Empowering Blue and Smart Transformation of the Black Sea Basin - Blue Gates

Programme 2021 - 2027 Interreg VI-B NEXT Black Sea Basin

Date of latest update: 2025-09-26

Description

Description (EN):

According to, the EU Blue Economy report 2022 and EU Blue Economy Observatory, Blue Economy is an important sector in European Union, as being a source of employment for almost 4.5 million and generating € 667.2 billion in turnover and € 183,9 billion in gross added value. Blue economy is mainly composed of sectors as marine living resources(fisheries and aquaculture),marine non-living resources, marine renewable energy, port activities, shipbuilding and repair, maritime transport, and coastal tourism. These sectors have immense potential for an economic growth, employment and sustainable development for regions of Black Sea Basin and Europe in case they are enabled as globally competitive and innovative. Use of of advanced technologies, increasing digital skills and sustainability of blue growth sectors are internationally acknowledged means to achieve much needed dual transformation paving the way for a blue and smart Black Sea Basin. To tap and trigger potential of blue economy in BSB a more sustainable and innovative ecosystem of blue economy actors is needed. At the moment, Black Sea Basin as a whole is lagging in dual transformation. The European Innovation Scoreboard (EIS) which, provides a comparative analysis of innovation performance in EU countries, other European countries, and regional neighbors categorize countries under 4 categories as 1-Innovation Leaders, 2-Strong Innovators, 3- Moderate Innovators, and 4- Emerging Innovators. According to this Innovation Scoreboard project partner countries Romania, Bulgaria and Turkey are all in 4th level. Ukraine (not included in scoreboard) estimated as similar to 4th level. EIS 2022 report further indicates that "Almost all EU Member States have increased their innovation performance since 2015 but the lowest performing countries are falling further behind." Thus, it is clear that low innovative status of Black Sea Basin is a common challenge hindering the potential of blue economy and others in the basin. The NEXT Black Sea Basin programme document also states that “Black Sea Basin have low levels of innovation infrastructure and investment and R&D investments of basin are below the European average.(EU 28) of 2%.” Based on this background, to contribute into efforts to overcome Black Sea Basin being a region of low innovation , the project shall, focus on creating a transnational cluster on blue economy investing in uptake of innovative and advanced technologies, developing joint digital tools and R&D capacities for common solutions increasing sustainability and efficiency of blue growth sectors in medium and long term. Project is built upon an innovation favoring transnational Blue Economy Cluster to be called BlueIN4BS due to the fact that adapting to cutting-edge techs, global standards, investing in research and development and creating joint tools for benefit of all Black Sea Basin countries and for all layers of science, policy, industry realms requires massive efforts that no single local actor can achieve alone. Therefore, project approach employs quadruple helix model of innovation uniting efforts of blue economy involved regional and local bodies, universities and research centers and channel them to produce joint tools, platforms, knowledge, capacities and joint solutions for blue economy ecosytem. Thus, this transnational basin level cluster based cooperation under BlueIN4BS is expected to contribute to innovative and smart transformation of Black Sea Basin by leveraging existing research and innovation capacities mainly, to uptake cutting edge advanced techs in blue-growth niches for innovation and smart specialization and to develop joint tools for common benefits of BSB Blue economy actors harnessing the talent and potential of the BS region. Blue Gates project activities are organized in following groups to produce certain outputs and results as; I-Formation of a transnational Black Sea Blue Economy Cluster(BlueIN4BS) focusing on two areas 1-intra-regional and international cooperation to ensure science, industry and policy interconnectivity bringing innovative and advanced technologies, best practices, global standards in blue economy sectors into BSB actors' agenda 2- establish a digital platform/hub to virtually transfer research and technology . II- Joint Capacity Building Programs for uptake of advanced technologies, knowledge, models, methods and standards - Organization of Demo Days for advanced techs such as AI apps, aquatic drone and sensor use in blue growth sectors -BSB Blue Economy Summer Schools on topics such as marine pollution monitoring, ecologic quality surveys, R&D based innovative products complying with circular economy approach and valorizing on previous Project outcomes like blue accelerators III- Developing Joint solutions by applying advanced techs into existing -Developing a Rapid Detection Kit and - Color Detection test for sustainable marine resources and potential contamination risks.

