Rijeka Workshop Focuses on Unleashing the Adriatic Blue Economy Potential
15/04/2026
Regional workshop for SMEs was held in Rijeka on April 14, 2026, at the University of Rijeka Campus. The workshop was organized under the LEAP TO BLUE project to support small and medium-sized enterprises in the blue economy sector in adopting innovative processes and technologies, fostering sustainable growth, and creating new jobs
When we think of the Adriatic Sea, we usually think of summer holidays and beaches. But the sea is also a massive economic engine. In Croatia, the so-called "Blue Economy" (everything related to the sea, tourism, and maritime industries) employs around 150,000 people and accounts for nearly 8% of our entire GDP. However, many small and medium-sized businesses (SMEs) still struggle to access new technologies or expand across borders. To change that, the Croatian Chamber of Economy (HGK) recently organized a regional workshop in Rijeka.
The event was part of a major project called LEAP TO BLUE, which has a budget of over €6 million to help coastal businesses grow. What is LEAP TO BLUE? It is a large-scale project designed to help more than 150 small and medium-sized companies in Croatia and Italy become greener, more digital, and more competitive. Instead of just talking about theories, the project offers a practical "3D support model":
a) Training and Education: Helping workers learn new skills
b) Matchmaking: Connecting Croatian businesses with the right partners in Italy.
c) Voucher Scheme: Direct financial support to pay for expert consulting and high-tech services.
The most exciting part of the project for local businesses is the upcoming voucher system. As explained by HGK’s Tina Pahić, to get a voucher, a Croatian company simply needs to partner up with an Italian company. Companies will then be able to choose free services from a pre-made catalogue covering everything from innovation and digital tools to international business growth. There is no financial or administrative paperwork burden for the companies because the project pays the service providers directly. The official public call for these vouchers will open in the second half of this year.
Looking beyond tourism, most of our coastal income currently comes from traditional tourism, but experts warn that we need to diversify to build a stronger future. Tina Pahić emphasizes that we need to look into other fields like marine renewable energy and blue biotechnology. By investing in sustainable fishing, aquaculture, and green sea technologies, the Adriatic can become a modern maritime hub capable of competing globally.
As for what’s next, the feedback gathered from the Rijeka workshop is currently being used to build the final list of voucher services, ensuring they fit the actual needs of local entrepreneurs. If you own a maritime business or work in the blue sector, keep an eye out for the upcoming public calls, and you can follow the official LEAP TO BLUE pages on Facebook and LinkedIn to stay updated and grab your opportunity!
