Blue Economy Clusters and policy priorities: a strategic framework to drive innovation and industrialisation in blue economy in the Mediterranean

This strategic session will frame the role of Mediterranean Blue Economy clusters within the broader Euro-Mediterranean policy and cooperation landscape, emphasising their function as industrial enablers and innovation multipliers supporting regional, national and European priorities. Particular attention will be given to their contribution to sustainable blue economy, climate resilience, pollution reduction, and the protection and restoration of marine and coastal ecosystems, highlighting how cluster-based ecosystems translate policy frameworks into scalable industrial and technological outcomes. 
The discussion will also explore synergies with major EU and regional initiatives — including the Ocean Pact, the Pact for the Mediterranean, and Mission “Restore our Ocean and Waters” — positioning clusters as operational platforms that strengthen innovation capacity, cross-border value chains, and investment-ready solutions across the Mediterranean.
Institutional perspectives will feature contributions from key actors such as DG Mare and WestMED Initiative, while a multi-stakeholder roundtable with representatives from Mediterranean clusters and industry will examine how strategic frameworks can be converted into industrialisable projects, integrated value chains, and concrete deployment pathways.

Session Chair

Paolo Guglia, Cluster BIG

Program

10.00 Opening speech
Paolo Guglia, Cluster BIG

10.10 EU Priorities for sustainable blue economy and innovation in the Mediterranean 
Luca Marangoni, DG MARE European Commission (TBC)

10.30 Strategic vision and regional cooperation
Alessandra Sensi, UfM

10.50 Alliances to drive innovation in the Western Mediterranean 
Leonardo Manzari, WestMED Clusters Alliance

11.10 Roundtable: From strategy to actions: a perspective from Mediterranean blue economy clusters
Moderator: 
Gabriella Gagliardi, Cluster BIG
Laurence Martin, Federazione del Mare 
Lorella Ciuti, Forum Oceano 
Gregory Yovanof, Strategis 
Colin Ruel, Pole Mere Mediterranee (TBC)
Emna Sohlobji, Tunisian Maritime Cluster
Ali Shagrune, Libyan Maritime Cluster

11.50 Conclusions 
Paolo Guglia, Cluster BIG