Blue Horizons: Trans-Mediterranean Cluster Collaboration for Innovation in Energy, Clean Tech, and Bioeconomy

Blue economy clusters play a pivotal role in driving innovation and strenghtening both the scientific and industrial landscape, driving growth and sustainability in the Mediterranean region in high priority sectors.

Following the triple helix model for innovation, Clusters serve as essential facilitators of technology transfer in sectors such as bioeconomy, energy, and clean tech by bridging the gap between academic research, industrial applications, and government policies. Given the great potential, promoting cooperation among clusters at a transnational level can maximise the development of sustainable technologies, enhance market competitiveness, and drive research commercialisation across borders.

In this session, we will hear from key actors representing the triple helix model across Mediterranean countries, involving actors from northern and southern shore of the Mediterranean, emphasizing the importance of a collaborative approach to advancing innovation and sustainability in the energy, clean tech, and bioeconomy sectors, with the ultimate aim to highlight common priorities and explore new fields of cooperations.

Session Chairs

Giorgio Ricci Maccarini, President National Technological Cluster BIG - Blue Italian Growth 
Luca Marangoni, CINEA (TBC)

Programme

10.00 Introduction by the Chairs

10.10 Government policies and priorities towards transnational cluster cooperation

Strategy for Enhancing Transnational Cluster Cooperation in the Mediterranean Blue Economy
DG MARE (TBD)

UfM roadmap: cross-border cooperation in the Mediterranean
Alessandra Sensi, Head of Sector Environment, Green and Blue Economy, Union for the Mediterranean (TBC)

Boosting cluster cooperation: emerging funding opportunities
Leonardo Manzari, National Hub Coordinator for Italy, WestMED Clusters Alliance

10.40 The role of clusters in academia-industry collaboration for innovation in bioeconomy, energy, and clean tech

Catalyzing Innovation in the Blue Economy through Clusters: Connecting Universities, Young and Industry around Clean Technologies — The Case of the Maritime Cluster Tunisian
Emna Sohlobji, President CMT

Advanced technology solutions through research-industry cooperation
Gregory Yovanof, Managing Director, Strategis Maritime Center of Excellence

Technology transfer in innovative sectors: the Italian model
Emilio Campana, Chair of Scientific Committee, Cluster Blue Italian Growth

Laurence Martin, Federazione del Mare

11.20 Clusters as enablers of Industrial Applications and Market Competitiveness in the Blue Economy

Enabling clean technologies and sustainable practices in the blue economy market
Nesrine Ziad, Co-founder, Leancubator Algeria

Regional Alliance Platform to promote and support industrial processes
Lorella Ciuti, Forum Oceano

Clusters Empowering Innovation: best practice in Blue Ecosystem project
Stefano Valentini, AR-TER S. cons. p. a. 

11.50 Discussion and closure by the Chairs