Actual Achievements (EN):

All project partners established their project team in reporting period. In-house training and briefings were organized to align the team with the project objectives and outputs. Necessary office equipment and communication tools were provided to facilitate the implementation of activities. LP successfully organized and hosted the Joint Kick-Off Meeting on 10-11 December in Trabzon, Turkiye. The meeting brought together key stakeholders, including high-level representatives from project partners and local governments. During the event, the Blue Gates project was introduced to policymakers, blue economy stakeholders, and academics. PP2 in Romania and PP4 in Bulgaria organized local project kick off event to blue econmy actors in their region. PP5 in Ukraine also organized A meeting with regional stakeholders to address the region's needs in the context of blue economy development. PP4 developed a survey on the functionalities and specifics of project Virtual hub platform and distributed itto partners and stakeholders for input. Internal meetings have been held within the organization to discuss the technical specifics of the platform and the procurement documents preparation. During the current reporting period, the Blue Gates partnership transitioned from the start-up phase to active delivery. DOKA’s multi-partner Blue Economy Workshop Series produced SWOT findings that will inform future strategic planning. BSUN promoted the project at European Maritime Day 2025, connecting the consortium to wider EU maritime networks. ONMU increased visibility at high-profile international events, promoted gender-inclusive messaging, mapped stakeholders in Ukraine and helped launch a national blue economy research consortium. Burgas Municipality made progress with procurement for the Blue Gates Virtual Research & Innovation Hub and prepared logistics for upcoming workshops. RTEU contributed to the project through participation in workshops, coordinating grants and providing technical planning support. These actions have collectively built the project’s knowledge base, expanded its stakeholder reach, and established the digital and organisational foundations for the next phase of training, demonstrations, and regional blue economy development.

Project outputs: Developing novel research and innovative solutions to common challenges on blue economy marine resources(EN)
Black Sea Blue Economy Virtual Hub(EN)
Empowering cross border cooperation of the BSB organisations(EN)
Joint Cross Border Event Organisations(EN)

Thematic information

Labour market and employment Renewable energy

Priority: (VI-B_BSB_P1) Blue and Smart Region

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: 012 Research and innovation activities in public research centres, higher education and centres of competence including networking (industrial research, experimental development, feasibility studies)

Partners (5)

Lead Partner: Doğu Karadeniz Kalkınma Ajansı

PIC (Participant Identification Code): 929129245

Partner’s ID if not PIC: 3090338132

Department: Economic and Social Development Unit

Address: Gazipasa Mah. Nemlioglu Sok , 61030 Trabzon, Turkey

Department address: Gazipasa Mah. Nemlioglu Sok , 61030 Trabzon, Turkey

Legal status: public

Organisation type: Regional public authority

Website: http://www.doka.org.tr

Total budget: EUR 311 212.06

Partner’s programme co-financing: EUR 280 090.85

Partner’s programme co-financing rate: 90.00%

Partner contribution: EUR 31 121.21

Contractors:

Name: Haliloğulları Bilgi Tek. Hizm.
VAT registration or tax identification number: 4551142809
Name: Otem Turizmcilik
VAT registration or tax identification number: 6490075096
Name: Doğan DEMİRCİ
VAT registration or tax identification number: 17005843952
Name: Hamdi Abanoz-Abanoz Medya
VAT registration or tax identification number: 24835846640
Name: Hamdi Abanoz-Abanoz Medya
VAT registration or tax identification number: 24835846640
Name: Loya Medya
VAT registration or tax identification number: 3770419500

Odesa National Maritime University

Name: Odesa National Maritime University

Department: Department of Entrepreneurship and Tourism

PIC (Participant Identification Code): 969580379

Partner’s ID if not PIC: 011277715450

Address: Mechnikov, 65029 Odessa, Ukraine

Department address: Mechnikov, 65029 Odesa, Ukraine

Legal status: public

Organisation type: Higher education and research organisations

Website: https://onmu.org.ua/en/

Total budget: EUR 197 965.83

Partner’s programme co-financing: EUR 178 169.24

Partner’s programme co-financing rate: 90.00%

Partner contribution: EUR 19 796.59

Община Бургас

Name: Община Бургас

Department: "Strategic development, environment, digitalization and climate adaptation"

