Atlantic-WestMED National Event 2024 | Digital Transformation and Sustainable Blue Economy: Strategic Cooperation for Innovation outcomes

The Portuguese Atlantic-WestMED Sea Basin Strategy national event took place on December 16, 2024, at the Hydrographic Institute in Lisbon and online. It brought together more than 60 participants from public and private sectors who joined in person and online.

The event focused on fostering innovation, promoting sustainability, and enhancing interregional collaboration across maritime sectors, bringing together experts and policymakers to explore digitalization and cooperation in the blue economy.

Panel I: Digitalization, Cooperation, and the Blue Economy

Panel I featured contributions from Carlos Pinho of Portugal Blue Digital Hub, who emphasized the role of AI, Blockchain, and Big Data in driving digital and environmental transitions. Siham Fellahi of the Blue Economy PMU outlined Morocco’s strategy, integrating innovation and digital solutions to boost competitiveness. Sébastien Cann of Pôle Mer Bretagne Atlantique highlighted digitalization’s role in optimizing operations and achieving sustainability goals. Javier Hernandez Noriega of the Navy Marine Andalusian Cluster showcased projects leveraging digitalization to advance a sustainable blue economy. Lucia Castro Diaz of DIH DATAlife presented the EDIH Network’s impact on fostering cooperation and regional growth.

Panel II: Maritime Basins and a Sustainable Blue Economy

Panel II included Susana Grácio from Turismo de Portugal, who shared best practices for sustainable blue tourism, focusing on SMEs. Eduardo Silva from ISEP & INESC TEC and Atlantic Strategy Pillar IV Coordinator discussed smart technologies enhancing ocean sustainability under the “Healthy Oceans” pillar. Telmo Geraldes Dias from the Hydrographic Institute introduced the National Oceanographic Data Center’s role in marine data management and sustainability.

Conclusions

The event reinforced the need for digital transformation and collaboration in the blue economy. Speakers showcased smart technologies and cooperative efforts as key to economic and ecological sustainability. Sharing best practices and expertise across regions is essential for a resilient and forward-looking maritime economy.

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