Empowering innovation capacity of SMEs, maritime clusters and networks in MED islands and coastal areas to support blue circular economy growth in fishing/aquaculture (BLUEfasma)

Short description of the project: BLUEfasma was a two-and-a-half-year project funded by the Interreg Mediterranean programme, aimed at integrating and implementing Circular Economy (CE) principles in the key blue growth sectors of fishing and aquaculture.

Tangible results: The project developed a knowledge base hosted in BLUEfasma's online platform that systematizes best practices, tools, solutions and methods in fishing and aquaculture. In addition, a Circularity Self-Assessment Tool was developed as a decision support tool to be used as a unified Mediterranean measure of the SMEs readiness & willingness to invest in CE. BLUEfasma also established an e-network to facilitate experience exchange and networking among all actors of the sectors. A Capacity Building Instrument was also developed integrating financing/mentoring/coaching/opportunities for R&I business investment in fishing and aquaculture. Lastly, data related to the business readiness and willingness to invest in CE in the mediterranean area was published.

Application/relevance: The project outputs are relevant to SMEs and maritime clusters/networks, helping them improve their innovation capacity on CE in fishing/aquaculture.