BLUe economy NEtWork for sustainable innovation

Programme 2021 - 2027 Interreg VI-B IPA Adriatic-Ionian

Date of latest update: 2025-10-06

Description

Description (EN):

The BLUNEW project aims to enhance the capacity for innovation in the Adriatic-Ionian region, particularly focusing on supporting Blue Growth initiatives. It involves key stakeholders such as research hubs, universities, development agencies, and municipalities to create a network aimed at bolstering innovation. BLUNEW builds upon the first transnational Smart Specialization Strategy on Blue Growth developed in the 2014-2020 Adrion Programme, aiming to raise awareness and capacities for smart and sustainable water management, especially in IPA countries. One of its unique aspects is the correlation between the maritime sector and internal rivers and lakes challenges and opportunities. Identifying the lack of cooperation partnerships and the need to increase capacities as relevant challenges, BLUNEW proposes technical actions including training courses and stakeholder involvement in developing guidelines for policymakers on local, national, and European scales. The project will model an innovative service to stimulate and support the emergence of innovative entrepreneurial organizations operating in the Blue Economy. This model will be tested in territories through a hybrid approach of online and in-person workshops to collect feedback for further improvements. The project is structured into four work packages (WP). WP1 focuses on capacity-building activities on Blue Economy, ecological transition, and innovation ecosystems, targeting local authorities, scientists, researchers, NGOs, and SMEs interested in Blue Economy sectors, including freshwater systems. It aims to increase knowledge, awareness, and capacities among stakeholders. WP2 aims to develop a transnational network of territorial innovation and modeling of support services to create a Blue Innovation Ecosystem in the IPA-ADRION area. WP3 involves the implementation of pilot actions to support territorial innovation, testing support services for innovative entrepreneurial realities in the blue economy and collecting feedback for refinement. WP4 focuses on innovation and water smart strategies for IPA countries, aiming to define pathways for innovation, establish public-private partnerships, and implement actions for sustainable water management. Overall, BLUNEW represents a promising approach to address common challenges by providing thematically precise solutions focused on the Blue Economy and freshwater management, thereby fostering innovation and sustainability in the Adriatic-Ionian region.

Actual Achievements (EN):

During the first reporting period, the Lead Partner successfully signed the Grant Contract with the Programme Authorities and prepared and signed the Partnership Agreement. Communication with all project partners, the Joint Secretariat, national controllers, and other relevant stakeholders has been smooth and continuous. The project’s Kick-off Meeting was successfully organised in Koper from 15 to 17 October 2024, during which the Project Steering Committee and the Technical Committee were formally established. Additionally, the Lead Partner participated in the online training for IPA ADRION projects (3 October 2024), the Implementation Seminar and the training on project website management (December 2024). All pre-financing transfers to IPA partners were successfully carried out during this period. A specific issue arose with partner PP8, which was resolved through communication with the Managing Authority and the National Contact Point. The Lead Partner prepared and shared the project Communication Plan (Deliverable 1.3.1), developed all communication materials (roll-up banners, A3 posters), and provided document templates. The BLUNEW project established its presence on social media, primarily Facebook, and was published on the IPA ADRION programme website. Technical activities were successfully launched as well. Within Activity 1.1, led by WBU, data, best practices, and examples of innovation in the blue economy, along with risks and challenges to sustainable water ecosystems in the Adriatic-Ionian region, were collected. Two reports (Deliverable 1.1.1) were prepared: "Innovation in the Blue Economy" and "Risks and Challenges for Sustainable and Healthy Water Ecosystems." Data were gathered through various means including field visits, interviews, round tables, and stakeholder surveys in each country (with public authorities, researchers, NGOs, etc.). Each partner prepared a national report, which was then consolidated by WBU. In Activity 1.2, all partners began preparing draft stakeholder lists in their respective countries, which will serve as a basis for further engagement. Activity 1.3 focused on external communication, including the preparation and distribution of the Communication Plan (Deliverable 1.3.1) Partners began publishing project-related content on their websites and social media (e.g. Instagram in Montenegro), and started translating and localising communication materials. In Activity 1.5, a draft handbook on reducing the environmental impact and carbon footprint of project activities was prepared (Deliverable 1.5.1). The document includes guidelines on materials, waste, digital emissions, food, and transport and was presented and discussed during meetings. Partners ASSO and LIR played a key role in its development. Additionally, a carbon footprint calculator was created and shared among all project partners. Several online meetings were held during the reporting period, including on 17 September 2024 and 30 January 2025, where partners discussed the progress of activities and prepared an overview of the deliverables for Work Package 1. Regarding external services, procurement procedures were carried out to select experts for awareness-raising on the blue economy, quality assessment of project activities, and graphic and communication support. As part of their work, communication materials, visual identity tools, and reports were developed to support further project dissemination. The overall assessment of the first reporting period is highly positive. All partners successfully initiated their activities, collaboration with the Lead Partner has been effective, responsibilities have been clearly defined, and all administrative and content-related tasks were performed on time. Various online meetings as several emails between the LP and PPs have been carried out for the fluent internal communication. A strong foundation has been established for the successful continuation of the project in the upcoming periods.

