High LEVEL and market-respondent Competences for a Blue and Digitalized “Smart and skilled South Adriatic”

Programme 2021 - 2027 Interreg VI-A IPA Italy Albania Montenegro (South Adriatic)

Date of latest update: 2025-11-19

Description

Description (EN):

Competitiveness and innovation potential of regions depend on a skilled labour force. South Adriatic regions are mostly affected by outmigration and negative consequences of demographic change and suffer from an unfavourable phenomenon: a significant share of people is inactive, even if the regions suffer a shortage of skilled workers. This phenomenon is particularly significant if considered within the blue economy sectors, that are facing an increasing socio-economic importance in the South Adriatic regions. In fact, although blue economy still remains a relatively new concept in the Programme area, it has to be said that there is an increasing attention towards the development of blue emerging sectors (such a blue tourism, blue digitalisation, blue-bio-technologies, etc.), as a key driver to the whole socio-economic and inclusive growth of the South Adriatic regions, not only for the coastal areas but also for the entire inland regions. In this scenario, the SA SKILLS project aims at improving the availability of qualified competencies and skills in the labour market, as leverage to strengthen the development of key economic sectors of the South Adriatic, with specific reference to blue economy. To this purpose, and thanks to a cross border approach, the project undertakes specific actions to face the main challenges of shortage, under-qualification, mismatch of job skills in emerging blue economy sectors of blue-biotechnologies and blue tourism. In particular, the project will: 1. establish a permanent dialogue among all the stakeholders of the education, training and professions systems, enabling the definition of a common cross-border language, an harmonised qualification system and common priorities for job skills development and improvement; 2. set up new education curricula and training paths able to introduce new and advanced professionals in the market labour, filling the gap of unavailable skills; 3. improve cooperation between education and industry/business at several level to reduce skills gaps between already existing educational offer and labour market needs; 4. improve the attractiveness of career opportunities. The project also provides for the setting up of tools to improve and empower the industry/business in terms of managing human capital and promoting wellbeing processes of workers linked to the valorisation of internal competences (up-skilling of human capital) and/or promoting successful relocation (reskilling of human capital). Among those tools, the Blue Economy Training Center, the Blue Growth Cluster and the Blue Economy Ditigital Platfom are oriented to offer a wide range and cutting-the edge training opportunities to industry and to stimulate a cross-border circulation of skills and competences under an harmonised qualification system. On a long-term vision, the project factually contributes to harmonisation of the institutional framework in the South Adriatic area for the education, training and professionals systems and stimulates an improvement of the advanced blue skills availability in the labour market, ensuring the economic and inclusive growth of key economic sectors of the South Adriatic area.

Actual Achievements (EN):

