Final Conference: Celebrating Cooperation, Innovation and New Opportunities for the Blue Economy
07/09/2026
On 3–4 September 2026, BLUESLINKS partners gathered in Dubrovnik, Croatia, for the project’s Final Conference, bringing together partners, businesses, universities, institutions, researchers and young people from Italy and Croatia.
The two-day event provided an opportunity to present the main project results, exchange experiences and good practices, and reflect on the contribution of cross-border cooperation to the development of the Blue Economy. The programme focused on the three key sectors addressed by BLUESLINKS: the nautical sector, aquaculture and small-scale fisheries, and fisheries tourism. The sessions highlighted the results of Info Days, exchanges with SMEs and hackathons organised throughout the project.
A dedicated session on students’ and graduates’ skills and innovation showcased the experiences of young participants involved in BLUESLINKS activities. Students and graduates from Italian educational institutions, together with Croatian and Italian hackathon participants, shared their experiences through presentations, videos and infographics.
The programme also included the presentation of the BLUESLINKS Digital Platform, designed to provide access to project materials, sector information, expert support and consultation requests. The conference programme was complemented by visits exploring Dubrovnik’s natural, cultural and maritime heritage, including a visit to the Natural History Museum of Dubrovnik and the Aquarium Dubrovnik.
The second day was hosted at the University of Dubrovnik and included a press conference focused on the results and added value of BLUESLINKS for Adriatic coastal areas. The programme concluded with a study visit to the laboratories of the University of Dubrovnik, where participants had the opportunity to discover the ECO simulator.
The Final Conference marked the conclusion of the project while highlighting the lasting value of the partnerships, knowledge exchange and cross-border connections established between Italy and Croatia.
Although the project is coming to an end, the network and cooperation built through BLUESLINKS provide a strong foundation for future opportunities, innovation and sustainable development in the Blue Economy.
