Cross-border digital innovation Hub for innovative marine technology

Programme 2021 - 2027 Interreg VI-A Italy-Croatia

Date of latest update: 2025-08-20

Description

Description (EN):

Based on regional innovation scoreboard,global innovation index&EUSAIR, main challenges in Programme area is lack of cooperation and coordination between the two countries' innovation ecosystems that hinders the sharing of knowledge, expertise and resources. It can lead to duplication of efforts and missed opportunities for collaboration. Limited access to funding for innovative projects due to a lack of awareness of funding opportunities or insufficient funding options. Cross-border region faces a low competitiveness on international markets of SMEs and shortage of the human skills capacities, which can hinder the development and implementation of innovative projects. Innovative solutions can be developed in one ecosystem, for example science institutions, and never reach application in practice. So it is crucial to create an environment in which this transfer of knowledge, information, and resources from one stakeholder to another will happen in the most efficient way. Cross-border Digital innovation Hub Innovamare emerged as a real answer that can support these processes. Essential for innovation players is to be a part of co-creation ecosystems that will allow them to grow, expand and share knowledge and experience. Project is set up on mission-oriented approach that rather than focusing on sector, mission-oriented policy focuses on problem-specific societal challenges, which many different sectors interact to solve. Our focus is on innovation players to increase effectiveness of innovation activities in field of marine technologies in direction of sustainability of Adriatic sea as a strategical societal challenge on cross-border level. DIH Innovamare will continue to capitalize results accomplished in strategic project Innovamare and add new dimension by expanding cross-border innovation ecosystem with new stakeholders specially young researchers, implement pilot actions as showcase of technology transfer, raise innovation capacities with educational modules and work on development of new funding instruments for blue economy.

Actual Achievements (EN):