Over this reporting period, project partners have made strides in strengthening the blue economy across four key work packages (WPs). By focusing on governance and policy, and improving the conditions for training and education, the project is creating a dynamic environment where the blue economy in the South Adriatic region can thrive. WP1: Policy and Governance Framework * Establishing Policy Foundations: LP1 led expert discussions and stakeholder consultations among Montenegro, Albania, and Italy to identify skill gaps in the sector. These insights serve as the basis for drafting targeted policy recommendations. * Developing a Governance Model: A collaborative framework was designed to bring together academic institutions, vocational training centers, and industry professionals. By aligning training offers with real-world needs, this model helps ensure that education remains relevant and future-focused. * Laying the Groundwork: Data collection on existing educational and vocational programs was completed, guiding evidence-based policy decisions. WP2: Enhancing Framework Conditions * Expert Discussions and ToR Development: LP1 prepared the Terms of Reference for an expert in policy analysis, communication, stakeholder engagement, and monitoring. This role is pivotal in designing and implementing training schemes that genuinely address industry demands. WP3: Developing Higher Educational Modules * Building Shared Curricula: Collaborative progress was made in designing higher education modules specifically suited to the blue economy, paving the way for more “blue professionals” in the job market. * Blue Economy Training Centre (BETC): The groundwork began for establishing the BETC at the Institute of Marine Biology. Plans for infrastructure upgrades have been drafted alongside a comprehensive list of equipment needs. This center will host pilot summer schools, offering integrated learning programs in marine aquaculture and fisheries. WP4: Supporting Companies in the Blue Economy * Blue Growth Cluster (BGC): Preliminary discussions were held to strengthen the BGC. Once fully operational, it will foster mutual learning among businesses and professionals, increasing regional competitiveness and knowledge-sharing. * Blue Economy Digital Platform (BEDP): LP1 initiated plans for the BEDP—a centralized hub for educational and training resources. A draft of the Terms of Reference for the platform’s development was completed, outlining essential features and collaboration with PP5 to ensure seamless integration. Conclusion Across all four work packages, LP1’s leadership and coordination have laid a strong foundation for policy development, enhanced educational frameworks, and more empowered businesses. Through active stakeholder engagement and careful planning, these achievements propel South Adriatic’s blue economy toward greater innovation, competitiveness, and sustainability. As the project advances, continued cooperation, and targeted initiatives will further elevate professional skills and unlock new growth opportunities for the region. During R.2 period, the project partners focused on foundational activities across all work packages (WP1–WP4) to address delays caused by initial contracting issues. Despite significant underspending, progress was made in preparing governance frameworks, engaging stakeholders, and laying the groundwork for future activities in the blue economy. The Subsidy Contract was signed on 28 March 2024, enabling formal project implementation with retroactive effect from 1 July 2023. A hybrid kick-off meeting was held on 16-17.05.2024 in Kotor, Montenegro. The Partnership Agreement came into force on 8 June 2024, following signatures from all partners. WP1: Common Framework for Harmonization of Education, Training, and Profession Systems LP1 (IMBK) advanced the establishment of the Cross-Border Permanent Table (CBPT) by drafting governance documents, including the Cross-Border Agreement, Rules of Procedure, and templates for operations. PP2 (APU) contributed to the methodology for analyses (D1.2.1), focusing on labor market needs, educational bottlenecks, and regional drivers. PP4 (SASPAC) supported stakeholder engagement through contributions to the Skills Company Survey and participatory sessions. Project partners hosted the Skills Informative Session, engaging stakeholders and securing a representative for the CBPT. WP2: Improving Framework Conditions for Skills Development Initial steps were taken to prepare tools and systems for institutional capacity building. LP1 prepared tender documents for recruiting a Policy Analysis Expert and collaborated with PP2 on a voucher-based granting scheme to connect VET providers and enterprises. PP6 (MARD) began stakeholder mapping in Albania, focusing on tools for SMEs to self-assess skills gaps and improve HR management practices. WP3: Establishing Educational Modules for Blue Professionals Progress on the Blue Economy Training Centre (BETC) included LP1’s initiation of technical preparations, such as geomechanical and geodesic measurements and drafting renovation plans. PP6 worked with educational institutions in Albania to align curricula with blue economy needs, emphasizing practical training opportunities like internships. WP4: Pooling and Sharing Resources Between Education and Industry Preparatory steps for tools such as the Blue Growth Cluster (BGC) and Blue Economy Digital Platform (BEDP) were initiated by LP1. PP5 finalized