Day 1: Unlocking Opportunities in Bioeconomy

The first day opened with a comprehensive session on communicating innovation in the bioeconomy led by Alessia Careccia from APRE. The session underscored the importance of effective communication in conveying bioeconomy advancements to consumers, a critical step in shaping responsible behaviors. This was particularly vital for small businesses in the blue bioeconomy, which often face challenges in reaching wider audiences​.

Following this, Concetta Messina of the University of Palermo led a session on innovations in Sicilian fish processing. She highlighted cutting-edge methods for transforming by-products from fisheries into high-value products like nutraceuticals and cosmetics. These innovations, which included reduced-sodium seafood products and bioactive compounds extracted from fish waste, are poised to boost both economic growth and environmental sustainability in Sicily​.

Bluerev’s afternoon workshop on stakeholder engagement let by Daniel Mattison (Ri.SE) with the support of Concetta Messina (UNIPA) and Ilaria Bientinesi (APRE), brought together local enterprises, research institutions, and public sector representatives. The workshop facilitated co-creation of new solutions for the blue bioeconomy, emphasizing governance models tailored to regional needs and opportunities​. This interactive session demonstrated the power of collaboration in identifying barriers to innovation, such as limited regional support for circular economy practices and challenges in the valorization of fish by-products.

Another interesting section organized by Bluerev was related to the projects MEDIET4ALL and INNOVITTICA were presented by Nicola Francesca and Concetta Messina, University of Palermo under the theme: “From Transnational to Regional Movement and Pilot Case Study to Support the Sustainable Transition towards a Healthy and Innovative Agri-Food System.” These initiatives aim to drive the agri-food sector towards sustainability by leveraging regional collaborations and innovative practices. MEDIET4ALL focuses on promoting the Mediterranean diet as a model for health and sustainability, by innovative foods while INNOVITTICA advances innovation in aquaculture and fish processing practices, set up at high TRLs. The presentation highlighted the importance of integrating local food systems and transnational knowledge to create a healthier, more sustainable future for the agri-food industry.

Day 2: Social Innovation as a Catalyst for Change

Day two kicked off with a virtual address from Nikos Zampoukas from DG RTD – Ocean, Seas, and Waters of the European Commission, affirming the EU’s commitment to the blue bioeconomy. Giovanna Ottaviani Aalmo (NIBIO) presented Bluerev’s pioneering work in social innovation, showcasing how the project’s initiatives are driving community-led solutions. She discussed the realization of communities of practice connected to food waste valorization, with the aim of strengthening regional bioeconomy value chains.

One of the highlights of the day was the the synergies with the Bluerev’s two sister projects, BlueBioCluster (presented by Lees) and the BIOLOC project (presented by Peter Canciani, the coordinator), and RIBES projects session, which focused on circular bioeconomy as a means to drive sustainable local development. The projects demonstrated how social innovation and stakeholder mobilization could lead to inclusive growth, particularly in underdeveloped regions. This session provided a clear roadmap for how circular bioeconomy principles could be adopted in Sicily, leveraging local resources and expertise​. In addition, the BlueMissionMed presentation , presented by Elisa Conti (CNR), highlighted innovative transformative solutions for reducing marine pollution and fostering carbon-neutral blue economy practices. These solutions, developed through collaboration with various Mediterranean stakeholders, underscored the critical role of governance and policy alignment in achieving long-term sustainability goals​.

Finally,  Dr Messina with Engage4Bio project presentation, titled “Realization of Communities of Practice Connected to Food and Food Waste Valorization for Blue Bioeconomy in Sicily,” once again highlighted Sicily’s strong commitment to combining innovation and entrepreneurship, thanks also to the support of local research institutions such as the University of Palermo, a partner of the Bluerev project.

Another important synergy with Bluerev was highlighted by the intervention of the day was performed by Dr. Maria Letizia Di Liberti, General Director of the Department of Family, Social Policies, and Labor, Sicily Region, Dr. Simona Elmo, Head of the Office for Youth Policies and Coordinator of the Youth Council, University, and Scientific Research, ANCI, Dr. Marilena Cricchio, Manager, Trapani Municipality, Dr. Gianfranco Incandela, Co-founder, Beehive for GESTI project (Youth Energy for Territorial Development and Innovation) highlighted the work performed by young people and enterprise in the province of Trapani. It offered young people the opportunity to participate in a program of mentorship, training, and consultancy to turn their ideas into viable business projects. Funded by ANCI and led by the Municipality of Trapani, the project provides access to experts and professionals who help participants refine their business plans and increase their awareness of topics like finance, crowdfunding, and communication.

Throughout the event, Bluerev’s governance frameworks were praised for their adaptability and potential to transform regional economies. Policy representatives validated the project’s results, recognizing Bluerev’s contributions to sustainable development and bioeconomy innovation. The project’s participation opened new avenues for future collaborations, particularly in scaling blue bioeconomy initiatives across Europe​.

As Bluerev continues to lead the charge in this emerging sector, its participation in the G7 event solidified its role as a beacon for innovation, collaboration, and sustainability. The event reaffirmed the blue bioeconomy’s potential to drive local prosperity and contribute to global sustainability goals.