INNOVABLUE project officially started with Kick-off meeting in Podgorica

Published on: Sep 24 2024

The INNOVABLUE project, aimed at fostering innovation and sustainability in the blue economy, was officially launched with a successful kick-off meeting held on September 17th and 18th, 2024, in Podgorica, Montenegro. Hosted at the Innovation Fund of Montenegro, the event brought together project partners, and representatives from bodies such as Joint Secretariat of ADRION Programme, National contact point and Ministry of European Affairs of Montenegro, to discuss plans for implementation, define responsibilities, and outline the impact they aim to achieve through the INNOVABLUE project.

The meeting, which spanned two days, was a starting point for the project’s goals of boosting marine technologies, fostering cross-border collaboration, and enhancing the blue economy’s innovation ecosystem. The project brings together two important innovation networks: the BlueAIR Innovation Community and the Innovamare Digital Innovation Hub, with a shared mission of driving sustainable development in the region.

The kick-off began with a welcome address from Montenegrin representatives, followed by a presentation from DIH Innovamare, the project’s lead partner. The agenda included an introduction to the project partners and a comprehensive overview of INNOVABLUE’s objectives, structure, and key initiatives. A significant highlight was the formation of the Steering Committee, where members were selected, and roles and responsibilities were defined.

The second day focused on the operational aspects of the project. Partners discussed a detailed work plan for the initial implementation phase, with DIH Innovamare presenting the Draft Quality Implementation Manual and Communication Plan. The meeting also covered administrative and reporting procedures, quality standards for deliverables, and the official partnership agreement. These discussions provided a roadmap for the upcoming phases of the project.

INNOVABLUE

INNOVABLUE is a transnational project with a budget of EUR 1.7 million, co-funded by the INTERREG ADRION program. It aims to capitalize on and ensure the sustainability of existing blue economy initiatives – BlueAIR and Innovamare communities.

The project’s key objectives include:

  • Enhancing innovation ecosystems to promote collaboration among businesses, researchers, and authorities.
  • Developing new regulatory frameworks to accelerate the adoption of blue technologies.
  • Mapping funding opportunities and creating investment portfolios to support marine technology projects.
  • Facilitating technology transfer to increase the competitiveness and sustainability of the marine sector.

INNOVABLUE’s outcomes will benefit SMEs, research institutions, and public authorities by providing access to resources, funding opportunities, expert knowledge, and living lab sites. The project is designed to ensure long-term sustainability through continuous investment opportunities, partnerships, and mechanisms that will drive the region’s transition towards a resilient and innovative blue economy.

Over the next two years, INNOVABLUE will focus on implementing its strategic and operational plans, fostering collaboration among stakeholders, and advancing marine technologies.

For more information on the INNOVABLUE project and its upcoming activities, stay tuned to our website and social media channels: Facebook and LinkedIn.

Project details:

This project is supported by the Interreg IPA ADRION programme under the Interreg Funds (European Regional Development Fund and IPA III).

Leave a Reply