PIC (Participant Identification Code): 966998336

Partner’s ID if not PIC: BG000056814

Address: Aleksandrovska 26, 8000 Burgas, Bulgaria

Department address: UL. ALEKSANDROVSKA, 8000 Burgas, Bulgaria

Legal status: public

Organisation type: Local public authority

Website: http://www.burgas.bg

Total budget: EUR 387 438.01

Partner’s programme co-financing: EUR 348 694.20

Partner’s programme co-financing rate: 90.00%

Partner contribution: EUR 38 743.81

Recep Tayyip Erdogan Üniversitesi

Name: Recep Tayyip Erdogan Üniversitesi

Department: Fisheries Faculty

PIC (Participant Identification Code): 882346921

Partner’s ID if not PIC: 7350590375

Address: Fener Street, 53100 Rize, Turkey

Department address: Fener Street, 53100 Rize, Turkey

Legal status: public

Organisation type: Higher education and research organisations

Website: http://www.erdogan.edu.tr

Total budget: EUR 325 707.14

Partner’s programme co-financing: EUR 293 136.42

Partner’s programme co-financing rate: 90.00%

Partner contribution: EUR 32 570.72

Contractors:

Name: YONCA YAZILIM VE BİL. LTD
VAT registration or tax identification number: 9820437472
Name: Doğan DEMİRCİ
VAT registration or tax identification number: 17005843952

SECRETARIATUL NATIONAL ROMAN AL RETELEI UNIVERSITATILOR DE LA MAREA NEAGRA

Name: SECRETARIATUL NATIONAL ROMAN AL RETELEI UNIVERSITATILOR DE LA MAREA NEAGRA

PIC (Participant Identification Code): 967250439

Partner’s ID if not PIC: 16717916

Address: 124 Mamaia Bulevard, 900527 Constanta, Romania

Legal status: public

Organisation type: International organisation, EEIG

Website: http://bsun.org

Total budget: EUR 179 363.24

Partner’s programme co-financing: EUR 161 426.91

Partner’s programme co-financing rate: 90.00%

Partner contribution: EUR 17 936.33

Contractors:

Name: SC ICAR TOURS CONSTANTA SRL
VAT registration or tax identification number: 11208946

Partners map

Partners and Projects info

Odesa National Maritime University

Empowering Blue and Smart Transformation of the Black Sea Basin - Blue Gates

Partners and Projects info

Община Бургас

Empowering Blue and Smart Transformation of the Black Sea Basin - Blue Gates

Partners and Projects info

Recep Tayyip Erdogan University

Empowering Blue and Smart Transformation of the Black Sea Basin - Blue Gates

Partners and Projects info

The Black Sea Universities Network

Empowering Blue and Smart Transformation of the Black Sea Basin - Blue Gates

Partners and Projects info

Eastern Black Sea Development Agency

Empowering Blue and Smart Transformation of the Black Sea Basin - Blue Gates

Lead partner

Project partner

Summary

Project name (EN): Empowering Blue and Smart Transformation of the Black Sea Basin - Blue Gates

Project acronym: Blue Gates

Project ID: BSB00189

Project start date: 2024-09-27

Project end date: 2027-03-26

Project status: ongoing

Relevant linked projects:

