Unlocking Regional Potential: How Smart Specialisation Strategies (S3) Drive Adriatic Maritime Innovation
30/06/2026
In an evolving European market, economic growth is no longer about trying to excel at everything. Instead, it is about identifying local strengths and strategically building upon them. This targeted approach is built upon "S3"—which stands for Smart Specialisation Strategy. Designed as an innovation policy concept by the European Union, S3 helps each region focus its investments and resources on the specific sectors where it possesses the highest potential to innovate, scale, and compete globally.
For both Italy and Croatia, the Blue Economy represents one of the most vital strategic priorities identified within their respective Smart Specialisation Strategies. Sharing the Adriatic Sea, both nations recognize that sustainable maritime development—ranging from green shipbuilding and marine biotechnology to eco-friendly aquaculture and digital blue technologies—is essential for regional resilience and economic vitality.
Aligning directly with these regional S3 goals, the LEAP TO BLUE project works to turn strategic policy into practical growth for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). Rather than offering generic assistance, LEAP TO BLUE delivers targeted support tailored to the real-world demands of the maritime sector.