At the beginning of the DIH InnovaMare project, the partners' consortium met together at the Kick-off meeting organized by CCE (Lead Partner), which was held in Šibenik, Croatia on February 29th and March 1st, 2024, and had a successful collaboration in the organization of project activities in the best possible way to achieve great results. During the first project period, the PPs participated and contributed mainly to project activities outlined in WP 1 and 2. This involved a first meeting regarding the organization of the brainstorming sessions – A1.1 on topics of digital and green transformation and transfer of knowledge and will be organized by project partner experts online during the second period. Materials for these sessions were developed in the InnovaMare project. We have started with A 1.2 Mapping best practices in the cooperation between the private sector, the scientific community, and applied research in marine technologies to get a clear overview of what blue economy sectors we have most implemented marine technological solutions, who are the stakeholders involved in this cooperation and what are mostly used marine technologies. In this period, we have also started with the first steps in A.2.1 Mapping of young researchers on the cross-border level in the field of marine technologies for expanding Innovamare map of excellence, which is part of WP 2 to have an overview of young researchers on the cross-border level in the field of marine technologies and marine research. Those activities started together with desk research, made by each partner for itself. For this purpose, LP CCE along with PP8 UCV has developed a methodology for mapping and shared it with the partner consortium. Each partner has made 3-5 interviews directly with mapped stakeholders, and partners RBI, ARTI, UNIZD, W&M, CNR, and LP-CCE have made 4-6 interviews with young researchers. PP RBI and ARTI developed the methodology for mapping young researchers. The added value of those activities is in the promotion of the project and Interreg program with an expanding map of excellence bringing new actors' profiles in our ecosystem that we will use for further activities because the mapping process will enable all relevant data to be collected for act 2.2. and matching young researchers’ expertise and the company’s needs. Parallel with those two activities we started with the preparation and organization of the conference in Padua where the mapping results will be presented. It will be organized by LP and UCV with the help of the Associated partner University of Padua. The conference will bring stakeholders in the blue economy sector together and raise awareness among stakeholders on what kind of use cases there are so they can implement possibly already existing solutions to improve their production, products, or processes that will have less impact on the marine ecosystem. In this first work package, we started with the preparation of a first video newsletter. It will be conceived to promote the DIH InnovaMare project. The newsletter will consist of video clips relating to partners, their role in the project, and expectations regarding their involvement in the project. Regarding communication activities, project information has been disseminated through the whole Partners Consortium official web pages and social media profiles, project poster has been printed and displayed at Partners Consortium premises. We established project social media profiles on Facebook, LinkedIn, Instagram, and YouTube using existing social media profiles established in the Strategic project InnovaMare. This continuation of the active use of existing profiles on social networks will certainly keep the created InnovaMare community active and help in its expansion by bringing in new actors, exchanging information, and novelties, and promoting the project. LP presented the project during the EMRA workshop held in Arenzano, Italy, on 27-29 May 2024 hosted by PP CNR, the event gathered stakeholders from the blue economy and 24 project presentations. EMRA agenda is available on the following link: https://emra-24.marinerobotics.eu/programme/ The project supported the JS initiative - Call to action - Consultations on the future of Interreg post 2027. To position the Interreg program as best as possible in the next program period, after 2027, we asked our partner consortium for a contribution to this initiative. We shared with them a Survey for stakeholders and a Survey for citizens to fill in. Activity 3.1: The SWAMP was tested during the first phase (P1) of the project. During this phase, CNR personnel received training to effectively use the platform. PPs created deliverables D.1.1.3 Kick-off Meeting Report, D.1.1.4 Communication Plan, D.1.1.5 Partnership Agreement, and D.1.1.6 Quality Implementation Manual. LP organized regular monthly meetings with project partners to keep updated with the implementation. The second period of the DIH InnovaMare project has marked significant progress in advancing digital innovation and fostering cross-border collaboration within the maritime sector. It began with activity 1.2, which focused on mapping best practices for collaboration between the private sector in marine technologies. Combining desk research and interviews conducted by each partner and the designed methodology, we mapped new stakeholders and their best practices (20). It gave a clear overview of which blue economy sectors implemented the most marine technology and solutions. Parallel with this, we mapped young researchers in marine technologies and marine research. We identified their strengths, interests, and areas for improvement, creating a solid foundation for future collaborations. As a result, the Map of Excellence on the Mairos platform (www.mairos.org) has been enriched with these new profiles, enlarging the innovation ecosystem. After mapping, we organized a conference in Padua (UCV, University of Padova, W&M), gathering stakeholders focused on advancing sustainable marine technologies in the blue economy. The conference showcased the importance of knowledge-sharing and regional cooperation in driving innovation within the blue economy. Later, two brainstorming sessions (CCE and UCV) were organized and brought together industry leaders and experts to explore the impact of digital technologies on the maritime sector and discuss how digital technology can transform the blue economy and what the technology transfer processes are. Both sessions played a vital role in promoting collaboration and supporting innovation in the sector. UNIZD has started with preparations for the third BS in Zadar. To identify the challenges in blue economy sectors that could be addressed by innovative marine technologies, the project launched an open call (activity 4.1) based on the created methodology. Companies and research institutions were invited to propose innovative solutions to these challenges using their expertise. This approach encourages collaboration and supports the development of technologies that can make a positive impact on the maritime sector. In addition, we prepared a cross-border mentoring program (Activity 2.2) to connect researchers with industry needs. It will be delivered through the mentoring session to connect young researchers with experienced experts—mentors. Preparations for the first mentoring session in Zadar are underway. We initiated focus groups (Activity 1.3) to connect marine tech companies with other sectors of the blue economy. These groups will support businesses in adopting technologies that promote digital and green transformations. The first session will be held in Zadar. We have been working actively to increase awareness of the project and engage the wider community. Our social media presence has grown steadily, providing followers with regular updates, success stories, and milestones. The statistics for social media channels Facebook, LinkedIn, and Instagram show impressive engagement and growth. With reach (from 5700) and visits (from 696), we measure good visibility, helping to attract more followers and engagement (120). Facebook profile is gaining momentum, with strong growth in engagement and visits. The LinkedIn profile is showing strong performance, with impressive growth (4,656) in visibility, reactions (165), reposts, and followers (807), indicating strong audience engagement. The steady increase in new followers suggests that the profile's content is resonating well and is likely to continue to gain popularity. Instagram statistics show positive engagement growth. Reach increased by 368.4%, visits by 32.1%, and followers by 57.1%, reflecting the increasing interest of visitors in converting to followers. Instagram profiles are gaining traction, with increased visibility and engagement. We are active on project web pages, publishing all information connected with the project. All these efforts have helped create a vibrant, engaged community of stakeholders invested in the project’s success. The project's partners played vital roles, including managing technical, financial, and communication aspects, mapping activities, contributing to the Map of Excellence, creating the first video newsletter (ARTI), and promoting the open call for blue economy challenges. They participated in the conference in Padova and the online brainstorming sessions organized within the project. The partnership contributed to the second SCOM meeting in Padova. The DIH InnovaMare project has successfully met its objectives, fostering cross-border collaboration within the maritime sector. By promoting knowledge-sharing, encouraging innovation, and strengthening cooperation between research, industry, and local governments, the project has contributed to the sustainable growth of the blue economy. Additionally, it has helped build a connected community capable of addressing future challenges.