the Terms of Reference for IT services and expert input for BEDP development. PP6 collaborated with SMEs and VET providers to promote HR management tools and workforce upskilling, ensuring alignment with WP4 goals. The delay in contracting and pre-financing impacted the timeline of many activities, resulting in significant underspending for this period. However, initial preparations ensured a strong foundation for advancing the project’s objectives in future reporting periods. While progress during R2 was limited to preparatory work due to delays, partners succeeded in addressing critical gaps and aligning activities for subsequent implementation. The groundwork laid in governance, stakeholder engagement, and initial frameworks will support the project’s long-term goals of enhancing cross-border cooperation, institutional capacity building, and workforce development in the South Adriatic blue economy. During the third reporting period, the SKILLS project achieved notable progress across its work packages, laying a robust foundation for harmonising education, training, and professional systems in the South Adriatic. Despite some delays, particularly in procurement, key milestones were reached, thanks to the active involvement of all project partners and effective cross-border cooperation. WP1: Common Framework for Harmonisation The Cross-Border Permanent Table (CBPT), a central governance mechanism of the project, was officially established at the inaugural meeting in Bari on 4 October 2024. This meeting successfully set strategic priorities, adopted the 4Helix participatory model, elected the Chairperson, and scheduled biannual meetings. Partners including IMBK, Puglia Region, and Regione Molise appointed their CBPT representatives, solidifying institutional commitment. Framework analysis progressed significantly. IMBK collected input from 32 industry stakeholders, while the Puglia Region, via ARTI, led three in-depth Skills Definition Labs on key blue economy sectors: coastal tourism, maritime transport, and blue biotechnologies. Based on these labs, three comprehensive cross-border reports were produced, identifying industry needs, bottlenecks in skills availability, and drivers for emerging professions. Meanwhile, Albania's SASPAC and MARD gathered national data through surveys and consultations, ensuring inclusive regional insights. WP2: Innovative VET and On-the-Job Training Schemes Although most concrete deliverables are scheduled for R4, critical groundwork was completed. A policy expert was contracted to support the design of a voucher-based training scheme, informed by extensive stakeholder consultations and policy analysis. This preparatory phase ensures the relevance and adaptability of vocational training to real labor market demands. WP3: Innovative Teaching & Training Approaches in Higher Education All three activities under WP3 advanced strategically: * The design of Cross-Border Innovative Learning Modules (ILMs) and Higher Education (HE) Modules was aligned with industry needs identified in WP1. * The Blue Economy Training Centre (BETC) reached a major milestone with the announcement of its renovation tender in December 2024. Once operational, the BETC will serve as a regional hub for aquaculture and blue economy training. WP4: Sustainable Academia-Industry Collaboration The development of tools to support long-term academia–industry cooperation made steady progress: * A structured plan for the Blue Growth Cluster (BGC) was prepared, though finalization was delayed due to procurement bottlenecks. * The design of the Blue Economy Digital Platform (BEDP) was finalized. The platform will feature three modules—Information, Education, and E-commerce—and will support collaborative learning, business visibility, and skills matching. A €96,000 budget ceiling has been set for its development and post-launch support. Partner-Specific Highlights * PP2 Puglia Region organized three well-attended Skills Labs and produced three detailed cross-border reports through ARTI. They also participated in major outreach events like AdriBioPro2024 in Kotor and communicated activities widely through social media, press releases, and video/photo content, achieving 14 media appearances and over a dozen posts. * PP3 Regione Molise held its first regional stakeholder event on 31 July 2024, established its project team, and contracted Sviluppo Italia Molise for SME and VET activity implementation, ensuring smoother delivery in future periods. * PP4 SASPAC (Albania) contributed to the drafting of CB governance documents and engaged in early stakeholder mapping and data collection. With PP6 MARD, they are preparing two national-level skills labs for R4. * PP6 MARD held detailed consultations with fishery and aquaculture sector stakeholders to identify workforce gaps and future training needs, resulting in a comprehensive sectoral report that will feed directly into WP2 and WP3 designs. Added Value of Cooperation The project’s cross-border and multi-helix collaboration has proven invaluable. Joint activities and shared tools are creating a unified regional vision for education and skills development in the blue economy. Partner exchanges—like participation in each other’s events, shared reporting efforts, and synchronized methodologies—are fostering mutual learning and operational efficiency. The emphasis on stakeholder co-creation has increased industry buy-in and is paving the way for sustainable outcomes.

