The one-day workshop "Black Sea Innovation Hub: Science, Innovation, Maritime Industries and Digital Connectivity", organized by the Municipality of Burgas within the BLUE GATES BSB 00189 project, was held on August 12 at the "Flora" Exhibition Center.
The event was opened by Stanimir Apostolov, Deputy Mayor "Finance, Budget, Economy and Maritime Affairs" of Burgas Municipality, Mehmet Bozdoan, Head of the "Blue Gates" project and leading partner from the Eastern Black Sea Development Agency (DOKA), Turkey, and Irina Savelieva, Vice Rector for Scientific and International Activities of Odesa National Maritime University (ONMU).
The event brought together experts, academics and representatives of leading institutions from Bulgaria, Turkey and Ukraine, both in person and online, to discuss innovation, research and digital connectivity in the Black Sea region. In the first part of the meeting, the participants discussed issues related to fishing and aquaculture, the monitoring of the blue economy, as well as the importance of scientific research and studies for the sustainable development of the region. In the second part, the focus was on the application of 3D modeling and simulations in the maritime industry, the development of maritime transport, business and shipbuilding, as well as opportunities in tourism and blue energy. The needs of promoting blue careers and preparing a future workforce for the sustainable development of the Black Sea region were also discussed. The discussion covered questions and answers, as well as opportunities for cooperation between the institutions.
The strategic vision for the development of the blue economy in the Black Sea region through cross-border cooperation, innovation and digitalization was discussed. Emphasis was placed on the relationship between science, business and institutions, the development of universities and fishing communities, the promotion of green industries and sustainable growth, as well as the construction of a transnational blue economy cluster and a digital hub for technology transfer.
The project "Empowering Blue and Smart Transformation of the Black Sea Basin - BLUE GATES BSB 00189" is funded under the Interreg Black Sea Basin Interreg BSB NEXT program and aims to strengthen innovation and sustainable development in the Black Sea region through scientific research, cooperation between academic and industrial partners and digital transformation.