Project outputs: Training scheme for supporting innovation and raising awareness on sustainability in Blue Economy(EN)
Multilevel Transnational Partnership for territorial innovation in the Adriatic-Ionian Area(EN)
New validated Support scheme to foster innovation in the IPA-ADRION region for Sustainable Blue Economy(EN)
Action plan for the enhancement of the transnational partnership for territorial innovation in the IPA countries(EN)
Water Smart Territories Strategy for IPA countries(EN)

Thematic information

Coastal management and maritime issues SME and entrepreneurship

Priority: (VI-B_IPA-A_1) Supporting a smarter Adriatic Ionian 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: 010 Research and innovation activities in SMEs, including networking

Partners (11)

Lead Partner: Regionalni razvojni center Koper

PIC (Participant Identification Code): 972128181

Partner’s ID if not PIC: SI28049705 | 5868696 | Registration number of RDC Koper (EN)

Address: Ulica 15. Maja , 6000 Koper-Capodistria, Slovenia

Legal status: public

Organisation type: Sectoral agency

Website: http://www.rrc-kp.si

Total budget: EUR 163 992.10

Partner’s programme co-financing: EUR 139 393.28

Partner’s programme co-financing rate: 85.00%

Partner contribution: EUR 24 598.82

Contractors:

Name: SO d.o.o.
VAT registration or tax identification number: SI27731561
Name: ASK DEVELOPMENT d.o.o.
VAT registration or tax identification number: SI75907984
Name: CPP Piran d.o.o.
VAT registration or tax identification number: SI37692038

Universiteti Western Balkans

Name: Universiteti Western Balkans

Department: Faculty of Economics, Technology, and Innovation

PIC (Participant Identification Code): 885555584

Partner’s ID if not PIC: M02313010F

Address: Highway Tirane - Durres , 1051 Tirana, Albania

Legal status: private

Organisation type: Higher education and research organisations

Website: http://www.wbu.edu.al

Total budget: EUR 109 244.22

Partner’s programme co-financing: EUR 92 857.58

Partner’s programme co-financing rate: 85.00%

Partner contribution: EUR 16 386.64

Општина Сарај

Name: Општина Сарај

Partner’s ID if not PIC: MK4075004100055

Address: 2, 1000 Glumovo, Skopje, North Macedonia

Legal status: public

Organisation type: Local public authority

Total budget: EUR 111 281.20

Partner’s programme co-financing: EUR 94 589.02

Partner’s programme co-financing rate: 85.00%

Partner contribution: EUR 16 692.18

Agencija za razvoj i podršku poslovanju Cetinje

Name: Agencija za razvoj i podršku poslovanju Cetinje

PIC (Participant Identification Code): 884593150

Partner’s ID if not PIC: 31/31-01321-2 | N/A | N/A (EN)

Address: Bulevar crnogorskih junaka, 81250 Cetinje, Montenegro

Legal status: public

Organisation type: Business support organisation

Website: http://www.cetinje.biz

Total budget: EUR 110 374.00

Partner’s programme co-financing: EUR 93 817.90

Partner’s programme co-financing rate: 85.00%

Partner contribution: EUR 16 556.10

Contractors:

Name: Sandra Kovačević
VAT registration or tax identification number: 2002983215289
Name: Damjana Bulatović
VAT registration or tax identification number: 2410995275067
Name: Vladimir Rajčić
VAT registration or tax identification number: 1202985210271
Name: Branka Karadžić
VAT registration or tax identification number: 2806984265036
Name: Multicom
VAT registration or tax identification number: 40/31-01786-1

Bashkia Fier

Name: Bashkia Fier

PIC (Participant Identification Code): 924704784

Partner’s ID if not PIC: K52905406F | N/A | N/A (EN)

Address: Lagjja “Kastriot”, Rruga “Ramiz Aranitasi”, 9301 Fier, Albania

Legal status: public

Organisation type: Local public authority

Website: http://Bashkiafier.gov.al

Total budget: EUR 99 753.46

Partner’s programme co-financing: EUR 84 790.44

Partner’s programme co-financing rate: 85.00%

Partner contribution: EUR 14 963.02

Proaktiv

Name: Proaktiv

PIC (Participant Identification Code): 939900319

Partner’s ID if not PIC: 106492926

Address: Obrenovićeva, 18000 Niš, Serbia

Legal status: private

Organisation type: Interest groups including NGOs

Website: http://www.proaktiv.org.rs

Total budget: EUR 126 976.53

Partner’s programme co-financing: EUR 107 930.05

Partner’s programme co-financing rate: 85.00%

Partner contribution: EUR 19 046.48

LIR Evolucija

Name: LIR Evolucija

Department: Project Department

PIC (Participant Identification Code): 949407483

Partner’s ID if not PIC: 4403517360009 | N/A | N/A (EN)

Address: B.V.Stepe Stepanovića, 78000 Banja Luka, Bosnia and Herzegovina

Department address: Gavre Vučkovića, 78000 Banja Luka, Bosnia and Herzegovina

Legal status: private

Organisation type: Interest groups including NGOs

Website: http://lir.ba/

Total budget: EUR 127 581.78

Partner’s programme co-financing: EUR 108 444.51

Partner’s programme co-financing rate: 85.00%

Partner contribution: EUR 19 137.27

Contractors:

Name: HEC Hydro Enginery Consulting
VAT registration or tax identification number: 4404363080004

Ελληνικό Βραβείο Επιχειρηματικότητας ΑΜΚΕ

Name: Ελληνικό Βραβείο Επιχειρηματικότητας ΑΜΚΕ

Department: Innovation DPT

PIC (Participant Identification Code): 896936788

Partner’s ID if not PIC: 997161015 | N/A | N/A (EN)

Address: L. KARAMANLI AVE, 16673 Voula, Greece

Legal status: public

Organisation type: Business support organisation

Website: http://www.envolveglobal.org

Total budget: EUR 127 460.28

Partner’s programme co-financing: EUR 108 341.23

Partner’s programme co-financing rate: 85.00%

Partner contribution: EUR 19 119.05

Javna ustanova Makarska razvojna agencija - MARA

Name: Javna ustanova Makarska razvojna agencija - MARA

Department: N/A

PIC (Participant Identification Code): 911235073

Partner’s ID if not PIC: HR79935418722 | N/A | N/A (EN)

Address: Obala kralja Tomislava, 21300 Makarska, Croatia

Legal status: public

Organisation type: Business support organisation

Website: https://mara-makarska.hr/

Total budget: EUR 88 096.25

Partner’s programme co-financing: EUR 74 881.81

Partner’s programme co-financing rate: 85.00%

Partner contribution: EUR 13 214.44

Contractors:

Name: +mind
VAT registration or tax identification number: 24606532518
Name: OUI
VAT registration or tax identification number: 93304206818
Name: GOODIDEA
VAT registration or tax identification number: 94989630073
Name: Geek process
VAT registration or tax identification number: HR15077985362

Agenzia per lo sviluppo sostenibile

Name: Agenzia per lo sviluppo sostenibile

PIC (Participant Identification Code): 898852053

Partner’s ID if not PIC: IT04356920407

Address: Via Pirandello, 37138 Verona, Italy

Legal status: public

Organisation type: Interest groups including NGOs

Website: http://www.associazioneasso.it

Total budget: EUR 124 318.75

Partner’s programme co-financing: EUR 105 670.93

Partner’s programme co-financing rate: 85.00%

Partner contribution: EUR 18 647.82

Contractors:

