On 9 and 10 July, the BLUE ECOSYSTEM project partners gathered in Lárnaca (Cyprus) to discuss the calls for transformative solutions recently launched, as well as the capitalization phase of the project.
The meeting kicked off with a strategic analysis of the project’s current status, helping to clarify both its strengths and risks. Among the key strengths identified were: a coherent and well-structured methodology grounded in robust European frameworks; strong territorial relevance through alignment with each region’s Smart Specialisation (S3) priorities; balanced inclusion of all actors from the quintuple helix; and close alignment with key EU and Mediterranean strategies for a sustainable blue economy.
However, several risks and weaknesses were also discussed: delays in implementation could affect subsequent activities; monitoring and evaluation systems are not yet fully established; long-term impact and follow-up strategies need further definition; coordination remains complex in such a multi-stakeholder process; and the engagement of associated partners has been limited so far.
While the MISTRAL project followed a well-established B2B business plan competition model, BLUE ECOSYSTEM has ventured into a completely new and pilot-based co-creation approach. This represents an ambitious shift—challenging, but full of transformative potential.
Looking back to move forward: key deliverables and focus areas
With most calls for innovative solutions now launched (see the project’s homepage for more), the spotlight is currently on two major activities:
- Testing the transformative co-creation innovation lab methodology
This is the core innovation of the project, implemented through the TRAIN Labs at the regional level. Each of the eight regional partners provided an update on the status of their local calls for innovative solutions. These inputs reflected the territorial diversity of the challenges addressed and showed how the methodology is being adapted to fit the unique needs of each regional innovation ecosystem.
- Capitalization, and long-term sustainability
The coming months will be crucial for ensuring transferability and sustainability. Several key milestones are on the agenda:
- Blue Task Force meeting during the ECOMONDO Fair (4–7 November 2025)
- Next consortium meeting in Palma (21–22 October 2025)
- BLUE ECOMATCH event in Marseille (April 2026)
The BLUE ECOMATCH event will be a key moment to present co-created solutions, encourage cross-border collaboration, and promote knowledge exchange. The event will feature keynote speeches, thematic panels, B2B/B2G matchmaking sessions, and a mini-exhibition of regional challenges and innovative solutions. A “Transformative Book” will also be launched—an interactive digital and print publication gathering best practices and innovation cases from the TRAIN Labs, designed to foster replication across the Mediterranean.
Project sustainability is being addressed on two levels:
- Policy and strategic level: The project aims to make a lasting contribution to the sustainable blue economy in the Mediterranean by introducing and testing a new co-creation methodology. It also seeks to enhance alignment with S3 priorities and improve policy implementation through connections with other European programmes and funding schemes.
- Territorial level: Emphasis is placed on the implementation of real solutions with tangible impacts. Ensuring that co-created innovations are adopted and embedded into local ecosystems will be essential for securing long-term results beyond the project’s lifetime.
Stay tuned to BLUE ECOSYSTEM social media for real-time updates (LinkedIn or website).
For further information about the project, please contact jordi.juarez@crpm.org
