INNOVABLUE Šibenik 2025: Advancing Innovation Through Regional Cooperation in the Blue Economy
As part of the fifth INNOVABLUE project partners’ meeting, an interactive event titled “Sustainable Innovation Communities” was held on June 17, 2025, in Šibenik, Croatia, aimed at catalyzing cross-border cooperation and innovation across the ADRION region. The event focused on strengthening collaboration among research centers, higher education institutions, public authorities, and private companies to support technology transfer and capacity building in the field of blue economy. Key stakeholders from Croatia, Italy, Slovenia, Montenegro, Serbia, North Macedonia, and Greece gathered in Šibenik, creating a dynamic platform for shaping the future of sustainable innovation in this vital sector.
A highlight of the event was the strategic panel discussion, which focused on assessing the current state and future direction of innovation ecosystems supporting sustainable blue growth. Representing Montenegro, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Maja Škurić from the Faculty of Maritime Studies in Kotor, University of Montenegro, took part in the discussion, emphasizing the specific challenges and opportunities facing the country in maritime and coastal innovation.
The Faculty of Maritime Studies in Kotor plays a key role in the development of innovative blue technologies in Montenegro, as a leading academic and research institution engaged in maritime studies, marine electronics, autonomous systems, maritime safety, and marine environmental protection. The faculty actively participates in national and international projects, develops research infrastructure and laboratories, and contributes to building the knowledge and human resources needed for the future sustainable development of the blue economy.
Participants discussed topics such as the strengths and gaps of current innovation ecosystems in the ADRION region, barriers to ecosystem development, sustainability and business models in the blue economy, and the role of government and public policies in fostering innovation. It was concluded that although significant efforts are already underway across the ADRION region, the path to a more resilient and globally competitive blue economy requires a paradigm shift—innovation must be seen not as a short-term funding opportunity, but as a long-term strategic investment in the region’s future. True transformation can only be achieved by aligning communities, governments, researchers, and industry around shared missions, supported by smart funding, regulatory agility, and persistent leadership.
Participants particularly emphasized that regulatory complexity is a major obstacle to innovation, especially in the marine environment, where permitting processes are often slow, fragmented, or unsuitable for emerging technologies. Proposed solutions included:
- The establishment of regulatory sandboxes—controlled environments allowing real-world testing under temporary regulatory exemptions or simplified procedures;
- The creation of an ADRION network of Living Labs for testing cutting-edge blue technologies such as: underwater communication systems, robotics and autonomous navigation, seabed mapping, environmental monitoring, and underwater archaeology.
To ensure operational sustainability and long-term monitoring of project results, a Technical Secretariat (TS) has been established within the Digital Innovation Hub (DIH) InnovaMare. The TS was founded based on a Memorandum of Understanding signed by 16 INNOVABLUE partner organizations.
INNOVABLUE Šibenik 2025 reaffirmed the commitment of partners from the ADRION region to a shared vision: building inclusive, innovative, and resilient communities that harness the potential of the blue economy for sustainable development—through collaboration, smart policies, and real-life technology testing. This event marked an important step in turning that vision into tangible results with long-term regional impact.
📄 Full event agenda is available here: AGENDA_Innovablue_Šibenik_June_2025 (PDF)
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