BLUECONNECT

Project overview:

BLUECONNECT strengthens cross-border cooperation between research institutions and business organisations in Croatia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, and Montenegro to advance a sustainable and competitive blue economy. The project supports research, innovation and technology uptake through a Blue Growth Cluster and an online collaboration platform connecting businesses, researchers and public authorities. Three pilot initiatives address aquaculture management, fisheries monitoring and resource-efficient freshwater fish processing, translating scientific knowledge into practical solutions. By promoting knowledge exchange, circular economy practices and more efficient use of aquatic resources, BLUECONNECT aims to strengthen entrepreneurship, improve environmental performance and support the long-term resilience of coastal and freshwater-based economies. Visit project photo gallery: LINK.

My contribution:

Programme: Interreg IPA Croatia–Bosnia and Herzegovina–Montenegro 2021–2027
Contracted by: Institute of Marine Biology, University of Montenegro
Geographical coverage: Croatia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Montenegro

Providing expert support for the development and long-term sustainability of the Blue Growth Collaboration Platform (BGCP), strengthening cross-border knowledge exchange, innovation and cooperation among businesses, research institutions and public authorities.

My responsibilities include:

• Digital platform development: Preparing Terms of Reference for software development and coordinating with IT experts on platform design, development and launch; incorporating stakeholder feedback to ensure usability and effective communication, knowledge exchange and networking.

• Regional cluster development: Working with the Regional Blue Growth Cluster Expert to connect businesses, research centres and other relevant organisations; organising networking events, workshops and collaborative activities that support innovation, entrepreneurship and cluster sustainability.

• Partnership and governance: Leading the preparation and negotiation of partnership and cooperation agreements; developing arrangements for continued platform and cluster management, with clear partner roles, responsibilities and decision-making processes.

• Stakeholder engagement: Mapping and engaging local and regional stakeholders; facilitating meetings, workshops and consultations to gather input and align platform development with users’ needs and evolving priorities.

• Monitoring and reporting: Developing monitoring tools, tracking implementation against project objectives and timelines, preparing progress reports, and recommending corrective measures to address challenges and delays.

• Communication and dissemination: Developing and implementing a communication plan; coordinating outreach through digital channels, newsletters and events to increase platform visibility, stakeholder participation and opportunities for cooperation across the blue economy.

Selected results:

Progress to date (October 19, 2026)

• Developed digital platform https://adriaticbgc.org/

• Developed Adriatic Blue Growth Cluster

• Drafted partnership and cooperation agreements

• Supported workshops and project team meetings