Project outputs: Cross border strategy to boost the harmonisation of the education, training and professions systems for the growth of blue economy in the South Adriatic area(EN)
On-demand voucher scheme tested among enterprises, VET providers and educational institutions(EN)
ILM tested at CB level(EN)
HELM tested at CB level in summer school(EN)
Labs for the improvement of enterprises capacities in handling professional skills(EN)

Thematic information

ICT and digital society Labour market and employment

Priority: (VI-A_SA(I-A-M)_PA 4) A more social South Adriatic programme area

Priority specific objective: RSO4.2. Improving equal access to inclusive and quality services in education, training and lifelong learning through developing accessible infrastructure, including by fostering resilience for distance and on-line education and training

Priority policy objective (Interreg specific objective): PO4 A more social and inclusive Europe implementing the European Pillar of Social Rights

Type of intervention: 151 Support for adult education (excluding infrastructure)

Partners (6)

Lead Partner: Univerzitet Crne Gore, Institut Za Biologiju Mora

Partner’s ID if not PIC: 30/31-03951-6 | rektor@ucg.ac.me (EN)

Department: Institute of Marine Biology

Address: Dzordza Vasingtona bb, 81000 Podgorica, Montenegro

Department address: I Bokeljske Brigade, 85330 Dobrota - Kotor, Montenegro

Legal status: public

Organisation type: Higher education and research organisations

Website: https://aquariumboka.ucg.ac.me/en/institute-marine-biology/

Total budget: EUR 1 524 839.12

Partner’s programme co-financing: EUR 1 296 113.25

Partner’s programme co-financing rate: 85.00%

Partner contribution: EUR 228 725.87

GBER schemes / de minimis: GBER Article 20a

Contractors:

Name: Construction Montenegro doo
VAT registration or tax identification number: 30/31-13572-8
Name: Biljana Trtica Vujanić
VAT registration or tax identification number: 2905974815052
Name: Mirjana Bartula
VAT registration or tax identification number: 0904971715452
Name: Click doo Kotor
VAT registration or tax identification number: 02377497
Name: Massiv. Architect and Design
VAT registration or tax identification number: 03263401
Name: Radoje Laušević
VAT registration or tax identification number: 1506963710180
Name: Miro and Sons doo Kotor
VAT registration or tax identification number: 02464861

Ministria e Bujqesise dhe Zhvvillimit Rural

Name: Ministria e Bujqesise dhe Zhvvillimit Rural

Department: Sector of Fisheries and Aquaculture Policies and Strategies

Partner’s ID if not PIC: J62027011I | lavdrim.sahitaj@bujqesia.gov.al (EN)

Address: Bulevardi Deshmorete Kombit , 1001 Tirana, Albania

Department address: Bulevardi Deshmorete Kombit , 1001 Tirana, Albania

Legal status: public

Organisation type: National public authority

Total budget: EUR 270 778.80

Partner’s programme co-financing: EUR 230 161.98

Partner’s programme co-financing rate: 85.00%

Partner contribution: EUR 40 616.82

GBER schemes / de minimis: GBER Article 20a

Ministarstvo ekonomskog razvoja Crne Gore

Name: Ministarstvo ekonomskog razvoja Crne Gore

Department: Directorate for international cooperation, EU integration and implementation of EU funds

Partner’s ID if not PIC: 11068715 | kabinetmer@mek.gov.me (EN)

Address: Rimski trg, 81000 Podgorica, Montenegro

Department address: Rimski trg, 81000 Podgorica, Montenegro

Legal status: public

Organisation type: National public authority

Website: https://www.gov.me/mek

Total budget: EUR 335 829.60

Partner’s programme co-financing: EUR 285 455.16

Partner’s programme co-financing rate: 85.00%

Partner contribution: EUR 50 374.44

GBER schemes / de minimis: GBER Article 20a

Agjencia Shteterore e Programimit Startegjik dhe Koordinimit te Ndihems

Name: Agjencia Shteterore e Programimit Startegjik dhe Koordinimit te Ndihems

Department: N/A

Partner’s ID if not PIC: M21327452C | llir.beqaj@saspac.gov.al (EN)

