From April 8 to 9, 2025, the third working meeting of the INNOVABLUE project was held in Venice, with the Innovation Fund of Montenegro participating as one of the partners. This event marked an important step toward strengthening transnational cooperation in the field of the Blue Economy across the ADRION macro-region, with a special focus on innovative regulatory solutions that support the sustainable development of marine and coastal areas.
The meeting brought together project partners, stakeholders, and legal experts to work jointly on improving procedures that allow for the testing of innovative technologies in real-life environments (Living Labs). Particular attention was drawn to the presentation by Mr. Mladen Vukmir, founder of the law firm Vukmir & Associates from Zagreb, who provided an analysis of the European regulatory framework for the Blue Economy and opportunities for innovation that are aligned with international environmental standards.
An interactive workshop was also held during the meeting, where concrete proposals were developed to enhance existing national frameworks for testing innovative technologies in real-life settings within partner countries, along with defining the next steps, including the establishment of Living Lab centers within the ADRION region.
A special part of the program was dedicated to a visit to the Port of Venice and the presentation of sustainable energy transformation initiatives, such as cold ironing systems, hydrogen infrastructure, and LNG barges, with an emphasis on balancing economic development and the preservation of the lagoon.
The second day of the meeting was reserved for coordination among partners and planning further project activities.
For more information on the INNOVABLUE project and its upcoming activities, please check website https://innovablue.interreg-ipa-adrion.eu/events/working-together-for-innovation-in-the-blue-economy/
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