blue Economy, encompassing activities related to seas, coastal areas and inland waters. The project will establish the first transnational Smart Specialisation Strategy dedicated to the Blue Economy within the IPA ADRION area and contribute to raising awareness and enhancing capacities for smart and sustainable water management.
Particular attention will be given to:
- fostering innovation ecosystems in the Blue Economy sector;
- developing support services for SMEs and start-ups;
- strengthening skills and competences for competitive market positioning;
- supporting the green and digital transition.
A partnership network for sustainable development
The project brings together eleven partners from across the Adriatic–Ionian region:
- Regional Development Centre Koper – lead partner
- SerenDPT
- ASSO – Agency for sustainable development
- MARA – Makarska Development Agency
- Hellenic Entrepreneurship Award ENVOLVE
- LIR Evolution
- Proactive
- Občina Fier
- Agency for Development and Business Support Cetinje
- Občina Saraj
- Western Balkans University
Together, the partners will develop support tools and services for innovative business solutions in the Blue Economy and prepare a joint Action Plan that will serve as the basis for pilot activities. These pilot actions will focus on enhancing sustainability, business digitalisation and innovation capacities among stakeholders in the partner territories.
Key project information
- Total project budget: EUR 1,332,285.20
- Interreg co-financing: EUR 1,132,442.38
- Interreg funding allocated to RRC Koper: EUR 139,393.28
- Project duration: 30 months
- Project start date: 1 September 2024
The role of RRC Koper
As Lead Partner, RRC Koper plays a central role in coordinating project activities, guiding the strategic development process and establishing a sustainable network of innovation actors in the Blue Economy sector.
The BLUNEW project represents an important step towards increasing the competitiveness of coastal and river communities and strengthening their role in the green and digital transition of the Adriatic–Ionian region.
The project is supported by the Interreg IPA ADRION Programme under the Interreg funds (European Regional Development Fund and IPA III).
Interreg IPA Adrion: www.interreg-ipa-adrion.eu