Empowering the Blue Economy sector through innovation and skills development in the Adriatic–Ionian region

The GROWTH4BLUE project, launched under the Interreg IPA ADRION programme, aims to strengthen the competitiveness and sustainability of the Blue Economy through innovation, digitalization, and workforce development. Running from September 2024 to August 2027, the initiative provides a budget of EUR 1.47 million to foster regional cooperation and environmentally responsible practices.

In its first phase, the project carried out an analysis of Blue Economy sectors and technologies, developed a communication strategy, held the first Info Day in Greece, and initiated stakeholder meetings in partner countries. The next steps include a detailed labor market analysis, the development of digital training tools, as well as the establishment of regional and a transnational Blue Economy network to further strengthen collaboration.

The project is led by the Region of Western Greece, with partners including the University of Peloponnese, Technopolis from Italy, Chambers of Commerce from Slovenia, Montenegro and North Macedonia, while Serbia is represented by NALED.

Read more in the first project newsletter.