Enhancing Cross-Border Blue Growth: Fostering Innovation and Cooperation for Competitive Entrepreneurship

Programme 2021 - 2027 Interreg VI-A IPA Croatia - Bosnia and Herzegovina - Montenegro

Date of latest update: 2026-04-23

Description

Description (EN):

The BLUECONNECT project is a collaborative initiative aimed at fostering cross-border cooperation in the field of Blue Growth to address common challenges in the cross-border region encompassing Croatia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, and Montenegro. The project's overall objective is to enhance research, innovation, and the adoption of advanced technologies among stakeholders, including enterprises, universities, research centers, and training institutions. By promoting smart investments and building research capacities, BLUECONNECT seeks to establish a robust Blue Growth Cluster that serves as a reference point for sustainable economic development in the targeted region. Common Challenge: The programme area faces shared challenges in the Blue Growth sector, including limited cross-border collaboration, inadequate knowledge sharing, and insufficient uptake of advanced technologies. These challenges hinder the sustainable development and competitiveness of the sector, necessitating a joint effort to address them effectively. Overall Objective and Expected Change: BLUECONNECT's primary aim is to establish a sustainable ecosystem of cross-border cooperation that supports the growth and advancement of the Blue Growth sector in the targeted region. By facilitating collaboration, knowledge exchange, and the dissemination of best practices, the project strives to foster a unified network of stakeholders. The expected change is the emergence of a dynamic Blue Growth Cluster that leverages innovation, advanced technologies, and sustainable practices to drive economic development and competitiveness. Main Outputs and Beneficiaries: The project will produce several key outputs to achieve its objectives. These include the establishment of regional Blue Growth collaborations and the creation of a Blue Growth Collaboration Platform. Through strategic partnerships and digital tools, the project enables stakeholders to work together effectively. Additionally, BLUECONNECT will implement pilot projects to showcase the practical application and feasibility of emerging technologies in the Blue Growth sector. The beneficiaries of these outputs are enterprises, universities, research centers, and training institutions within the programme area. By fostering cross-border cooperation and knowledge exchange, the project empowers these stakeholders to embrace innovation and adopt advanced technologies, leading to enhanced productivity and resource efficiency. Cross-Border Approach: A cross-border approach is integral to the success of BLUECONNECT. By collaborating across borders, the project can tap into complementary expertise and resources, expand market opportunities, and share risks and benefits. Moreover, the cross-border perspective facilitates policy coordination and regional development, aligning with both regional and EU strategies for a greener and more sustainable future. Such an approach enables BLUECONNECT to address shared challenges more comprehensively and achieve long-term, positive impacts on the Blue Growth sector within the programme area. New and Original Aspects: What sets BLUECONNECT apart is its focus on cross-border collaboration and fostering a sustainable Blue Growth Cluster. The project's emphasis on enhancing research capacities, knowledge sharing, and innovation uptake through pilot projects is innovative. By combining technology-driven solutions with community involvement, BLUECONNECT offers a holistic approach to sustainable economic development. Moreover, the project's engagement with enterprises, universities, research centers, and training institutions as key stakeholders ensures a broad and inclusive impact on the Blue Growth sector, establishing it as a reference point for competitiveness and sustainable growth in the transnational region.

Actual Achievements (EN):