Project outputs: Upscale collaboration and raise awareness to boost digital and green transformation on cross-border level in blue economy sectors(EN)
Cross-border mobility of researchers for stronger applied research in the blue economy.(EN)
Research Centres Collaborating in Technology transfer process (EN)
SME collaborating in the mentorship programme(EN)
SME involved in knowledge transfer actions (EN)
Enabling collaboration between enterprises and scientific research institutions for joint development of innovative solutions. (EN)
Developed project concepts based on innovative solutions in marine technologies application(EN)
Website: https://www.italy-croatia.eu/web/italy-croatia

Thematic information

Innovation capacity and awareness-raising ICT and digital society Education and training

Priority: (VI-A_I-Hr_1) Sustainable growth in the blue economy

Priority specific objective: RSO1.1. Developing and enhancing research and innovation capacities and the uptake of advanced technologies

Priority policy objective (Interreg specific objective): PO1 A more competitive and smarter Europe by promoting innovative and smart economic transformation and regional ICT connectivity

Type of intervention: 010 Research and innovation activities in SMEs, including networking

Partners (9)

Lead Partner: Hrvatska gospodarska komora

PIC (Participant Identification Code): 998670970

Partner’s ID if not PIC: 85167032587 | 85167032587 | hgk@hgk.hr (EN)

Department: Center for innovation and EU projects, County Chamber Šibenik-knin county

Address: Rooseveltov trg , 10000 Zagreb, Croatia

Department address: fra Jerolima Milete, 22000 Šibenik, Croatia

Legal status: public

Organisation type: Business support organisation

Website: http://www.hgk.hr

Total budget: EUR 267 140.00

Partner’s programme co-financing: EUR 213 712.00

Partner’s programme co-financing rate: 80.00%

Partner contribution: EUR 53 428.00

Unione Regionale delle Camere di Commercio del Veneto

Name: Unione Regionale delle Camere di Commercio del Veneto

PIC (Participant Identification Code): 999734478

Partner’s ID if not PIC: 02406800272 | 80009100274 | unioncamereveneto@pec.it (EN)

Address: Via delle Industrie Edificio Lybra, 30175 Marghera - Venezia, Italy

Legal status: public

Organisation type: Business support organisation

Website: https://www.unioncamereveneto.it/

Total budget: EUR 205 000.00

Partner’s programme co-financing: EUR 205 000.00

Partner’s programme co-financing rate: 100.00%

Šibensko-kninska županija

Name: Šibensko-kninska županija

PIC (Participant Identification Code): 887124268

Partner’s ID if not PIC: 99395814920 | 99395814920 | zupan@skz.hr (EN)

Address: Trg Pavla Šubića I., 22000 Šibenik, Croatia

Legal status: public

Organisation type: Regional public authority

Website: https://www.sibensko-kninska-zupanija.hr/

Total budget: EUR 178 000.00

Partner’s programme co-financing: EUR 142 400.00

Partner’s programme co-financing rate: 80.00%

Partner contribution: EUR 35 600.00

Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche

Name: Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche

Department: Istituto di Scienze Marine- Institute of Marine Sciences

PIC (Participant Identification Code): 999979500

Partner’s ID if not PIC: 02118311006 | 80054330586 | protocollo.ismar@pec.cnr.it (EN)

