Marine Technologies and Implementation for a Sustainable Blue Economy

The “Marine Technologies and Implementation for a Sustainable Blue Economy” conference, held on November 13th at the historic Caffè Pedrocchi in Padova, brought together over 100 attendees, including researchers, industry leaders, young entrepreneurs, and students. Organized by the Croatian Chamber of Economy as the coordinator of the DIH InnovaMare project, in collaboration with Unioncamere del Veneto and the University of Padova, this event provided an invaluable platform for discussions on advancing sustainable marine technologies within the blue economy.

The conference opened with remarks from Monica Fedeli, Deputy Pro-Rector of the University of Padova, and Antonio Santocono, President of Unioncamere del Veneto. These speakers emphasized the conference’s objective: fostering sustainable growth in marine technology sectors and building collaborations between Italian and Croatian partners. Iain Shepherd, an expert in Maritime Affairs and Ocean Observation, set the tone for the day with a focus on the need for responsible and innovative marine technologies to address challenges facing our oceans.

The event featured a presentation on the updated “Map of Excellence”, a strategic resource that identifies key stakeholders, innovative technologies, and projects in marine robotics, sensors, and data collection tools across Europe. This map serves as a valuable resource for companies, researchers, and students aiming to contribute to the digital and green transformation of the blue economy.

Panel discussion: Enhancing marine technology applications with European testing sites

Moderated by Mateo Ivanac, Project Coordinator of DIH InnovaMare, this panel explored strategies to enhance marine technology applications within Europe’s blue economy. Panelists, including representatives from Norway’s Ocean Autonomy Cluster and Portugal’s Forum Oceano, discussed trends in technology adoption and the critical role that testing sites play in accelerating innovation. They addressed challenges, such as regulatory barriers and technological scaling, highlighting how European testing sites can provide essential support for research and development.

Key takeaways included:

• Cross-border testing collaboration: regional clusters and testing sites were recognized as essential resources for scaling innovative technologies. Collaborative efforts across borders could facilitate knowledge sharing, foster partnerships, and ultimately strengthen the blue economy.
• Regulatory alignment and support: panelists pointed out that aligning regulations and testing protocols across Europe could simplify the adoption of new technologies, making it easier for companies and researchers to bring innovations to market.

Panel discussion: Funding research and innovation in the Blue Economy

The funding panel, moderated by Marija Rajaković from the Directorate for Strategic Planning and Coordination of EU Funds, brought together representatives from the European Investment Bank, PricewaterhouseCoopers, and Horizon Europe. This discussion centered on funding opportunities, with panelists providing insights on available EU programs, private investment, and emerging opportunities in sustainable marine technologies.

Main insights:

• Navigating EU funding: experts highlighted strategies for navigating complex EU funding structures, encouraging SMEs and research institutions to leverage programs like Horizon Europe and the European Innovation Council.
• Sustainability as a key funding criterion: with sustainability becoming a critical criterion for funding, panelists emphasized the importance of demonstrating environmental benefits and long-term impact when applying for blue economy grants.

Roundtable: Entrepreneurship and market opportunities in the Blue Economy

In the afternoon, a roundtable focused on entrepreneurship and the vital role of young researchers in driving innovation. Moderated by Guido Bortoluzzi from the University of Trieste, this session explored opportunities for new ventures, particularly in spin-offs and startups in marine technology.

Highlights included:

• Pathways for young researchers: experienced entrepreneurs shared their journeys from research to startup, offering practical advice to young researchers considering a similar path.
• Building industry-academic partnerships: the discussion highlighted the importance of collaboration between academia and industry. Panelists encouraged researchers to engage with companies early on to bring market-ready solutions to life.
• Focus on sustainability: many entrepreneurs emphasized that incorporating sustainability into business models not only addresses market demand but also attracts investment, aligning with the EU’s broader environmental goals.

Outcomes and future directions

The conference concluded with the announcement of several strategic outcomes and plans for future collaborations:

• strengthening regional collaboration: the discussions fostered connections between Italian and Croatian institutions, which will drive future collaborative projects in marine technology;
• promoting sustainable practices: the conference emphasized sustainability as a core aspect of the blue economy, from reduced emissions and resource efficiency to eco-friendly business models;
• further development of the Map of Excellence: the Map of Excellence, as a continually updated resource, will guide students, companies, and researchers towards the latest advancements and partnerships within the blue economy.

Building a sustainable Blue Economy together

The “Marine Technologies and Implementation for a Sustainable Blue Economy” conference highlighted the critical role of marine technologies in preserving marine ecosystems while promoting sustainable economic growth. By connecting leaders in technology, policy, and academia, the event reinforced the shared goal of a thriving and sustainable blue economy that benefits both the environment and society.

Thank you to all who participated and contributed to this inspiring event. We look forward to the innovations and collaborations that will shape the future of the blue economy.