4BIZ (EMFAF Flagship project) (EN) | Project will utilize 4BIZ project produced country reports on blue economy sectors on diagnosis study and strategic plan preparation of BlueIN4BS Cluster for the Blue Gates project. Project lead partner DOKA, is a partner of 4BIZ project adn the BSUN is the lead partner of 4BIZ. These partners will provide delivery of 4BIZ produced report contents and inputs into the to Blue Gates project which are to be used in cluster strategic plan preparation efforts. Blue Gates will also utilize the science, policy and industry network of the 4BIZ project which will be valuable contribution to Blue Gates created colloboration cluster to be connected quickly to existing networks and introduce itself to new potential stakeholders and members. (EN), DBAN Project (EMFAF Flagship project) (EN) | Project will utilize DBAN produced network of blue economy accelerators and deliver them in digital channels as part of good practice offer to partner regions. Blue Gates partner Burgas municipality which is also coordinator of DBAN project partnership will ensure efficient transfer of knowledge from DBAN to Blue Gates project regarding training and accelerator programme contents, organization of Blue entrepreneurship competitions and hackathons as well as getting together Blue economy actors and preparing Blue Innovation Exposition the experience of which can be transferred to the organization of Demo days. So that technical trainings on sustainable blue economy and research within Blue Gates project summer schools would be built upon previously tested experience. Moreover, Burgas Municipality as a coordinator of DBAN project has clear idea of the needs assessment related to digitalization, innovation and entrepreneurship acceleration and smart and green transformation of the BSB region and has developed along with Odessa and Batumi local strategy and action plan for blue growth and smart specialization of the partner cities. Being part of the Blue Gates consortium the Municipality has the opportunity to build on and start implementing the measures set in its local strategy for Blue economy smart specialization. . (EN), Cross-border Regions Collaborate for BLUE GROWTH“ (BLUE GROWTH COLLABs) project. (INTERREG IPA-CBC, Bulgaria-Turkey Programme) (EN) | Blue Gates project will utilize the results achieved within Blue Growth COLLABs Project funded by INTERREG IPA-CBC Bulgaria-Turkey and build upon the knowledge, capacity and research generated by the established new equipment and facilities of the established two Blue Growth Research Centres in the cross-border region of Burgas and Edirne that have set the ground for scientists, researchers, local institutions and communities to collaborate, develop common approaches, methodologies and models for responsible use of natural resources. The Blue Gates project will built on by involving the existing capacities for research and monitoring of the ecological status of the local ecosystems providing facilities and necessary equipment for scientists and experts from both sides of the border and will fill in existing gaps of data and information on the ecological status of the aquatic ecosystems in the BSB region by introducing new digital tools to develop and implement initiatives related to aquaculture protection and responsible behavior involving local communities.
The Blue Gates project will establish virtual hub focusing on research, innovation, technology transfer and blue careers. It will be utilized as novel innovative tool, to enhance collaboration on research, good practices, transfer of know-how and advanced technologies to connect blue economy actors at digital channel of virtual hub. (EN), Improving the existing competences and developing new ones in the aquaculture and fish products trade sector - DACIAT BSB-461 (EN) | Project will utilize DACIAT researched advanced technologies for blue economy and will add new ones. Thus, DACIAT project outcomes will be further valorized with BlueinBlack project DEMO Days which will be providing new technologies and innovative tools thus, presenting the cutting edge advances in blue economy sectors available at global level. (EN), 2021-2025 BRIDGE-BS – Advancing Black Sea Research and Innovation to Co-Develop Blue Growth within Resilient Ecosystems, H2020-BG-2018-2020 (EN) | BS-Bridge project organized Summer School in İstanbul related to the Black Sea ecosystem and the challenges and opportunities faced by prominent economic activities for a sustainable Blue Economy in the Black Sea: i) management of marine living resources (fisheries and aquaculture), ii) green ports and sustainable transport, iii) coastal and maritime tourism, iv) renewable marine energies, v) blue-biotech. Blue Gates project will also, organize a series of summer schools on rather technical subjects of blue economy such as marine bio-technology, sea surveys etc. BS-Bridge training subjects will be examined by Blue Gates project training provider research and universities like SUMAE. Thus, BS-Bridge tested trainings will provide a wider and introductory contents constituting a pretext and a general perspective for sustainable Blue Economy background in the BSB. (EN), 2021-2025 DOORS – Developing Optimal and Open Research Support for the Black Sea, H2020-BG-2018-2020 (EN) | DOORS project's Black Sea Accelerator Programme aims to transform science into future business opportunities by providing services and support initiatives to achieve BRIDGE-BS's goals of fostering a sustainable, innovative and circular blue economy. BlueinBlack project will examine the pitched research and innovation solutions for sustainable blue economy and consider them in joint solutions/tools development phase of the project. Thus, BlueinBlack project will not have to start from zero but channell its Cluster research capabilities over existing pitched solution ideas. (EN), TR90 Eastern Black Sea Regional Development Plan 2024-2028 (EN) | TR90 The Eastern Black Sea Development Plan 2024-2028 is a medium-term regional development plan prepared by DOKA. There are 4 priorities to increase the socio-economic development of the region. One of them is "Priority 2- Innovative and competitive region". In this regard, it is targeted;
- Objective 2.2: To increase the added value and competitiveness of the region's industry.
- Objective 2.5: Contribute to the economic development of the TR90 region through cross-border cooperation.
Plan has following targets and measures for Blue Economy
Hedef 2.8 Enhancing Blue Growth and Green Growth Capacities
Measure 1. Incresing Institutional Capacities of Blue Economy actors for sustainable blue growth
Measure 2. Conducting studies enable aqua culture sector farms and processors to gain higher value added products capabilities and access to international markets
Measure 3. To develop projects for Black Sea Basin in order to reduce environmental pollution stressors stemming from humn activities
Meausure 4. Investment for sustainable coastal tourism, yachting and fisheries will be supported.
Measure 5 . Clean energy and clean production means for agriculture, industry for green transformation will be spreaded
Measure 6. Project development capacities of private sector for clean energy and energy efficiency projects will be enhanced
Measure 7. Renewable energy resources and use of renewable resources will be increased.
(EN)

