Successful BEYOND Project Events Held in Mestre (Venice)
03/04/2026
On 25 and 26 March 2026, two important events were successfully held within the BEYOND project in Mestre (Venice, Italy), bringing together numerous experts, project partners, and key stakeholders from Italy and Croatia.
On the first day, 25 March 2026, the Blue Career Day event focused on the future of employment and the development of skills required in the offshore wind energy sector in the Adriatic. The event gathered researchers, industry representatives, employment agencies, and public policy experts to discuss both the challenges and opportunities arising from the development of this rapidly growing sector.
Participants highlighted that offshore wind energy is transitioning from a conceptual phase to concrete implementation, creating significant employment opportunities while also introducing new and still not fully defined job profiles. Particular emphasis was placed on the need for so-called hybrid professionals—experts who combine technical knowledge in engineering, data analysis, and environmental protection with strong communication skills and the ability to work in interdisciplinary and international environments.
The importance of understanding the regulatory framework, especially in the cross-border context between Italy and Croatia, was also underlined, along with the need to strengthen cooperation between educational institutions and industry. Participants further pointed to demographic challenges and the shortage of a skilled workforce, stressing the importance of timely development of educational programmes and attracting young people to the blue economy sector.
On the following day, 26 March 2026, the 5th Project Partner Meeting ande the 4th Transnational SBE Lab were held.
All project partners and relevant stakeholders participated in the meetings, discussing project implementation progress, reviewing completed activities and upcoming deadlines, financial management, and communication and knowledge transfer activities. Special focus was placed on the exchange of best practices and strengthening synergies within the blue economy, particularly in relation to sustainable marine resource management, maritime spatial planning, and the development of offshore renewable energy.
The events further strengthened cross-border cooperation between Italian and Croatian partners and confirmed their shared commitment to developing innovative and sustainable solutions within the BEYOND project, aimed at creating new economic opportunities while preserving the marine ecosystem of the Adriatic Sea.
