The 2024 Multiplier Events of the MARMED Project were a resounding success, underscoring the project’s vital role in fostering collaboration, innovation, and growth in the Mediterranean’s Blue Economy. These events brought together experts, industry leaders, and stakeholders across multiple countries, creating a vibrant platform for dialogue and capacity building.
In Italy, the event at the Blue Planet Expoforum 2024 in Rome gathered over 50 participants, both in-person and online. Discussions centered on the role of Maritime Cluster Managers as drivers of innovation and competitiveness in the Mediterranean’s Blue Economy. Highlights included insights from key speakers, such as Leonardo Manzari of the WestMED Assistance Mechanism, and presentations by partners ForMare and OGS. A compelling roundtable explored best practices, capacity building, and the role of Cluster Managers as territorial innovation leaders, reinforcing the need for targeted professional development to enhance cluster competitiveness.
In Malta, a workshop focusing on women’s participation in the Blue Economy brought together 63 participants and showcased success stories from accomplished women in the maritime industry. Hosted by MaritimeMT, the event explored EU efforts to advance gender diversity and included a panel discussion on future opportunities in the sector. With a satisfaction rating of 4.76 and 94% of attendees affirming the value of the MARMED Project, the event demonstrated a strong demand for continued engagement on such topics.
Madeira, in Portugal, also saw a remarkable gathering for the “Um Mar de Oportunidades” (A Sea of Opportunities) conference, where over 100 participants came together in the beautiful Port of Funchal. Organized by WISTA and the Regional Secretariat for Education of the Regional Government of Madeira, this event marked National Maritime Day and was a flagship opportunity to highlight MARMED’s goals.
In Greece, Strategis and AMC hosted the Multiplier Event on November 28, 2024, at the Piraeus Business Center Conference Hall, bringing together over 60 participants both in-person and online. The event underscored the critical role of clusters in driving innovation and skills development in the Blue Economy. Highlights included presentations on the MARMED project’s achievements, such as the online courses and study visit to Trieste, as well as discussions on sustainable development in the cruise industry and freshwater resource management. A roundtable with MARMED participants further emphasized the program’s value in preparing future Cluster Managers to lead innovation and regional competitiveness.
These events, along with others held throughout the Mediterranean, emphasized the importance of Maritime Clusters as catalysts for sustainable development. They showcased MARMED’s dedication to equipping Maritime Cluster Managers with the skills and knowledge necessary to address emerging challenges and opportunities. From promoting innovation and stakeholder engagement to highlighting inclusivity and gender diversity, the 2024 Multiplier Events celebrated the transformative power of collaboration in shaping the future of the Blue Economy.
MARMED’s success in 2024 stands as a testament to the project’s impact in driving progress, innovation, and sustainable growth within the Mediterranean maritime sector.