Total budget/expenditure: EUR 1 401 686.28

Total EU funding (amount): EUR 1 261 517.62

Total EU funding (co-financing rate): 90.00%

Co-financing sources:

Investments, deliverables, policy contributions

(bullets are inserted automatically and may be incorrectly placed)

Contribution to wider strategies and policies:

SeaBasinStrategyBlackSea According to the Common maritime agenda (CMA) for the Black sea main goals and priority areas for regional cooperation are as follow:
Healthy marine and coastal ecosystems; A competitive, innovative and sustainable blue economy for the Black sea; Fostering Investment in the Black Sea blue economy. Also, CMA states that "The Black Sea and its coastal and marine ecosystems are at risk."
Blue Gates which, will create positive steps for a smarter, more innovative and sustainable blue economy in the Black Sea Basin constitute a direct contribution to CMA. Introduction of advanced techs, joint problem solving tools for subsectors of blue economy and increased research and innovation capacities of blue actors will be direct contributions to CMA desired blue economy ecosystem. Moreover, project will not only enhance existing research capacities of partner regions but will also, utilize them through joint tools which will be producing novel solutions to common problems like fish diseases, contaminations, ecofriendly fish farming. Existing research and innovation entities from partners will be working for these joint novelties.
According to CMA Implementation Annex “Actions: 1) Support for fisheries research projects, including fisheries …. 2) Support for aquaculture research and joint pilot projects – in private and public sectors, including the Black Sea aquaculture demonstration centers and demonstrative aquaculture modules. 3) Organization of workshops and seminars on fisheries sustainability and sustainable development of aquaculture. 4) Support for the use of innovative marine technologies and IT monitoring tools for fisheries vessels, including small-scale fisheries. 5) Foster capacity building and training activities on fisheries sustainability and sustainable development of aquaculture for stakeholders. 6) Support for projects …, in particular for small-scale fisheries.”
Project is addressing all mentioned actions of CMA implementation annex given above.
Other The Blue Gates project has developed its project activities to encompass and contribute to all four pillars of the SRIA. Establishing Blue Economy Cluster and Virtual Hub for research, innovation and technology transfer adds to “Addressing fundamental Black Sea research challenges-Back Sea Knowledge Bridge” and “Developing products, solutions and clusters underpinning Black Sea Blue Growth- Black Sea Blue Economy” pillars.
The Blue Gates project activities set up supporting sustainable transnational network structure and platform for sharing exchange of good practices and knowledge, for collaboration, joint research, development and test of prototypes and deployment of innovative technological developments.
The Demo days and Summer schools will contribute to building up capacities and competence in the development, provision and diffusion of advanced technologies in the support of blue economy by fostering university networking and study exchanges which directly adds to the other two pillars of SRIA – “Building of critical support systems and innovative infrastructures –Key Joint Infrastructure and Policy enablers” and “Education and capacity building – Empowered citizens and Enhanced Blue Workforce”
All pillars of SRIA are incorporated in the Blue Gates project objective to develop and enhance applicative research and innovation capacities, and the uptake of advanced technologies as key enablers of smart transformation of BSB blue economy thus strengthening the existing cooperation networks and uptake of research results by industry and most importantly harnessing and attracting talent to add and transfer the scientific potential for implementing joint actions for further blue, smart and sustainable prosperity of the region. The formation of Blue Economy Cluster will bring for advancement and smart specialization of blue sectors establishing critical support systems and innovative research infrastructure leading to maximized impact of investments.
EUStrategyDanubeRegion The Danube Region, includes 14 countries among which Bulgaria, Romania, Moldova and Ukraine from the Black Sea Basin, that are subject to a macro-regional strategy–Danube Strategy–aiming to boost development and create synergies and coordination between existing policies and initiatives. The EUSDR addresses a wide range of issues, divided among 12 priority areas within four pillars: connecting the region, protecting the environment, building prosperity and strengthening the region. The Blue Gates project contributes to all four pillars as it aims to connect the region through enhancing BSB level networking and introducing the region to global Blue economy networks , enabling digital and physical cooperation and enhancing collaborative research including specific one that will develop digital tools for protecting the marine environment and biodiversity in the Black sea and enhancing applicative