First focus group held in Zadar

We have successfully organized the first focus group within the DIH InnovaMare project in Zadar, in cooperation with the County Chamber Zadar (CCE) as part of the BLUE ECOSYSTEM project, bringing together key stakeholders in the blue economy. The BLUE ECOSYSTEM project aims to foster innovation and sustainability in the Mediterranean’s blue economy, emphasizing stakeholder collaboration. The DIH InnovaMare project complements BLUE ECOSYSTEM perfectly, as it works to enhance research capacities and technology transfer for innovative maritime technologies with a focus on the sustainability of the Adriatic Sea.

The workshop aimed to develop project concepts focused on addressing challenges in the blue economy across three key sectors:

• Tourism
• Infrastructure and transport
• Aquaculture and fisheries

Twenty key project stakeholders from the Zadar County area were involved in the focus group, representing the quadruple helix – the business sector, academia, decision-makers, civil society, and environmental organizations. The participants were divided into thematic groups based on their specific areas of work, with each team actively contributing to the project concepts. The focus group within the DIH InnovaMare project was an excellent platform for collaboration. By working together on innovative solutions, participants helped create project concepts that will contribute to the sustainable development of the Mediterranean region. The focus on collaboration, innovation, and environmental preservation is essential for the project’s success and for strengthening international cooperation in the blue economy sector.

Collaboration among different stakeholders, who bring diverse perspectives, knowledge, and resources, is crucial for the sustainable development of the blue economy.
Such collaboration also fosters innovation and technological development in the blue economy. It ensures the sustainable protection of natural resources, supports the creation of effective public policies, and enhances regional and cross-sectoral competitiveness.