Three Pillars, One Goal: Helping Blue Economy SMEs Innovate, Upskill and Expand
20/10/2026
From adopting new technologies to developing specialised skills and reaching international markets, small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in the Blue Economy need targeted support to navigate the green and digital transition. The LEAP TO BLUE project addresses these needs through a service catalogue built around three complementary pillars: Innovation & Technology Transfer, Skills & Education, and Internationalisation.
Designed to respond to the practical challenges faced by businesses across Italy and Croatia, the three pillars combine technical expertise, training and strategic support to strengthen competitiveness and foster cross-border cooperation throughout the Adriatic Blue Economy.
Innovation & Technology Transfer focuses on helping SMEs turn innovative ideas into practical solutions. Services include digital transformation roadmaps, support for selecting and implementing CRM and ERP systems, IoT and smart sensor planning, workflow automation, climate adaptation strategies and the development of new products and services. The pillar is coordinated by ARTI Puglia in collaboration with the University of Zagreb, supporting businesses in identifying and adopting technologies that can improve their operations and sustainability.
Skills & Education recognises that successful innovation depends on the people who drive it. Led by the University of Trieste and the University of Zadar, this pillar offers services aimed at strengthening digital and managerial capabilities, including digital skills gap analysis, applied artificial intelligence and Industry 4.0 applications, cybersecurity awareness, executive mentoring and training on ESG principles and sustainability reporting. Sector-specific regulatory compliance and international B2B sales and negotiation skills are also covered, helping companies equip their teams to meet evolving market demands.
Internationalisation helps SMEs move beyond their local markets and build stronger connections across borders. Coordinated by Unioncamere del Veneto and the Croatian Chamber of Economy, this pillar covers export readiness, international market entry strategies, legal and contractual support, cross-border partnerships, international digital marketing and e-commerce. Businesses can also access support for investment readiness, EU funding opportunities and participation in international trade fairs and B2B matchmaking initiatives, creating opportunities to develop joint offers and reach new customers.
Together, the three pillars form an integrated framework that connects technological innovation, human capital development and market expansion. Rather than offering a one-size-fits-all approach, the service catalogue is designed to help SMEs identify the expertise most relevant to their needs and turn it into tangible opportunities for growth.
Through its voucher scheme, LEAP TO BLUE will facilitate access to specialised services, with vouchers worth up to €18,000 per SME and enhanced opportunities for cross-border partnerships. The scheme is expected to help businesses strengthen their capabilities, develop new collaborations and accelerate their transition towards a more innovative, sustainable and competitive Blue Economy.
By bringing together expertise from Italy and Croatia, LEAP TO BLUE aims to turn shared Adriatic challenges into opportunities for businesses to innovate, collaborate and grow.
What’s next for SMEs? The upcoming voucher calls are expected to open in autumn 2026. In the meantime, blue-economy businesses in Italy and Croatia can start identifying their needs, exploring potential cross-border partnerships and following LEAP TO BLUE’s official channels for updates on the service catalogue, eligibility criteria and application procedures. Now is the time to prepare for your next step in the Blue Economy!
