Smart Blue Regions project workshop at the 26th BSSSC Annual Conference in Gdańsk

Smart Blue Regions will contribute to the further development of smart specialisation strategies by hosting an inspiring workshop “Smart societies – blue growth regions” during the Baltic Sea Subregional States Cooperation (BSSSC) Annual Conference, taking place on 11-12th September in Gdańsk. The main theme of the conference is “Solidarity, participation and smart action for a better future”.

There is currently a need for the further development of smart specialisation strategies. The coordinators of the EU Strategy for the Baltic Sea Region (EUSBSR) Policy Area Innovation, leading the topic of smart specialisation in the Baltic Sea Region (BSR), describe the current needs as the call for more transnational outlook, defining and identifying the type of regions (based on the current state-of-the-art in their RIS3 process) and seeking for partners and activities appropriate for collaboration for all focus areas. We cannot and shall not act separately any longer; now it’s the time for the RIS3 transnational cooperation. Moreover, we shall align available funding instruments and ensure flexible use of funds from all levels to support cross-border collaboration. The final goal for the upcoming years is to create a local and regional commitment to the task ahead, at all political levels as well as S-3 Strategists/Experts and innovation support actors. 

Smart specialisation is an essential solution for avoiding dissipation of the EU research funds and for focusing the research, innovation, human and financial resources on those innovative sectors which are high performing, strategic from a socio-economical perspective and – what is exceptionally essential – also eco-friendly. “Around the Baltic Sea, many regions have identified ‘Blue Growth’ as a priority in their RIS3, as they recognise the blue economy as one of the sectors with the most significant potential” says Magda Leszczyna-Rzucidło, Smart Blue Regions project coordinator at the “Pomorskie in the EU”Association, one of the project partners. “Our workshop aims to discuss the current achievements in building transnational cooperation partnerships and projects in the blue growth sector” she continues and adds “we have gathered exceptional experts who are willing to share their experiences”. Confirmed panellists of the workshop are Tomasz Jałukowicz, Coordinator of PA INNO, Erik Bunis from Research Institutes of Sweden, Karolina Lipińska, Deputy Director of the Department of Economic Development, Office of the Marshal of the Pomorskie Voivodship and Karsten Aunst from the South Norway European Office and Periscope project. 

You can find more info on the BSSSC annual conference and the registration here. Registration are open until the 6^thAugust!