During the first reporting period, the BLUECONNECT project successfully launched its activities, engaging key stakeholders and laying the groundwork for cross-border collaboration in the Blue Growth sector. Successful Kick-Off Meeting & Stakeholder Engagement The Kick-Off Meeting (03.10.2024, Kotor, Montenegro) gathered representatives from academia, SMEs, public institutions, and research organizations, fostering dialogue on Blue Growth priorities and cooperation. Initiation of Blue Growth Landscape Analysis Partners began work on the Blue Growth Landscape Analysis, engaging experts to assess trends in sustainable aquaculture, marine renewable energy, coastal tourism, and biotechnology. Procurement for external expertise is ongoing. Development of the Blue Growth Collaboration Platform (BGCP) Initial discussions were held to define the BGCP’s structure and functionalities, ensuring it will become a key knowledge-sharing and cooperation tool. Establishment of Project Communication & Online Presence A communication strategy was developed to guide outreach activities. PP4 (CEFBH) launched Facebook and LinkedIn profiles, and partners started sharing project updates and promotional materials. Progress on the Partnership and Cooperation Agreement Work started on drafting the Partnership and Cooperation Agreement, a key document for sustaining long-term cross-border collaboration. Procurement for legal and technical support is in progress. Commitment to Inclusion & Gender Equality The project ensured diverse stakeholder participation, including women and SMEs, in its first events. Gender balance was observed in discussions, and future training will incorporate inclusive capacity-building initiatives. Next Steps The next period will focus on finalizing procurement, advancing the Blue Growth Collaboration Platform, and formalizing cooperation agreements to strengthen cross-border collaboration. Up to the second reporting period, BLUECONNECT has built a strong foundation for cross-border cooperation in the South Adriatic Blue Economy. The project has advanced both its objectives: (1) enhancing collaborative networks and knowledge sharing (WP1) and (2) accelerating innovation and technology uptake (WP2). Key achievements under WP1 include: * Completion of the Blue Growth Regional Market Analysis, a comprehensive study with national chapters from Montenegro, Croatia, and Bosnia and Herzegovina. This provides the first evidence-based overview of the region’s strengths and gaps in Blue Growth sectors. * Organization of major events such as the Blue Growth Clustering Workshop in Mostar, which gathered ~45 stakeholders from academia, business, and government to discuss innovation, cooperation, and the future Collaboration Platform. * Continuous visibility and outreach, supported by a strong online presence, press articles, and the production of 400 branded Promo Packs distributed at stakeholder events. * Development of the Blue Growth Digital Collaboration Platform, which reached advanced prototype stage. Its modules will allow stakeholders to connect, share knowledge, and trade products and services across borders. Key achievements under WP2 include: * Finalisation of the Blue Growth Landscape Analysis, identifying priority innovation areas and technological trends such as aquaculture, eco-tourism, biotechnology, and low-emission maritime solutions. * Concrete progress in three pilot demonstration centers: * Aquaculture Demonstration Center (Montenegro) – renovation and equipment procurement underway. * Eastern Adriatic Fishery Advocacy Center (Croatia) – FlowCam instruments installed, staff trained, boosting fisheries monitoring. * Freshwater Fish Processing Center (Bosnia and Herzegovina) – procurement of cooling/freezing equipment completed, facility adaptations prepared. Added value of cooperation: By combining national expertise and resources, BLUECONNECT is achieving results no single country could reach alone. The regional analyses, joint workshops, and pilot centers demonstrate how cross-border collaboration strengthens innovation, creates synergies, and accelerates the transfer of knowledge and technology. Stakeholders across the three countries are now better connected, more aware of opportunities, and increasingly engaged in building a shared, sustainable Blue Growth ecosystem in the South Adriatic.

Project outputs: Regional Blue Growth Collaboration(EN)
Blue Growth Collaboration Platform(EN)
Blue Growth Pilots(EN)

Thematic information

ICT and digital society SME and entrepreneurship Knowledge and technology transfer

Priority: (VI-A_HR-B-ME_1) Smart investments in research, innovation and competitive entrepreneurship

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: 004 Investment in fixed assets, including research infrastructure, in public research centres and higher education directly linked to research and innovation activities

Partners (4)

Lead Partner: Javna ustanova Univerzitet Crne Gore

Partner’s ID if not PIC: 02016702

Department: Institute of Marine Biology

Address: Cetinjski put, 81000 Podgorica, Montenegro

Department address: Put I Bokeljske brigade, 85330 Kotor, Montenegro

Legal status: public

Organisation type: Higher education and research organisations

Website: https://www.ucg.ac.me/

Total budget: EUR 452 125.80

Partner’s programme co-financing: EUR 384 306.93

Partner’s programme co-financing rate: 85.00%

Partner contribution: EUR 67 818.87

Privredna Gospodarska komora Federacije Bosne i Hercegovine

Name: Privredna Gospodarska komora Federacije Bosne i Hercegovine

Partner’s ID if not PIC: BA200005540007

Address: Branislava Đurđeva, 71000 Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina

Legal status: public

Organisation type: Regional public authority

Website: https://kfbih.com/

Total budget: EUR 110 313.00

Partner’s programme co-financing: EUR 93 766.05

Partner’s programme co-financing rate: 85.00%

Partner contribution: EUR 16 546.95

Contractors:

