Last 6 and 7 October 2026, partners of the Interreg Euro-MED BLUE ECOSYSTEM project met in Zadar (Croatia), and online to review the progress of the TRAIN Labs and acceleration processes, discuss the project’s main outputs and coordinate the activities planned for the final months of the project.
- Assessing the key outputs and results of the project
The first day focused on taking stock of the activities implemented through the regional TRAIN Labs and acceleration processes, supporting the development of innovative ideas in the Blue Economy. As part of this work, 106 solutions have been accelerated across the project’s participating regions (Occitanie, Région Sud, Zadar County, Alentejo, Emilia-Romagna, Cyprus, Albania and Greece – national approach).
One of the key project outputs discussed was the Transformative Book for an innovation and sustainable Blue Economy (Blue book), that compiles the BLUE ECOSYSTEM approach and the TRAIN Labs methodology. It showcases the implementation of Regional TRAIN Labs across the Mediterranean, the innovation acceleration process and it explores how regional ecosystems can connect and scale collaboration beyond regional borders (through the experience of the Blue Ecomatch event).
Finally, the meeting addressed the Interreg Euro-MED Academy MOOC, led by the Intermediterranean Commission of the CPMR. This MOOC/training module called “Transformative innovation in the Mediterranean blue economy” will be organised into three self-paced modules (approximately 2 hours in total), combining short learning videos, interviews with experts from Mediterranean regions, readings, interactive exercises and quizzes.
Each module will require around 35-45 minutes to be completed and it will include interactive exercises and quizzes to reinforce learning which will provide an additional tool to share knowledge and approaches developed through the project and support learning around innovation in the Mediterranean Blue Economy. The MOOC is expected to be launched by beginning of 2027.
Check all the available courses here.
- Looking towards the final months
With the project entering its final phase, partners also discussed the main activities and events coming up in the next months.
Final project event at ECOMONDO | Rimini, 3–6 November 2026
The final event of BLUE ECOSYSTEM will take place in the framework of the Blue Economy Days at ECOMONDO. The programme will combine project and solution showcases, talks, workshops and networking activities, bringing together project partners, institutions, experts, businesses, research organisations and other Blue Economy stakeholders.
The solutions and experiences presented will cover several key areas of the Blue Economy, already identified during the event in Marseille in April 2020 during the BLUE ECOMATCH event, including offshore renewable energy, sustainable coastal tourism, sustainable marine bioresources and marine pollution, water and waste management.
BLUE ECOSYSTEM will also join forces with the Dialogue4Innovation (D4I) project to organise a joint talk on water resilience, featuring the joint policy position and creating an additional opportunity to connect projects, solutions and stakeholders.
Register and find more information about the event here
Interreg Euro-MED Programme Mid-Term Event | Marseille, 25–26 November 2026
Project partners will also participate in the Programme’s Mid-Term Event, providing an opportunity to exchange with other Interreg Euro-MED projects and stakeholders and to discuss the results and experiences developed throughout the past 3 years.
More information here
B2Match | 3 December 2026 + matchmaking sessions | 14–15 December 2026
This activity will take place in two phases, hosted on the B2Match platform within the BlueMissionMed Community. A webinar on 3 December 2026 will introduce participants to B2Match and its main functionalities. Participants will learn how to create profiles, upload solutions and identify potential partners. The BlueMissionMed Community will provide access to support, knowledge, funding opportunities, events and networking.
On 14–15 December 2026, participants will take part in targeted virtual B2B matchmaking sessions. They will be able to schedule one-to-one meetings, present solutions and explore concrete collaboration opportunities. The sessions may lead to joint pilots, project proposals, partnerships and other cross-border initiatives.
Register and find more information about the event here
- Looking beyond the project
An informal exchange took also place focusing on funding opportunities for 2027, looking at the evolving funding landscape, potential new funding streams and partnership interests and opportunities.
The Zadar meeting therefore provided an opportunity not only to review what has been achieved, but also to prepare the final activities and look at how BLUE ECOSYSTEM results can be transferred, further adopted and built upon in the years ahead.
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