research, development of new tools and use of joint solutions along with the uptake of new technologies for the advancement and economic prosperity of the BSB region. These solutions and digital tools can easily be applied to address the common challenges set in the Danube Strategy. Sustainable environment, aquaculture and biodiversity are key prerequisites for the sustainable growth of all Blue economy sectors. Therefore, Blue Gates project will seek to provide common solutions to BSB challenges that correspond to Danube Strategy priority areas addressing PA 3 Culture & Tourism, PA 4Water Quality, PA 5 Environmental Risks, PA 6 Biodiversity, Landscapes and Air & Soil Quality. Moreover the Blue Gates project will organize digital and on the field educational trainings and technological Demo days which contribute to achieving PA 7 Knowledge Society, PA8 Competitiveness of Enterprises, PA 9 People & Skills, PA 10 Institutional Capacity & Cooperation which are all integrated in the specific objectives the project Blue Gates aims to achieve.
Other The Blue Gates project partner cities are important commercial, industrial and tourisms hubs along the Black Sea Coast.
All of them prioritize sustainable economic and social prosperity of the region. Despite the so far implemented measures related to the improvement of fishing ports and sea transport infrastructure, as well as tourism infrastructure, there is still a lot to be done regarding the implementation of the Burgas Vision Paper of 2018, especially regarding innovation, sustainability and the creation of strong links between innovators and the local business community. To achieve all this an enhanced collaboration and cooperation is needed in five priority areas: (1). Increasing regional attractiveness to the hospitality industry; (2). Increasing the connectedness of the region. (3). Ensuring regional energy security and independence; (4). Improving sustainability (5). Developing capacity and programs for accelerating Blue growth and SMEs/start-ups potential in the Blue economy sectors.
The project proposal aims to develop transnational cooperation and supportive regional ecosystem with durable partnerships, a co-working and co-creating network of Blue economy actors, innovative start-ups, research organizations, maritime clusters, financing bodies, public/ private investors and other relevant members that bring to life blue innovations and business solutions
All of them inspired by the ambition of the coastal community and maritime actors to develop and enhance an integrated effort towards sustainable blue growth. The project objective is relevant to the indicated measures provided in : BURGAS VISION PAPER - A Blue Growth Initiative for Research and Innovation in the Black Sea which emphasized the importance of “Building of critical support systems and innovative research infrastructures” and more specifically “Establishing facilities for promoting start-ups oriented towards the circular and blue economy in the region”
EUStrategyAdriaticIonianRegion The EUSAIR major objective is to promote economic and social prosperity and growth in the region by improving its attractiveness, competitiveness and connectivity. It focuses on 4 pillars- Blue growth, Connecting the region Transport, Connecting the region Energy, Environmental quality, Sustainable tourism. Project Blue Gates will establish a BlueIN4BS Cluster that will focus on addressing challenges and developing common solutions corresponding to the same priorities set in Pillar 1 of EUSAIR Blue growth and specifically "1.Fostering quadruple helix ties in the fields of marine technologies and blue bio-technologies for advancing innovation, business development and business adaptation in blue bio-economy", "2.Promoting Sustainability, Diversification and competitiveness in the fisheries and aquaculture sectors through education, research and development, administrative, technological and marketing actions including the promotion on marketing standards and healthy nutritional habits." "3. Bolstering capacity building and efficient coordination of planning and local development activities for improving marine and maritime governance and blue growth services". The Cluster will seek to establish partnership and sign a Memorandum for cooperation with Italian, Croatian and Greek Science and competence centers that work on advancing blue economy sectors such as the THESINTEC in Thessaloniki in order to strengthen relations and future collaboration with Adriatic and Ionian Region and sea basins. Moreover, both the Blue Gates project and the EUSAIR share the objectives to achieve targets set in the European Green Deal and European Digital Strategy.
Other Three Seas Initiative of which are part two of the Blue Gates partners - Bulgaria and Romania focuses on economic growth and resilience of the 3SI region. The primary goal of the Initiative is to boost economic growth and resilience of the region by developing transport, energy and digital infrastructure. This 3SI ambition overlaps with the digital and research infrastructure that the Blue Gates project aims to establish in order to enhance the BSB region leapfrogging capacity and create and attract investment opportunities and possibilities for the sustainable advancement and economic prosperity of the BSB which are also priorities of the 3SI region. Both the 3SI and Blue Gates project will work to improve regional connectivity and develop and improve connections outside the region.