Address: Street of Kuvajt, 1001 Tirana, Albania

Department address: Street of Kuvajt, 1001 Tirana, Albania

Legal status: public

Organisation type: National public authority

Total budget: EUR 750 036.80

Partner’s programme co-financing: EUR 637 531.28

Partner’s programme co-financing rate: 85.00%

Partner contribution: EUR 112 505.52

GBER schemes / de minimis: GBER Article 20a

Regione Molise

Name: Regione Molise

Department: Service for the competitiveness of productive systems

Partner’s ID if not PIC: 00169440708 | regionemolise@cert.regione.molise.it (EN)

Address: Via Umberto I , 86100 Campobasso , Italy

Department address: Via Umberto I , 86100 CAMPOBASSO, Italy

Legal status: public

Organisation type: Regional public authority

Total budget: EUR 734 308.37

Partner’s programme co-financing: EUR 587 446.69

Partner’s programme co-financing rate: 80.00%

Partner contribution: EUR 146 861.68

Contractors:

Name: Simona Forte
VAT registration or tax identification number: 00919720946
Name: Mauro Calise
VAT registration or tax identification number: 1832710709

Regione Puglia

Name: Regione Puglia

Department: Department of Labour market policies, Education, Training

Partner’s ID if not PIC: 01105250722 | dipartimento.lavoroistruzioneformazione@pec.rupar.puglia.it (EN)

Address: VIA GENTILE, 70126 Bari, Italy

Department address: VIA GENTILE, 70126 Bari, Italy

Legal status: public

Organisation type: Regional public authority

Website: https://trasparenza.regione.puglia.it/organizzazione/articolazione-degli-uffici/dipartimento-politiche-del-lavoro-istruzione-e-formazione

Total budget: EUR 1 183 884.40

Partner’s programme co-financing: EUR 947 107.52

Partner’s programme co-financing rate: 80.00%

Partner contribution: EUR 236 776.88

GBER schemes / de minimis: General de minimis

Partners map

Partners and Projects info

Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development

High LEVEL and market-respondent Competences for a Blue and Digitalized “Smart and skilled South Adriatic”

Partners and Projects info

Ministry of Economic Development of Montenegro

High LEVEL and market-respondent Competences for a Blue and Digitalized “Smart and skilled South Adriatic”

Partners and Projects info

State Agency for Strategic Programming and Aid Coordination

High LEVEL and market-respondent Competences for a Blue and Digitalized “Smart and skilled South Adriatic”

Partners and Projects info

Molise Region

High LEVEL and market-respondent Competences for a Blue and Digitalized “Smart and skilled South Adriatic”

Partners and Projects info

Apulia Region

High LEVEL and market-respondent Competences for a Blue and Digitalized “Smart and skilled South Adriatic”

Partners and Projects info

University of Montenegro - Institute of Marine Biology

High LEVEL and market-respondent Competences for a Blue and Digitalized “Smart and skilled South Adriatic”

Lead partner

Project partner

Summary

Operation of strategic importance (OSI) or above EUR 5 million

Project name (EN): High LEVEL and market-respondent Competences for a Blue and Digitalized “Smart and skilled South Adriatic”

Project acronym: SA SKILLS

Project ID: SA-0200142

Project start date: 2023-07-01

Project end date: 2027-10-31

Project status: ongoing

Relevant linked projects:

Smart Adria Blue Growth (EN) | It has been a thematic project under Interreg ITALME 2014-2020. It aimed at improving governance for implementing blue growth policies. It supported the establishment of the first Blue Growth Cluster in ME, developed a scientific entrepreneurial Regrow portal to provide e-tool for blue stakeholders and Best Practise Study in blue growth. SA SKILLS project will benefit from these approaches, based on 4-helix stakeholders involvement, by introducing the experience in WP1. The capacity building actions and the Blue Growth Cluster will be capitalised respectively in WP2 and WP4 as well as the lesson learned from virtual Blue Labs will constitute the basis for the conducting the needs assessment (WP1). Lastly, best practice will provide elements to set training modules contents SMEs-oriented. (EN), Food4Health (EN) | The overall objective of the Food4Health project was to enhance the competitiveness of SMEs and favor the access to the market in the cross-border area through the improvement of production techniques, the transfer, sharing and adoption of European quality standards and the enhancement of typical and traditional products of the agri-food sector and fisheries, in order to facilitate access to markets, thanks to the creation of the Community Lab.
Through SA SKILLS it is planned to capitalize the results of F4H through improved use of the F4H laboratories, i.e. transferring innovative production techniques and processes applied in the F4H Community labs, use of demonstration centers at sea which are formed within the framework of the F4H project for training purposes in the aquaculture sector, as well as transferring of knowledge and technologies through developing a special catalogue of courses for the needs of the blue growth sector, especially related to fisheries and aquaculture. Food4Health contributed to the strategic goals of the development of the blue sectors in through the construction of 5 F4H Community Labs (1 in ME, 2 in IT and 2 in AL) and two demonstration centers in marine aquaculture (Montenegro) with aim to help SMEs to increase competitiveness, improve knowledge on innovation in breeding technologies, processing and adding value to fishery products. SA SKILLS will significantly contribute to the sustainability of the results of the Food4health through the continuation of the work of F4H Community Labs in which the users of the SA SKILLS project will be able to be trained in the fields of marine fisheries and mariculture, to apply knowledge in the use of new or innovative technologies, fishing tools, methods and possibilities of processing fishery products. Also, training of students in F4H laboratories and F4H demonstrative centres at sea is planned, which will further justify formation of F4H Community Labs through educational activities. (EN), Interreg MED Programme: Blue Growth Community - Capitalization & Communication project for Blue Economy Innovation in the Mediterranean (EN) | Interreg MED project Blue Growth was horizontal project through the Interreg Transnational MED Programme and was successfully implemented in Montenegro, Italy, Greece, France and Spain. Main objective is to ensure the capitalisation activities of MED modular projects in order to increase their impacts towards common identified targets and “increase the transnational activity of innovative clusters and networks of key sectors of the MED area. LP_IMBK was partner in this project and main activities was establishment the Bleu Growth Cluster in Montenegro according to the protocol for cluster formation developed by two modular project. The capitalisation activities could be using the same methodology for future cluster building in Albania (national) and Italy (regional level) as well as to use guidelines provided by the project in terms of sustainabilities in BE sectors. (EN), Operational Programme of Apulia Region - ERDF and ESF+ (EN) | The project interventions contributes directly to several priorities outlined in the Operational Programme of Apulia Region - ERDF and ESF+. In particular, the SA SKILSS project is coherent with the Priority 5 – Employment/all SOs: specifically, the tools proposed by the project in WP2 and WP4 could provide a set of modalities to activate the measures included in this Priority. Moreover, in relation to Priority 6 – Education and training, the curricula proposed by the SA SKILLS project provide the possibility to widen the offer and the inclusivity in the education and training activities, contributing specifically to the lifelong learning processes. Lastly the project contributes to the achievement of SO of the Priority 9 – Territorial development, by supporting new business skills and opportunities in the coast sustainable tourism. (EN), Operational Programme of Molise Region - ERDF and ESF+ (EN) | The project interventions contributes directly to several priorities outlined in the Operational Programme of Molise Region - ERDF and ESF+. In particular, the SA SKILSS project is coherent with the Priority 1 – Smarter Molise: specifically, the tools proposed by the project could provide a set of modalities to activate the measures included in this Priority oriented to support the creation of new employment opportunities in several sector among which the digitalisation. Also, in relation to Priority 4 – A more social Molise through employment, the project activities in general and specifically the Voucher system of WP2 provides the possibility to widen the possibilities in the labour market. Moreover, in relation to Priorities 5 – A more social Molise through education and training, and 7 - A more social Molise through young employment, the new curricula proposed in WP4 provide the possibility to widen the offer and the inclusivity in the education and training activities, contributing specifically to the lifelong learning processes. (EN)

Total budget/expenditure: EUR 4 799 677.09

Total EU funding (amount): EUR 3 983 815.88

Total EU funding (co-financing rate): 83.00%

Co-financing sources:

IPA/IPA II/IPA III: Amount, EUR 3 983 815.88. Co-financing rate, 83.00%.

