The final conference of the BLUESLINKS project was held on September 3rd and 4th at the University of Dubrovnik, bringing together project partners, experts, and institutional representatives from Croatia and Italy. The event showcased the project’s key results and facilitated the exchange of experiences and good practices in fisheries, aquaculture, nautical activities, and fishing tourism.
At the opening of the conference, held at Academia Academicus, participants were welcomed by professor Marijana Pećarević, PhD, Vice-Rector of the University of Dubrovnik. The program featured expert presentations and thematic panels focused on three key blue economy sectors, the role of young people in driving innovation, and opportunities to strengthen entrepreneurship and employment. The BLUESLINKS digital platform was also presented, providing access to project materials, sector-related information, expert support, and advisory services.
A dedicated press conference formed a special part of the final program, held on September 4th at the University of Dubrovnik. Project partners discussed achieved results and the added value of the project for the Adriatic coastal areas. The press conference was opened and moderated by assoc. prof. Josip Mikuš, PhD, with participation from representatives of partner institutions and organizations from Croatia and Italy.
The BLUESLINKS project aimed to enhance the innovation potential and competitiveness of traditional blue economy sectors by applying smart specialization principles, developing innovative solutions, and fostering cross-border cooperation. It connected development agencies, innovation centers, universities, business support organizations, SMEs, young innovators, and job seekers.
As part of the project, the BLUES S3 Innovation Network was established, through which 80 small and medium-sized enterprises received support via a catalogue of innovative and IT-based business solutions and services. Six info days were organized, covering fisheries and aquaculture, nautical activities, and fishing tourism.
An online platform for connecting companies and job seekers was developed, three hackathons were held with a total of 154 participants, and three cross-border open job fairs took place. These activities helped align company needs with available knowledge and skills, supported the creation of new business opportunities, and promoted innovation, entrepreneurship, and employment in the blue economy sectors.
The program concluded with a study visit to the University of Dubrovnik’s laboratories and a presentation of the ECO simulator.
