site.btaDevelopment of Blue Economy and Establishment of Black Sea Scientific Research and Exchange of Technology Cluster Discussed in Burgas

A one-day workshop, Black Sea Innovation Hub: Science, Innovation, Maritime Industries, and Digital Connectivity, was organized by Burgas Municipality as part of a project for Empowering Blue and Smart Transformation of the Black Sea Basin - BLUE GATES on Friday.

The meeting was attended both in person and online by experts, academics, and representatives of institutions from Bulgaria, Turkiye, and Ukraine.

Topics discussed in the first part of the workshop included fisheries and aquaculture, monitoring of the blue economy, and the importance of scientific research for the sustainable development of the region.

The second part focused on the application of 3D modelling and simulations in the maritime industry, the development of maritime transport, shipbuilding, and business, as well as opportunities in tourism and blue energy. The needs for promoting blue careers and preparing the future workforce were also discussed.

The event was opened by Stanimir Apostolov, Deputy Mayor for Finance, Budget, Economy, and Maritime Affairs of Burgas Municipality, Mehmet Bozdogan, Project Manager of BLUE GATES and head of Blue Economy Unit at Eastern Black Sea Development Agency, Turkiye, and Iryna Savelieva, Vice-Rector for Scientific and International Activities of the Odesa National Maritime University, Ukraine.

Participants discussed the strategic vision for the development of the blue economy in the Black Sea region through cross-border cooperation, innovation, and digitalization, emphasizing the connection between science, business, and institutions, the advance of universities and fishing communities, the promotion of green industries and sustainable growth, as well as the creation of a transnational cluster for the blue economy and a digital hub for technology transfer.

The project BLUE GATES is funded by the (Interreg VI-B) NEXT Black Sea Basin Programme and aims to promote innovation and sustainable development in the region through scientific research, collaboration between academic and industrial partners, and digital transformation.