Investments, deliverables, policy contributions

(bullets are inserted automatically and may be incorrectly placed)

Deliverables:

CB agreement for the establishment of the CB permanent Table
CB permanent table meetings
Common position paper for the governance of the education, training and professions systems in SA
Common methodology for the conduction of analyses
Cross-border report on companies and industry needs in terms of new skills
Cross-border report on bottlenecks preventing the availability of needed skills and competences
Cross-border report on drivers for new professions and employment chains
Maps of 4-helix stakeholders and list of appointed members for CB permanent table
Informative and engagement sessions for 4-helix stakeholders
Skills definition labs with companies and industry
"On demand voucher" scheme
ToR for application of "on demand voucher" set at regional level
Report on on-demand voucher system tested
Agreement on common vocabulary for blue qualifications and professions
South Adriatic Blue qualification framework (i.e. BlueComp)
Vademecum on integration with regional mainstreaming programmes
Outreach activities fostering the adoption of institutional-oriented tools
Coordination meetings with EUSAIR - Pillar 1 - Blue Growth Coordinators and TSG
CB ILMs courses and n. 1 pilot CB ILM course defined
Pilot group of young students appointed
Report of pilot activation of CB ILMs course
Identification of the contents of the CB HE learning modules
Pilot group of young students appointed
Report of pilot activation of a Summer schools to test the HE learning modules
Blue Economy Training Centre (BETC)
Outreach activities fostering the adoption of new learning modules into higher education institution
Outreach activities target to young and students to foster the attractiveness of blue carriers
Labs for the identification of new research activities &cutting edge technologies to define skills
Participation in international network on blue economy
Blue Growth cluster
BE Digital platform
Tools for the improvement of SMEs own awareness and capacities in detecting the needs skills
Tools for the up-skilling and the re-skilling of employees inside the company or along the chain
Tools improving the HR management, promoting replacement along chains as alternative to unemployment
Information and dissemination local campaigns and labs to train companies of blue economies
Report on test of self assessment by companies
NA

Contribution to wider strategies and policies:

