The main purpose of this deliverable is to describe the process and outcomes of participatory sessions aimed at co-creating sustainable business models within the blue bioeconomy. These sessions, conducted across pilot regions in Estonia, Italy, Greenland, and Denmark, were designed to build on opportunities identified in earlier stages of the BlueRev project, in WP3. Through co-creation workshops, interviews, and focus groups, a diverse range of stakeholders—including localbusinesses, government representatives, researchers, and civil society—collaborated to tailor business models that leverage local capacities while addressing region-specific challenges and opportunities.
The participatory sessions were structured using the Sustainable Business Model Canvas, underpinned by design thinking methodologies. This approach fostered a dynamic and iterative process, enabling stakeholders to explore innovative solutions and refine their ideas collaboratively. The workshops emphasized empathy and stakeholder inclusivity, ensuring that the co-created models were both practical and aligned with local needs. The process involved systematically defining value propositions, identifying customer segments, and addressing key operational and ecological components such as resource utilization, eco-costs, and eco-benefits. This holistic approach ensured that the proposed business models were not only economically viable but also environmentally and socially sustainable.
The deliverable outlines diverse outcomes across the pilot regions. In Estonia, models focused on macroalgae cultivation and integrated multi-trophic aquaculture, promoting marine spatial efficiency and nutrient management. Italy’s initiatives emphasized the valorization of seafood by-products into high-value products like shrimp powder and Omega-3 oils. Greenland and Denmark prioritized advanced freezing techniques, cod side-stream valorization, and nutrient recovery from wastewater. These models highlight the potential of sustainable practices to drive local economic development while contributing to global sustainability goals. The insights gained will serve as a foundation for scaling these practices and developing best-practice guidelines in subsequent project phases as part of WP4.