LIR Evolution implements the project BLUNEW – BLUe economy NEtWork for sustainable innovation, funded by IPA – Adrion Interreg 2024.

BLUNEW aims to strengthen the capacity of the Adriatic-Ionian region to support innovation, particularly focusing on supporting Blue Growth initiatives.

This will be accomplished through involvement of the main territorial stakeholders (research centers, universities, development agencies, and public authorities) in a network with expertise in innovation and sustainable development.

BLUNEW builds upon the first transnational Smart Specialization Strategy on Blue Growth developed in the 2014-2020 Adrion Programme, aiming to raise awareness and capacities for smart and sustainable water management, especially in IPA countries. One of its unique aspects is the correlation between the maritime sector and internal rivers and lakes challenges and opportunities. The focus of the project is the implementation of the governance structure of the transnational network, as well as the conception and modeling of an innovative path to stimulate and accompany the birth of innovative entrepreneurial realities operating in the blue economy. BLUNEW will elaborate a proposal addressed to policymakers on a local, national, and European scale to support innovation ecosystems in the area and a Strategy for increasing the sustainability and efficiency in the Blue economy.

Partnership involves Regional Development Centre Koper (Slovenia) as Lead, and project partners Serendipity (Italy), Agency for Sustainable Development (Italy), Public Institution Makarska Development Agency – MARA (Makarska), Hellenic Entrepreneurship Award ENVOLVE (Greece),  Proactive (Serbia), Fier Municipality (Albania), Agency for Development and Business Support Cetinje (Montenegro), Municipality of Saraj (Severna Makedonija), Western Balkans University (Albania) and LIR Evolution. The project started on September 1st 2024 and will last for 30 months.