EUStrategyAdriaticIonianRegion EUSAIR: The project is strictly coherent with the EUSAIR and precisely to the obj. pursued by the Pillar 1-Blue Growth and Pillar 4-Sustainable tourism. Regarding Pillar 1, the project, thanks to its involvement of 4-helix stakeholders and the brought availability of advanced skills, competences and professions for the BE contribute to: 1. the promotion of business opportunities in blue sectors, by facilitating the networking between research and business communities and supporting a science-based development of skills and 2. improving the governance, by enhancing institutional capacities in the area of training also in maritime professions. In relation to Pillar 4, the project sets the basis for improving the quality and innovation of tourism offer and the capacities of the tourism actors across the macro-region.
Other European Green Deal Strategy: The topic of enhancing job skills and capacities is preeminent in the EU political agenda. As foreseen by the Green Deal, the project promotes economic growth by creating new businesses and job opportunities, with a specific focus in the blue economy and with a strong approach towards sustainability. The transition to a sustainable blue economy, envisaged by also by the communication for “new approach for a sustainable blue economy in the EU” (COM/2021/240 final) is factually promoted by the project by establishing curricula and professions that will create new green jobs and businesses in the blue economy.
Other Territorial Agenda 2030 Strategy: The development of advance skills in the labour market, as well as the proper labour policies and the commitment of key-players in the processes have been highlighted as holding particular promise for achieving many of the economic and environmental focused Sustainable Development Goals in Europe, included in the Agenda 2030. By its activities, the project contributes factually to the: A) SDG 4 on quality education; B)SDG 8 on economic growth, by setting framework condition for economic actors to develop new business and jobs; C) SDG9 on industry, innovation and infrastructure, by paving the way for new profession and skills supporting them; D) SDG 14 on oceans, being focussed on blue economies sector for the increase of their sustainability.
Other Agricultural, Rural Development and Fisheries Strategy of Albania (2022). The SA SKILLS project contributes positively in the achievement of the goals of the Agricultural, Rural Development and Fisheries strategy 21-27 approved in 2022 by the Albanian Government. In particular, the project paves the ways for coordinating efforts between the agricultural and blue economy sectors that can lead to a more holistic and integrated approach to economic and environmental management in Albania: 1) Diversification of the Economy: Both the blue economy and agriculture are important components of Albania's economic diversification strategy. By investing in blue sectors, Albania can reduce its economic dependence on a single industry and promote overall economic stability; 2) Sustainability and Resource Management: sustainable practices are essential in the blue economy to ensure the long-term health of marine ecosystems. 3) Food Security: the blue economy, particularly fisheries and aquaculture, can enhance protein production and diversify food sources. 4) Rural Development: by promoting blue economy, Albania can support rural communities, create jobs, and improve livelihoods in coastal and inland areas. 5) Environmental Conservation: Integrating sustainable practices in the blue economy can lead to better environmental conservation outcomes, i.e. sustainable fishing can protect marine biodiversity. 6) Tourism and Economic Growth: Coastal and maritime tourism, which is part of the blue economy, can complement agricultural tourism initiatives. Albania's 2022 strategy include agritourism and rural tourism components, which can synergize with efforts to promote coastal and maritime tourism, thereby boosting overall economic growth and tourism revenue. 7) Policy Coordination: aligning regulations, funding, and incentives to support sustainable practices in blue economy is envisaged.
Other "The Strategies of Research and Innovation for the Smart Specialisation - Le strategie di R&I per la specializzazione intelligente" adopted by Molise Region in 2022. The strategy represents an update to the RIS3 Strategy of the previous programming period. It outlines the main fields of interventions in which the Molise Regional Government will focus its interventions for the period 2021-2027. The strategy paves the way and support investments and interventions in specific strategic sector for Molise Region, among the others the agrofood, tourism industry and ICT innovation are focused. In this framework, the SA SKILLS project is synergic with the aims of growth and development proposed by the Strategies, since it support the development of advanced skills in the mentioned sectors, as skills in the fisheries and aquaculture food chains, skills for the improvement and digitalisation and of traditional blue sector (such as tourism) and in emerging one (as blue technologies).
Other The “Smart Specialisation strategy of Apulia Region - Smart Puglia 2030 - Strategia di Specializzazione intelligente” adopted by Apulia Region in 2022, among the drivers of the economic growth in the Apulia Region recognises the IC technologies and the blue sectors. In particular, concerning the ICT sector, the topic of the development of new competences is seen as a crucial one. Moreover, concerning the blue economy, the strategy outlines the following emerging sectors as those to be addressed: marine renewable energy, biotechnologies, coasts protection and desalinisation. In this framework, the SA SKILLS project is contributing to the achievement of Strategies objectives on a long terms perspective. Moreover, the Strategy recognise the “ITS system” as a strategic tool to increase the competences in the labour market. The curricula to be developed in the WP3 are tightly connected.

Deliverable (other than infrastructural investment) areas:

Shqipëria (AL), Tirane, Street of Kuvajt, 0, 1000
Crna Gora (ME), Dobrota - Kotor, I Bokeljske Brigade, 68, 85330

Programme Common Output Indicator:

RCO 085 - Participations in joint training schemes, Measurement unit:
RCO 083 - Strategies and action plans jointly developed, Measurement unit:

Programme Common Result Indicator:

RCR 079 - Joint strategies and action plans taken up by organisations, Measurement unit:
RCR 081 - Completions of joint training schemes, 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 IPA Italy Albania Montenegro (South Adriatic)

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

2025-11-19

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

51 / 51 (100%)

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

230 / 230 (100%)

Notes on the data

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High LEVEL and market-respondent Competences for a Blue and Digitalized “Smart and skilled South Adriatic”

Description

Thematic information

Partners (6)

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Summary

Investments, deliverables, policy contributions

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

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