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Three projects, namely the Smart Blue Regions Interreg project (Smart specialisation and blue growth in the Baltic Sea Region) and the two European NCP network projects BioHorizon (Food security, sustainable agriculture and forestry, marine and maritime and inland water research and the bioeconomy) and ETNA2020 (Smart, green and integrated transport), have joined forces to strengthen Europe’s capacity for efficient blue growth.

Smart specialisation is a key concept for boosting innovation around the EU. Understanding the role of smart specialisation in enhancing the European blue growth sector is prerequisite to successfully availing of the sea of opportunities open to stakeholders. In addition to regional specialisation and funding, the EU Framework Programme for Research and Innovation, Horizon 2020, holds several funding opportunities for marine and maritime R&I projects on a European scale. Creating synergies between all available funding sources is the ultimate goal of the “BE SMART – THINK BLUE” event.

The first day of the event, 19th September 2016, will provide attendees with comprehensive insights into smart blue specialisations, including examples of success stories and reflections on the major current challenges.
On 20th September 2016, participants will have the possibility to initiate international research cooperation initiatives during a brokerage event dedicated specifically to stakeholders in the area of blue growth with a focus on (but not limited to) the Baltic Sea region. The brokerage event will focus on relevant open calls in Horizon 2020 and other applicable funding schemes.

The aim of this two part event is to create an inspiring space and engender a spirit of effective cooperation amongst blue growth actors from across Europe.

Further information on these events (link to event website, registration link, programmes) will be provided in due time.