SUPPORTING EUROPEAN COASTAL REGIONS IN THEIR TRANSITION TO A SUSTAINABLE BLUE BIOECONOMY

Project Information

BBC

Grant agreement ID: 101060703

DOI

10.3030/101060703

Project closed

EC signature date 31 May 2022

Start date 1 August 2022

End date 31 July 2025

Funded under

• Food, Bioeconomy Natural Resources, Agriculture and Environment

Total cost

€ 2 329 487,50

EU contribution

€ 2 329 487,50

Coordinated by

SUBMARINER NETWORK FOR BLUE GROWTH EWIV
Germany

Periodic Reporting for period 2 - BBC (SUPPORTING EUROPEAN COASTAL REGIONS IN THEIR TRANSITION TO A SUSTAINABLE BLUE BIOECONOMY)

Reporting period: 2024-02-01 to 2025-07-31

Summary of the context and overall objectives of the project

The BlueBioClusters project (August 2022 – July 2025) brought together 12 organisations from 10 European countries, combining expertise in business support, startup acceleration and policy innovation. Together they strengthened the blue bioeconomy ecosystem by providing cutting-edge development tools and methods and by directly engaging hundreds of regional actors to foster collaboration, innovation and long-term impact.

Over its three years, the project:
- Showcased integrated and circular value chains within the blue bioeconomy, which served as role models and inspiration to European coastal communities.
- Developed tools to help businesses integrate ecosystem services into novel, ecology-driven business models and stimulate cross-sector collaboration along value chains.
- Fostered stakeholder engagement through dedicated BlueBioClusters activities and by exploiting synergies with other blue bioeconomy regions and initiatives beyond the project’s lifetime.
- Enabled startups and SMEs in participating regions to realise circular, eco-friendly business ideas, accelerating the transition toward a sustainable blue bioeconomy.
- Provided regional actors access to technologies required to move to blue bio-based solutions across the entire value chain.

A key vehicle for this work was the BlueBioMatch platform, which connected startups, researchers, funders and policymakers across the blue bioeconomy. It offered a space to collaborate, showcase products, join working groups, access funding and job opportunities, and keep up with key events — helping stakeholders grow networks and make an impact in a more sustainable, ocean-connected future.

Work performed from the beginning of the project to the end of the period covered by the report and main results achieved so far

In the first reporting period, BlueBioClusters mapped regional stakeholders and priorities related to the blue bioeconomy in each of its regions. Regional partners engaged with local actors to promote the project, discuss blue bio value chains, and discuss blue visions, also in relation to ecosystem services. BlueBioMatch, an online matchmaking platform for stakeholders in the blue bioeconomy, was created and gathered hundreds of stakeholders. The project started its matchmaking activities, which will be concluded in the second reporting period and will encompass tailored mentoring for blue bio startups in each project region.

During the second reporting period, the project continued to analyse and build awareness around blue bio value chains. Moreover, the consortium focused on developing Ecosystem Approach (EA) methodologies through case studies to match blue bioeconomy challenges and needs, turning an instrument like the EA Wheel into practical decision-support tools and awareness formats. Moreover, a policy process was designed to help integrate ecosystem valuation into regional planning. In addition, the project engaged with regional blue bioeconomy actors through Communities of Practice (CoPs) in partner regions, engaging in co-creation workshops to produce regional action plans, linking local blue bioeconomy strategies to Green Deal targets, and, in some cases, piloting Ecosystem Services Assessment methodologies. 
The project also organised three regional bootcamps and one transnational bootcamp, and mobilised a Europe-wide, transregional mentor network, generating over 160 matchmaking actions and 40 tailored mentorships. The BlueBioMatch platform, kick-started in the first half of the project, was also developed into a technology exchange portal with over 1,200 users, enabling matchmaking between technology providers and regional actors, and showcasing solutions across blue, green and circular bioeconomy sectors.

Progress beyond the state of the art and expected potential impact (including the socio-economic impact and the wider societal implications of the project so far)

BlueBioClusters has created and provided several concrete tools and methods that can support sustainable development in the blue bioeconomy beyond its duration. Main results include:
* The BlueBioMatch platform, now counting over 1,200 users, facilitates matchmaking between innovators, technology providers, investors and policymakers, and offers blue bioeconomy companies the opportunity to showcase their products and technologies.
* An Interactive Value Chain facilitation tool, built for six biomasses, supports value chain valorisation awareness and helps regions design circular value chains.
* Regional Case Studies showcasing startups and social enterprises operating in blue bioeconomy value chains across BlueBioClusters regions.
* Ecosystem Approach (EA) methodologies, adapted into practical tools for businesses and policymaking, with pilots and case studies demonstrating applications in fisheries, aquaculture, and microalgae.
* Regional “blue visions” and action plans, co-produced through Communities of Practice, linking regional development strategies to Green Deal goals.
* Startup and SME support formats, including three regional bootcamps, one transnational bootcamp, over 160 matchmaking actions and 40 tailored mentorships.

These results have the potential to:
* Boost innovation and uptake of sustainable, circular value chains.
* Integrate ecosystem services into business and policy decisions.
* Increase the visibility and investment-readiness of blue bio start-ups and SMEs.
* Strengthen regional cooperation and resilience across Europe’s coastal areas.

To ensure further uptake and success, continued action is needed to keep the BlueBioMatch platform active and expanding, demonstrate ecosystem service valuation tools in real-world contexts, facilitate access to markets and finance for SMEs, and promote supportive regulatory and standardisation frameworks (e.g. on side-stream valorisation and ecosystem payments).