Name: Nicola Montevecchi
VAT registration or tax identification number: 02685820405
Name: ASK Development Doo
VAT registration or tax identification number: SI 75907984
Name: Solar Info Community Srl SB
VAT registration or tax identification number: 12092130967
Name: Marco Affronte
VAT registration or tax identification number: 04476310406

SERENDPT Srl SB

Name: SERENDPT Srl SB

PIC (Participant Identification Code): 903658403

Partner’s ID if not PIC: 04396950273 | N/A | N/A (EN)

Address: Campo San Cosmo, 30133 Venezia, Italy

Legal status: public

Organisation type: Business support organisation

Website: https://www.serendpt.net/

Total budget: EUR 143 206.63

Partner’s programme co-financing: EUR 121 725.63

Partner’s programme co-financing rate: 85.00%

Partner contribution: EUR 21 481.00

Partners map

Partners and Projects info

Western Balkans University

BLUe economy NEtWork for sustainable innovation

Partners and Projects info

Municipality of Saraj

BLUe economy NEtWork for sustainable innovation

Partners and Projects info

Agency for Development and Business Support Cetinje

BLUe economy NEtWork for sustainable innovation

Partners and Projects info

Bashkia Fier

BLUe economy NEtWork for sustainable innovation

Partners and Projects info

Proactive

BLUe economy NEtWork for sustainable innovation

Partners and Projects info

LIR Lokalna Inicijativa Razvoja

BLUe economy NEtWork for sustainable innovation

Partners and Projects info

Hellenic Entrepreneurship Award ENVOLVE

BLUe economy NEtWork for sustainable innovation

Partners and Projects info

Public Institution Makarska Development Agency - MARA

BLUe economy NEtWork for sustainable innovation

Partners and Projects info

Agency for Sustainable Development

BLUe economy NEtWork for sustainable innovation

Partners and Projects info

SERENDPT

BLUe economy NEtWork for sustainable innovation

Partners and Projects info

Regional Development Centre Koper

BLUe economy NEtWork for sustainable innovation

Lead partner

Project partner

Summary

Project name (EN): BLUe economy NEtWork for sustainable innovation

Project acronym: BLUNEW

Project ID: IPA-ADRION00454

Project start date: 2024-09-01

Project end date: 2027-02-28

Project status: ongoing

Relevant linked projects:

BlueInvest
BlueInvest is a community where entrepreneurs, investors, corporates and innovation stakeholders can plug in to the Blue Economy. Its content and activities promote Blue Growth and help SMEs and start-ups access finance and business opportunities.
Members of the community can expect:
- business-to-investor matchmaking
- networking, knowledge exchange and links to relevant accelerators, incubators, clusters and business networks
- online learning and training opportunities and coaching
- events and growth opportunitiesBlueInvest aims to boost innovation and investment in sustainable technologies for the blue economy, by supporting readiness and access to finance for early-stage businesses, SMEs and scale-ups. It is enabled by the European Maritime and Fisheries Fund. (EN) | BlueInvest represents a landmark in the Blue Economy support ecosystem at the global level. It has an EU dimension and offers a set of opportunities for startups and innovators in the sector.
Interesting synergies will be created between BlueInvest and BLUNEW, with multiplier effects due to mutual promotion and collaboration. In particular, BLUNEW will provide a place-based initiative in the Adriatic-Ionian region, widening the Blue Growth support scheme to IPA countries and taking into great consideration the role of freshwater ecosystems and sustainable management.
Additionally, BlueInvest will benefit from the higher awareness and capacities developed in BLUNEW among policymakers and stakeholders, while the latter will have the chance to meet the expertise and network of BlueInvest. (EN), Adrion Thematic Cluster on Blue Growth and related Smart growth
This cluster comprises a wide range of sectors that are each other inter-dependent and contribute to the overall Blue and Smart Growth frame: energy; aquaculture; bio-economy; biotechnologies; shipbuilding and nautical sector development.
(EN) | BLUNEW project proposal development has taken into consideration the indications and objectives included in the policy paper developed by the Thematic Cluster.
In particular, the present proposal replies to the following findings:
- "SMEs are not familiar with Intellectual Property Rights (IPR) and innovation management as well as with different tools (and how to access them), which may help them improve their business strategies. SMEs appreciate the opportunity to receive necessary information about IPR, but majority are not willing to deal with it adequately. Also, it is characteristic that most of them are not aware of EU or national
funding opportunities and requirements to apply for funds."
BLUNEW will stress this point throughout its activities, especially for the pilot action.
- "Data collection should be deepened and widened".
BLUNEW in WP1 poses as the first step of the project implementation an activity based on data collection and best practices analysis.
- "Cross-sectoral priorities: - Preparation of a favourable environment for the establishment of transnational clusters on promising blue economy’s sectors through the adoption of open source, knowledge sharing and community-based approaches.
- Increased awareness and understanding among the business community about the competitive advantage of Blue Growth and its potential market opportunities.
- Valorization of the circular economy concept and practices as an innovation development tool for Blue Growth to further unlock their innovation potential".
BLUNEW will develop a transnational partnership framework to stimulate innovation and a sustainable blue economy in the Adriatic-Ionian region. (EN)