Name: RISE d.o.o.
VAT registration or tax identification number: 62531146422
Name: Hotel Buna d.o.o.
VAT registration or tax identification number: 227546700002
Name: Amela Sjekirica-Suljić
VAT registration or tax identification number: 2512975155003
Name: Degordian BH d.o.o. Mostar
VAT registration or tax identification number: 227740420002

Privredna komora Crne Gore

Name: Privredna komora Crne Gore

Partner’s ID if not PIC: 02019574

Address: Novaka Miloševa, 81000 Podgorica, Montenegro

Department address: Novaka Miloševa, 81000 Podgorica, Montenegro

Legal status: public

Organisation type: Interest groups including NGOs

Website (not verified): http://www.komora.me

Total budget: EUR 121 905.00

Partner’s programme co-financing: EUR 103 619.25

Partner’s programme co-financing rate: 85.00%

Partner contribution: EUR 18 285.75

Contractors:

Name: Research and Inn. Serv. d.o.o.
VAT registration or tax identification number: HR62531146422
Name: Miško Rađenovic
VAT registration or tax identification number: 1709975250027
Name: Saša Samardžic
VAT registration or tax identification number: 0912981150006
Name: MARCO POLO TRAVEL AGENCY
VAT registration or tax identification number: 30/31-12090-9
Name: Čikom
VAT registration or tax identification number: 30/31-00403-8

Sub-Contractors:

Name: Čikom d.o.o.
VAT registration or tax identification number: 30/31-00403/8

Institut za oceanografiju i ribarstvo

Name: Institut za oceanografiju i ribarstvo

Partner’s ID if not PIC: HR86235185568

Address: Šetalište I. Meštrovića, 21000 Split, Croatia

Department address: Šetalište I. Meštrovića, 21000 Split, Croatia

Legal status: public

Organisation type: Higher education and research organisations

Website: http://www.izor.hr

Total budget: EUR 260 190.00

Partner’s programme co-financing: EUR 221 161.50

Partner’s programme co-financing rate: 85.00%

Partner contribution: EUR 39 028.50

Contractors:

Name: Turist. ugostitelj. šk. Split
VAT registration or tax identification number: HR28557793778
Name: Ansar-analitika d.o.o.
VAT registration or tax identification number: HR12100614190
Name: Research & Innov. Serv. d.o.o.
VAT registration or tax identification number: HR62531146422
Name: Protis d.o.o.
VAT registration or tax identification number: HR42113416920

Partners map

Partners and Projects info

Chamber of Economy of Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina

Enhancing Cross-Border Blue Growth: Fostering Innovation and Cooperation for Competitive Entrepreneurship

Partners and Projects info

Chamber of Economy of Montenegro

Enhancing Cross-Border Blue Growth: Fostering Innovation and Cooperation for Competitive Entrepreneurship

Partners and Projects info

Institute of Oceanography and Fisheries

Enhancing Cross-Border Blue Growth: Fostering Innovation and Cooperation for Competitive Entrepreneurship

Partners and Projects info

University of Montenegro

Enhancing Cross-Border Blue Growth: Fostering Innovation and Cooperation for Competitive Entrepreneurship

Lead partner

Project partner

Summary

Project name (EN): Enhancing Cross-Border Blue Growth: Fostering Innovation and Cooperation for Competitive Entrepreneurship

Project acronym: BLUECONNECT

Project ID: HR-BA-ME00241

Project start date: 2024-08-01

Project end date: 2027-01-31

Project status: ongoing

Relevant linked projects:

InnoBlueGrowth (EN) | The project will build upon the experience and knowledge gained from the Interreg Horizontal Communication and Capitalization project for Innovation in Blue Growth at the Mediterranean level, "InnoBlueGrowth," implemented by the Institute of Marine Biology (IMB). This will ensure continuity in blue economy development and reinforce established collaborations. (EN), Blue Growth Community – Capitalization and Community project for Blue Economy Innovation in the Mediterranean (EN) | Blue Growth Community: Leveraging insights from the "Blue Growth Community – Capitalization and Community project for Blue Economy Innovation in the Mediterranean," also led by IMB, BLUECONNECT will benefit from a network of blue economy stakeholders and strengthen partnerships to drive innovation and entrepreneurship. (EN), SHIPMENTT (EN) | SHIPMENTT: The Chamber of Economy of Montenegro's (CEM) involvement in the "SHIPMENTT" project, focused on green sea mobility, will facilitate cross-sectoral collaboration and the transfer of sustainable practices to the blue growth sector. (EN), ODEON (EN) | ODEON: CEM's participation in the "Open Data for Open European Innovations (ODEON)" project will contribute to BLUECONNECT's efforts to leverage open and big data for the growth of clusters and SMEs in blue and green growth domains. (EN), BLUEAIR (EN) | BLUEAIR: Building upon the experience of the "BLUEAIR" project, which aimed to enhance the institutional capacities of ADRION territories in defining a common policy of smart specializations in blue growth, BLUECONNECT will align its strategies with the EUSAIR and develop a macro-regional strategy for blue growth. (EN), BLUEWBC (EN) | BLUEWBC: Learning from the "BLUEWBC" project, focused on education in bachelor and master studies with innovation and entrepreneurship concepts, BLUECONNECT will benefit from capacity building and knowledge exchange to drive blue economy development. (EN), BLUEFASMA (EN) | BLUEFASMA: Drawing on the expertise of the "BLUEFASMA" project, which aimed to reinforce circular economy practices in the Mediterranean's fishing and aquaculture sector, BLUECONNECT will empower innovation capacity within SMEs and maritime clusters. (EN), MaCCIM (EN) | MaCCIM: Taking inspiration from the "Maritime Cluster Cooperation Italy Montenegro (MaCCIM)" project, BLUECONNECT will promote cross-border cooperation and knowledge exchange between stakeholders in the blue economy, fostering regional growth. (EN), COOPeR (EN) | COOPeR: BLUECONNECT will capitalize on CEFBH's experience in the "COOPeR" project to develop cross-border collaborations and joint research in the field of olive growing and olive oil production, adapting successful models to the blue growth sector. (EN)

Total budget/expenditure: EUR 944 533.80

Total EU funding (amount): EUR 802 853.73

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

Co-financing sources:

IPA/IPA II/IPA III: Amount, EUR 802 853.73. Co-financing rate, 85.00%.

Investments, deliverables, policy contributions

(bullets are inserted automatically and may be incorrectly placed)

Deliverables:

Blue growth Regional Market Analysis
Visibility events
Workshops
Project team meetings
BLUECONNECT Online Presence and Social Media
BLUECONNECT promo pack
BLUECONNECT videos
Blue Growth Digital Collaboration Platform
South Adriatic Blue Growth Cluster
Partnership and Cooperation Agreement
Blue Growth Landscape Analysis
IBM Aquaculture Demonstration Center
IOR Eastern Adriatic Fishery Advocacy Center
CEFBH Demonstration center for fresh water fish processing
Technical Assistance and Capacity Building

Contribution to wider strategies and policies:

EUStrategyAdriaticIonianRegion The BLUECONNECT project makes a significant contribution to the EU Strategy for the Adriatic and Ionian Region (EUSAIR) through its focus on fostering cross-border collaboration, research, innovation, and sustainable Blue Growth.
Enhanced Cross-Border Collaboration: By bringing together stakeholders from different countries, the project strengthens regional ties and supports the EUSAIR's vision of a more connected and cohesive region.
Sustainable Blue Growth: By promoting sustainable practices, resource management, and circular economy principles, the project contributes to the EUSAIR's objective of achieving sustainable Blue Growth in the region.
Knowledge and Capacity Building: By equipping stakeholders with the necessary knowledge, skills, and tools, the project supports the EUSAIR's objective of promoting competitiveness and innovation in the region.
Integration of Regional Priorities: By aligning its activities and outcomes with the objectives of the EUSAIR, the project reinforces the importance of regional cooperation and the implementation of common goals.
Promotion of Economic Development: By fostering a more competitive and sustainable business environment, the project aligns with the EUSAIR's objective of promoting economic growth, job creation, and entrepreneurship in the participating countries.
In summary, the BLUECONNECT project contributes to the EU Strategy for the Adriatic and Ionian Region by promoting cross-border collaboration, sustainable Blue Growth, knowledge and capacity building, integration of regional priorities, and economic development. By aligning its objectives and activities with the EUSAIR, the project supports the vision of a more connected, prosperous, and sustainable Adriatic and Ionian region.
EUStrategyDanubeRegion The BLUECONNECT project contributes significantly to the EU Strategy for the Danube Region (EUSDR) by fostering cross-border collaboration, research, innovation, and sustainable development in the Blue Growth sector:
Cross-Border Collaboration: By facilitating networking events, knowledge exchange, and joint solutions, the project strengthens regional ties and fosters cooperation, aligning with the EUSDR's objective of enhancing cross-border partnerships and connectivity.
Sustainable Blue Growth: By promoting innovation and the uptake of advanced technologies, the project contributes to the region's sustainable economic growth.
Research and Innovation Capacities: By organizing study visits, exchange programs, and pilot projects, the project supports the EUSDR's objective of strengthening research and innovation capacities.
Integration of Regional Priorities: By aligning its activities and outcomes with the objectives of the EUSDR, the project reinforces the importance of regional cooperation and the implementation of common goals. This integration enhances the project's relevance, impact, and sustainability within the context of the Danube Region.
Economic Development and Prosperity: By promoting a competitive and sustainable business environment, BLUECONNECT supports the EUSDR's objective of fostering economic growth, job creation, and entrepreneurship in the region.
In summary, the BLUECONNECT project contributes to the EU Strategy for the Danube Region by fostering cross-border collaboration, sustainable Blue Growth, research and innovation capacities, integration of regional priorities, and economic development. By aligning with the objectives of the EUSDR, the project enhances the connectivity, competitiveness, and sustainable development of the Danube Region.
EuropeanGreenDeal The BLUECONNECT project makes a significant contribution to the European Green Deal by promoting sustainable practices, circular economy principles, and the transition to a greener economy in the Blue Growth sector:
Sustainable Blue Growth: By promoting the sustainable use of marine resources, resource-efficient technologies, and sustainable coastal development, the project aligns with the European Green Deal's goal of achieving sustainable growth in the blue economy. It supports the transition towards a more sustainable and environmentally friendly approach to economic activities in the Blue Growth sector.
Circular Economy Principles: By promoting the efficient use of resources, waste reduction, and recycling, BLUECONNECT contributes to the European Green Deal's objective of fostering a circular economy. The project encourages stakeholders to adopt innovative and sustainable practices that minimize waste generation and maximize resource efficiency.
Transition to a Greener Economy: By driving the shift towards a greener economy, BLUECONNECT contributes to the European Green Deal's overarching objective of achieving climate neutrality and environmental sustainability.
Alignment with EU Strategies: By aligning with EU strategies, the project maximizes its relevance, impact, and contribution to the overall goals of the European Green Deal.
In summary, the BLUECONNECT project contributes to the European Green Deal by promoting sustainable Blue Growth, circular economy principles, and the transition to a greener economy. Through its focus on sustainable practices, resource efficiency, and clean technologies, the project supports the overarching objectives of the European Green Deal, fostering a more sustainable and environmentally friendly Blue Growth sector.

Programme Common Output Indicator:

RCO 084 - Pilot actions developed jointly and implemented in projects, Measurement unit:
RCO 116 - Jointly developed solutions, Measurement unit:
RCO 087 - Organisations cooperating across borders, Measurement unit:

Programme Common Result Indicator:

RCR 104 - Solutions taken up or up-scaled by organisations, Measurement unit:
RCR 084 - Organisations cooperating across borders after project completion, 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-A IPA Croatia - Bosnia and Herzegovina - Montenegro

Latest month of project-partner-call data publication

2025-12

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

37 / 37 (100%)

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

165 / 167 (98.8%)

Notes on the data

The end dates of project: - RACE 2 - APOLLO - CODES - SMART STEP are an approximation based on the programme's List of Operations available on the programme's website on 2024 -09-18. There the end date is marked in quarters. Partnership EmBRACE Combined total of all projects partnerships (11764705.47) in field total_budget is larger than projects total (1499617.98) of total_budget.

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Enhancing Cross-Border Blue Growth: Fostering Innovation and Cooperation for Competitive Entrepreneurship

Description

Thematic information

Partners (4)

Partners map

Summary

Investments, deliverables, policy contributions

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

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