About
The LEAP TO BLUE project addresses the critical need for innovation and skill development within the Italian and Croatian Blue Economy. A major challenge is the difficulty SMEs face in adopting advanced technologies, accessing innovation resources, and overcoming the competency barriers necessary for the digital and green transition. This situation contributes to disparities between coastal regions and limits the sector's potential for sustainable growth.
The project's overall objective is to enhance the capacities of SMEs across key blue sectors through reinforced cross-border cooperation. LEAP TO BLUE aims to support over 150 SMEs in adopting innovative processes and technologies, driving sustainable growth, and creating new jobs. The expected outcome is a stronger, more resilient Blue Economy that is equipped to face current and future environmental and economic challenges.
To drive this change, the project utilises an innovative "3D model of support"—combining Capacity Building, Matchmaking, and a Voucher Scheme—to directly transform the operational needs of the SMEs. This model includes targeted capacity-building workshops to enhance digital and green skills, B2B networking events to foster cross-border partnerships, and financial vouchers to support SME access to specialised services for growth and market expansion.
