Across Europe’s coastal regions, the maritime sector is at a turning point. Increasing pressure to reduce environmental impact, improve safety, and adopt digital technologies is reshaping industries that are vital to regional economies.
In this context, the Horizon Europe project INNO2MARE stands out as a coordinated effort to strengthen innovation in the maritime ecosystems of western Slovenia and coastal Croatia.
With a total budget of €4,985,150, fully funded under the Horizon Europe programme, INNO2MARE goes beyond research. It is a strategic initiative designed to close innovation gaps, foster cross-border collaboration, and build resilient, future-ready maritime ecosystems.
A Strategic Approach to Maritime Innovation
INNO2MARE focuses on strengthening excellence in two interconnected innovation ecosystems spanning Slovenia and Croatia. While rich in maritime heritage, these regions face challenges in adapting to rapid technological and environmental change.
The project addresses these challenges through a structured, evidence-based approach:
- Mapping existing capacities
- Identifying gaps and needs
- Developing a long-term research and innovation (R&I) strategy aligned with EU and national priorities
This strategy is supported by a joint action and investment plan, outlining concrete steps to create more coordinated, attractive, and sustainable innovation ecosystems. By aligning public and private investments and reinforcing cross-border cooperation, INNO2MARE promotes a shared innovation culture that extends beyond national boundaries.
From Strategy to Implementation: Pilot Actions
A key strength of INNO2MARE lies in its focus on implementation. The project translates strategy into action through three pilot R&I initiatives:
- Maritime Education and Training
Supporting the development of new skills to meet the demands of digitalisation and the green transition. - Marine Traffic Safety and Security
Enhancing navigation safety and operational efficiency in increasingly busy maritime environments. - Energy Conversion and Management Systems
Advancing energy efficiency and supporting the shift towards sustainable energy solutions in maritime industries.
These pilots act as real-world testing environments, generating practical insights, validating solutions, and enabling scalability into broader market and policy applications.
Collaboration as a Driver of Innovation
INNO2MARE is built on a collaborative model that brings together researchers, businesses, policymakers, and citizens—the so-called Quadruple Helix.
By engaging more than 1,000 participants, the project promotes knowledge exchange, skills development, and entrepreneurial thinking. This ensures that innovation is grounded in real needs and supported by a broad stakeholder base.
A key partner in this process is the Flemish innovation ecosystem in Belgium, one of Europe’s most advanced maritime clusters. Its involvement enables the transfer of proven approaches, helping to accelerate learning and strengthen the impact of local initiatives.
Reducing Europe’s Innovation Gap
INNO2MARE contributes to a broader European objective: reducing disparities between innovation leaders and emerging regions.
By connecting stakeholders across Slovenia and Croatia, the project creates synergies in research and innovation planning and implementation. This coordinated approach maximises the impact of investments and improves resource efficiency.
At the same time, capacity-building activities—such as training programmes, talent development, and citizen engagement—help ensure long-term sustainability beyond the project’s lifetime.
Engaging Citizens in the Transition
The transition to a greener and more digital maritime sector is not only technological—it is societal. INNO2MARE actively involves citizens through outreach and participatory activities.
These initiatives encourage individuals to engage with maritime challenges, contribute ideas, and better understand the opportunities created by innovation. This strengthens public support and ensures that solutions reflect societal needs.
These channels highlight ongoing activities and showcase the people behind the innovation.
A Scalable Model for Europe
As Europe accelerates its green and digital transition, INNO2MARE provides a replicable model for regional innovation.
By combining strategic planning, pilot implementation, cross-border collaboration, and stakeholder engagement, the project demonstrates how maritime ecosystems can evolve to meet future challenges.
Its alignment with EU priorities ensures that its impact extends beyond Slovenia and Croatia, offering valuable insights for similar initiatives across Europe.
Conclusion
INNO2MARE demonstrates how targeted investment in research and innovation can drive tangible change. With nearly €5 million in EU funding, the project is transforming maritime ecosystems into dynamic hubs of collaboration and innovation.
By addressing key challenges in education, safety, and energy—and by fostering strong partnerships across sectors and borders—INNO2MARE strengthens competitiveness, supports sustainability, and contributes to a more cohesive European innovation landscape.
Autor: Radoslav Todorov
Images: canva.com, scitransfer.eu, inno2mare.eu
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