Other Regional Strategy with Local action plans on blue growth and smart specialization of BSB blue sector economy developed within the DBAN project. Within the DBAN project two of the Blue Gates project partnering cities Burgas and Odessa have developed their Local Action plans for blue growth and smart specialization. Tailor-made local plans of action have been designed for each participant's area of intervention. They consider and complement with local economic development plans of municipalities. The Regional strategy and local plans of action are elaborated with vision 2023-2030 and identify the potential for Blue growth smart specialization and development with analysis of existing resources. It focuses on assessing the current situation identifying specific needs related to digitalization and use of innovative tools in order to improve the business environment and strengthen research, innovation, technology deployment and value chains in the field of maritime sectors, digital and green transition and sustainable solutions. Following the needs assessment, local priority sectors and areas with the highest development potential for blue economy have been defined with specific intervention measures with highest impact have been designed to form the Local Action Plan of Burgas and Odessa. Therefore, the Blue Gates project is excellent opportunity for the two partner organizations BM and ONMU to start implementing the measures set in the LAPs of Burgas and Odessa and to upgrade the regional strategy for Blue growth and smart specialization to include strategic partnerships and collaboration with blue sector actors from partner regions such as Turkey and Romania which have not been covered in the initial version of the BSB regional Strategy for blue growth and smart specialization developed by the three partner cities within DBAN project - Batumi, Burgas, Odessa.
Other Blue Gates project is strongly related to Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) of the United Nations specifically for SGD 14 (Life below Water) which basically project to conserve and sustainably use the oceans, seas and marine resources for sustainable development. Thus, SDG 14 of UN is based on two focal points as of;
-sustainable use of ocean and sea resources by protecting or where necessary restoring them,
-creating opportunities for enhanced or new economic activities.
In this respect, SDG 14 is at critical importance for the Black Sea Basin as the basin has its unique environmental and geographic characteristics of being semi-closed sea connected Mediterranean with a narrow bosphorus and big rivers flowing from Europe and Asisa into it. Within these characteristics basin employs well established transport, shipbuilding and repair, fisheries and aquaculture and tourism as blue economy sectors. Blue Gates project envisages implementation following activities which would not only increaase sustainability of blue economy sectors functioning but would also increase and inspire new blue economy acvitities with more innovative and smarter characters. Two novel tools to be produced from Joint Research and Innovation Centre of the project will enable the BSB actors to monitor water health of black sea and let them to detect environmental contaminations over marine living resources qucikly. Thus, project contributes to sustainability and health of the basin concretely. Also, international demonstration days, summer schools and networking with international and global actors will offer possibilities to exloit new and more innovative ways of blue economy sectors. So that project contributes to the both axis of the UN SDG 14.

Deliverable (other than infrastructural investment) areas:

Türkiye (TR), Rize, Fener Street, Zihni Derin Campus, No:1, 53100

Programme Common Output Indicator:

RCO 116 - Jointly developed solutions, Measurement unit:
RCO 087 - Organisations cooperating across borders, Measurement unit:
RCO 115 - Public events across borders jointly organised, Measurement unit:

Programme Common Result Indicator:

RCR 084 - Organisations cooperating across borders after project completion, Measurement unit:
RCR 104 - Solutions taken up or up-scaled by organisations, Measurement unit:

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

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-B NEXT Black Sea Basin

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

2025-09-26

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

42 / 42 (100%)

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

189 / 189 (100%)

Notes on the data

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Empowering Blue and Smart Transformation of the Black Sea Basin - Blue Gates

Description

Thematic information

Partners (5)

Partners map

Summary

Investments, deliverables, policy contributions

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

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