Address: Piazzale Aldo Moro, 00185 Rome, Italy

Department address: Arsenale Tesa 104, Castello, 30122 Venice, Italy

Legal status: public

Organisation type: Higher education and research organisations

Website: https://www.cnr.it/en

Total budget: EUR 205 000.00

Partner’s programme co-financing: EUR 205 000.00

Partner’s programme co-financing rate: 100.00%

Institut Ruđer Bošković

Name: Institut Ruđer Bošković

Department: Division for Marine and Environmental Research

PIC (Participant Identification Code): 999875031

Partner’s ID if not PIC: 69715301002 | 69715301002 | ravnatelj@irb.hr (EN)

Address: Bijenička , 10000 Zagreb, Croatia

Department address: Ribarski institut , 22000 Sibenik, Croatia

Legal status: public

Organisation type: Higher education and research organisations

Website: http://www.irb.hr

Total budget: EUR 182 386.40

Partner’s programme co-financing: EUR 145 909.12

Partner’s programme co-financing rate: 80.00%

Partner contribution: EUR 36 477.28

Wireless and More srl

Name: Wireless and More srl

PIC (Participant Identification Code): 911627729

Partner’s ID if not PIC: 05063180284 | 05063180284 | wirelessandmore@pec.it (EN)

Address: Piazza Luigi da Porto 20, 35131 Padova, Italy

Legal status: private

Organisation type: SME

Website: https://www.wirelessandmore.it

Total budget: EUR 185 000.00

Partner’s programme co-financing: EUR 185 000.00

Partner’s programme co-financing rate: 100.00%

Sveučilište u Zadru

Name: Sveučilište u Zadru

PIC (Participant Identification Code): 991684060

Partner’s ID if not PIC: 10839679016 | 10839679016 | rektorat@unizd.hr (EN)

Address: Ulica Mihovila Pavlinovića , 23000 Zadar, Croatia

Legal status: public

Organisation type: Higher education and research organisations

Website: https://www.unizd.hr/

Total budget: EUR 175 200.00

Partner’s programme co-financing: EUR 140 160.00

Partner’s programme co-financing rate: 80.00%

Partner contribution: EUR 35 040.00

Agenzia regionale per la tecnologia, il trasferimento tecnologico e l’innovazione

Name: Agenzia regionale per la tecnologia, il trasferimento tecnologico e l’innovazione

Partner’s ID if not PIC: - | 93554120720 | arti@pec.rupar.puglia.it (EN)

Address: Via Giulio Petroni, 70124 Bari, Italy

Department address: Via Giulio Petroni, 70124 Bari, Italy

Legal status: public

Organisation type: Sectoral agency

Website: https://www.arti.puglia.it/

Total budget: EUR 205 000.00

Partner’s programme co-financing: EUR 205 000.00

Partner’s programme co-financing rate: 100.00%

Contractors:

Name: Adecco Italia SPA
VAT registration or tax identification number: 13366030156

Agenzia Regionale per la Tecnologia e l'Innovazione

Name: Agenzia Regionale per la Tecnologia e l'Innovazione

PIC (Participant Identification Code): 961298422

Partner’s ID if not PIC: - | 06365770723 | arti@pec.rupar.puglia.it (EN)

Address: Via Giulio Petroni, 70124 Bari, Italy

Legal status: public

Organisation type: Sectoral agency

Website: https://www.arti.puglia.it/

Total budget: EUR 205 000.00

Partner’s programme co-financing: EUR 205 000.00

Partner’s programme co-financing rate: 100.00%

Contractors:

Name: Adecco Italia SPA
VAT registration or tax identification number: 13366030156

Partners map

Lead partner

Project partner

Summary

Project name (EN): Cross-border digital innovation Hub for innovative marine technology

Project acronym: DIH InnovaMare

Project ID: ITHR0200416

Project start date: 2024-02-01

Project end date: 2026-07-31

Project status: ongoing

Relevant linked projects:

Strategic project Innovamare is financed by Interreg programme Italy-Croatia (EN) | Project DIH Innovamare is capitalization of developed innovation ecosystem, innovamare interactive platform, pilot solutions, methodology for development of Living Lab Adriatic sea, co-creation workshops concept and other results from strategic project Innovamare. Our community involves on cross-border level around 350 organisations and experts. From 14 partners in Innovamare we have involved 7 of them on this project proposal and added one more a company W&M that is a newcomer and excellent example of spin-off in marine technologies. Our SWAMP that is developed in this project will be used and upgraded with new functionalities for different use-cases. (EN), PEPSEA (EN) | Interreg project PEPSEA – was focused on protecting the enclosed parts of the sea in Adriatic from pollution. Response system for cases of incidental sea pollution included equipment for interventions (dams, skimmers, miniwashers, generators, etc), equipment for detection of oil pollution and monitoring the sea traffic through our pilot location (oil detection sensors, water level, water speed, temperature, direction of water flow). This was implemented in order to increase safety for the environment and sustainable development of blue sector. As our pilot actions are in line with results on this project they will be part of our pilot actions to understand better new use-cases and to develop on already existing. (EN), B-BLUE (Interreg MED) (EN) | Research & innovation opportunities for blue biotechnologies in the Mediterranean Implemented: Policy recommendations on 1) aquaculture/fisheries discard valorisation, 2) algae production, 3) sustainable IMTA. Findings in this part of blue biotechnologies will help us in setting pilot actions. (EN), Blue_Boost (Interreg ADRION) (EN) | How to foster knowledge transfer at transnational and inter-sectoral level –Implemented: “blue vouchers” to finance innovative projects. Results of this project and stakeholder will be involved in activities 4.3. (EN), Beat Interreg Italy – Croatia (EN) | The project enhanced the competitiveness of the firms involved in the blue value chain through new innovation management solutions to adopt blue technologies in a cross-border cluster setting. Lead partner was UCV that is partner of this project and their participation will enable us to use some of the results in BEAT project in our activities of innovation capacity building. (EN)

Total budget/expenditure: EUR 1 602 726.40

Total EU funding (amount): EUR 1 282 181.12

Total EU funding (co-financing rate): 88.87%

Co-financing sources:

ERDF: Amount, EUR 1 282 181.12. Co-financing rate, 88.87%.
Others: Amount, EUR 160 000.00.

Investments, deliverables, policy contributions

(bullets are inserted automatically and may be incorrectly placed)

Deliverables:

Joint report on conducted brainstorming session and innovation capacity building
Brainstorming session materials and certificate
Kick-off meeting report
Communication plan
Partnership agreement
Quality Implementation Manual
Conference report
Mapping of use cases that have been already implemented
Innovamare platform profiles
Innovamare newsletter
Two focus groups reports
Recommendations for boosting collaboration
Developed 5 video materials
Report on 2nd StC meeting
1st Progress report
1st Payment claim
Mapping Report on mapping of young researcher as part of map of excellence
Report on created 30 profiles
One developed questionnaire
Report on implement surveys
Pilot model developed
Report on conducted study visits
Signed collaboration agreements
Innovamare newsleter
Developed digital map of innovation capacities
2nd Progress report
2nd Payment Claim
Mid-term meeting with JS report
Report on conducted 3 research on 3 pilot actions
3 research papers developed and published with private sector collaboration
Signed 5 collaboration agreements
Innovamare newsletter
Developed 3 prefeasibility studies for each pilot action
3st Progress report
3nd Payment Claim
Report on 3rd StC
Innovamare newsletter
Developed methodology and open call documents
Report on organized open call
Report on organized innovation competition
Report on 4th StC meeting
4th Progress report
4th payment claim
Report on conducted workshops and developed project concepts
Online catalogue on developed innovative solution concepts and project concepts
Report on organized conference and final conference
Developed recommendations
Final Progress report
5th Payment Claim
5th StC meeting report
Innovamare newsletter

Contribution to wider strategies and policies:

EUStrategyAdriaticIonianRegion In support of Italy's pressing need to develop advanced marine technologies, there is also the EUSAIR policy which involves the ADRIATIC-IONIAN REGION and aims to promote sustainable economic and social prosperity with a focus on areas of (macro) mutual interest regional. In fact, the strategy provides the PILLAR 1: BLUE GROWTH, which has, among other things, the objective of promoting research, innovation and business opportunities in the sectors of the blue economy, in order to respond to the need to encourage cooperation between research and the public and private sector, as well as users, to develop innovative products and services and transfer technologies. It contributes to the overall objective of Pillar 1 and Action plan because jointly developed innovative network for marine technologies together with DIH will enhance brain circulation between research and business communities, increase their capacity to network and cooperate and access to seed and venture capital improved. It's referring to pillar 3 because it is mission oriented on sustainability of Adriatic Sea by creating innovation ecosystem that will enhance development of new innovative solutions for monitoring of sea pollution as support for efficient and sustainable use of resources.
EuropeanGreenDeal Protecting the environment and oceans with the Green Deal Europe’s seas, oceans, and environment are a source of natural and economic wealth for Europe. We must preserve and protect them to ensure that they continue sustaining us in the future.
European Green Deal priorities include
- protecting our biodiversity and ecosystems
- reducing air, water and soil pollution
- moving towards a circular economy
- improving waste management
- ensuring the sustainability of our blue economy and fisheries sectors
By working on these key areas, the EU will improve the health and quality of life of citizens, address environmental problems and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
DIH Innovamare through its activities is working on development of marine technologies that will enable digital and green transformation of blue economy sectors so they will have lower impact on Adriatic sea and become more sustainable. There is a pressing need for wireless, real-time networked monitoring systems that can efficiently be deployed on mass scale to cover larger areas and to enable the Internet of Underwater Things, in order to fill the huge knowledge gap and providing the missing high quality big data on our oceans.
Other Smart Specialization Strategy of Croatia and Italy on national and regional level involve different sectors and niches of Blue economy. Indeed, investing in the blue economy it requires interaction and cooperation between financial instruments at national and international level. At the Italian national level, the "National Smart Specialization Strategy" has identified the long-term investment priorities on which to focus its attention in the various territories and among these emerges the regional specialization "Blue Growth" which includes those activities belonging to the economy of sea. Specifically, this specialization is declined for the Friuli Venezia Giulia Region, through the area "Maritime Technologies - Sustainable Waterborne Mobility and its land connection" which is strongly in line with the regional vision, in particular as regards issues related to sustainability, resilience and innovation (also in terms of digitalization). In the Veneto Region, on the other hand, support for the maritime economy passes through the areas of "Intelligent destination" that concerns tourism and hospitality, and "Smart manufacturing" which conveys the commitment to develop new digital technologies for research, for energy symbiosis and for environmental protection.

Programme Common Output Indicator:

RCO 002 - Enterprises supported by grants, Measurement unit:
RCO 001 - Enterprises supported (of which: micro, small, medium, large), Measurement unit:
RCO 116 - Jointly developed solutions, Measurement unit:
RCO 004 - Enterprises with non-financial support, Measurement unit:
RCO 081 - Participations in joint actions across borders, Measurement unit:
RCO 007 - Research organisations participating in joint research projects, Measurement unit:

Programme Common Result Indicator:

RCR 104 - Solutions taken up or up-scaled by organisations, Measurement unit:
RCR 085 - Participations in joint actions across borders after project completion, Measurement unit:
RCR 003 - Small and medium-size enterprises (SMEs) introducing product or process innovation, Measurement unit:

Project part of European Union Macro-Regional or Sea Basin Strategy: EUSAIR

EUSAIR Priority (Policy) area / Horizontal action:

EUSAIR Degree of compliance:

Information regarding the data in keep.eu on the programme financing this project

Financing programme

2021 - 2027 Interreg VI-A Italy-Croatia

Last month that data in keep.eu was retrieved from the Programme's website or received from the Programme

2025-08-20

No. of projects in keep.eu / Total no. of projects (% of projects in keep.eu)

76 / 76 (100%)

No. of project partnerships in keep.eu / Total no. of project partnerships (% of project partnerships in keep.eu)

483 / 483 (100%)

Notes on the data

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Cross-border digital innovation Hub for innovative marine technology

Description

Thematic information

Partners (9)

Partners map

Summary

Investments, deliverables, policy contributions

Information regarding the data in keep.eu on the programme financing this project

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