BLUECONNECT
Full project name: Enhancing Cross-Border Blue Growth: Fostering Innovation and Cooperation for Competitive Entrepreneurship
Project acronym: BLUECONNECT
Role: Blue Growth Collaboration Platform Expert
Programme: Interreg IPA Croatia–Bosnia and Herzegovina–Montenegro 2021–2027
Contracted by: Institute of Marine Biology, University of Montenegro
Geographical coverage: Croatia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Montenegro
Providing expert support for the development and long-term sustainability of the Blue Growth Collaboration Platform (BGCP), strengthening cross-border knowledge exchange, innovation and cooperation among businesses, research institutions and public authorities.
My responsibilities include:
Digital platform development: Preparing Terms of Reference for software development and coordinating with IT experts on platform design, development and launch; incorporating stakeholder feedback to ensure usability and effective communication, knowledge exchange and networking.
Regional cluster development: Working with the Regional Blue Growth Cluster Expert to connect businesses, research centres and other relevant organisations; organising networking events, workshops and collaborative activities that support innovation, entrepreneurship and cluster sustainability.
Partnership and governance: Leading the preparation and negotiation of partnership and cooperation agreements; developing arrangements for continued platform and cluster management, with clear partner roles, responsibilities and decision-making processes.
Stakeholder engagement: Mapping and engaging local and regional stakeholders; facilitating meetings, workshops and consultations to gather input and align platform development with users’ needs and evolving priorities.
Monitoring and reporting: Developing monitoring tools, tracking implementation against project objectives and timelines, preparing progress reports, and recommending corrective measures to address challenges and delays.
Communication and dissemination: Developing and implementing a communication plan; coordinating outreach through digital channels, newsletters and events to increase platform visibility, stakeholder participation and opportunities for cooperation across the blue economy.
Progress to date (October 19, 2026)
Developed digital platform https://adriaticbgc.org/
Developed Adriatic Blue Growth Cluster
Drafted partnership and cooperation agreements
Supported workshops and project team meetings