Total budget/expenditure: EUR 1 332 285.20

Total EU funding (amount): EUR 1 132 442.38

Total EU funding (co-financing rate): 85.00%

Co-financing sources:

Investments, deliverables, policy contributions

(bullets are inserted automatically and may be incorrectly placed)

Deliverables:

Reports
Stakeholders and Innovation hotspots Map
Communication Plan
Training Material
Handbook for the appropriate management of project environmental impacts
Report
Manifesto
Memorandum of Understanding
Preliminary study for designing and launching pilot activities
Technical Assessment Reports
Testing Report
Feedback Report
Guidelines
Water Smart Territories Strategy for IPA countries
Action Plan
Letter of Commitment

Contribution to wider strategies and policies:

EUStrategyAdriaticIonianRegion BLUNEW project is perfectly aligned with the objectives and priorities of the EUSAIR macro-regional strategy.
In particular, it contributes to one out of the 4 pillars of the EUSAIR Strategy, "Blue Growth", which is about to drive innovative maritime and marine growth in the Region by promoting sustainable economic development and jobs and business opportunities in the Blue economy, including blue technologies, fisheries/aquaculture and blue economy governance.
Furthermore, climate change mitigation and adaptation is a horizontal
principle for all 4 pillars of the Strategy. BLUNEW main objective is supporting innovation for sustainability and creating the conditions to develop innovative solutions for fighting climate change is a top priority for the project.
EuropeanGreenDeal Innovation has a pivotal role in supporting the development of the EU Green Deal. Generational objectives such as making the EU the first carbon-neutral continent or decoupling economic growth and resource use require an outstanding efforts concerning R&D and innovation.
Similarly, there is no EU Green Deal without including the Blue Economy in this process.
This is crystal clear and can be testified by the EU Commission Communicationn on a "new approach for a sustainable blue economy in the EU Transforming the EU's Blue Economy for a Sustainable Future".
For these reasons it is clear that BLUNEW will contribute to the implementation of the EU Green Deal under multiple perspectives, enhancing transnational capacity to tranform the EU and IPA countries in the direction depicted by the EU Commissions.
BLUNEW has been deeply inspired by the BlueInvest initiative and will be committed to create sinergies.

Programme Common Output Indicator:

RCO 116 - Jointly developed solutions, Measurement unit:
RCO 084 - Pilot actions developed jointly and implemented in projects, Measurement unit:
RCO 087 - Organisations cooperating across borders, Measurement unit:
RCO 083 - Strategies and action plans jointly developed, 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:
RCR 079 - Joint strategies and action plans taken up by organisations, 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-B IPA Adriatic-Ionian

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

2025-10-06

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

70 / 70 (100%)

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

646 / 646 (100%)

Notes on the data

Languages

Contact Form

BLUe economy NEtWork for sustainable innovation

Description

Thematic information

Partners (11)

Partners map

Summary

Investments, deliverables, policy contributions

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

Disclaimer