The BluenetCat : the catalan reference network for the knowledge transfer in blue economy

Abstract

The blue economy is an essential sector to accelerate the green transition and to comply with the most important European and international regulations (e.g., the Blue Growth Strategy and the European Green Deal, and the UN Sustainable Development Goals). In Catalonia, the blue economy accounts for about 5.8% of total employment and 3.4% of GVA. Due to the crucial location of the region within the Mediterranean Basin, and its scientific and technological capacity, Catalonia may be among the leaders in terms of innovation in blue economy, with huge potential to export innovation and to provide the whole society with huge benefits and positive impacts. In 2018, Catalonia was among the first regions in Europe to adopt a maritime strategy according to the EU directives and regulations. Within the Catalonian Maritime Strategy, the technological transfer of innovation in blue economy plays a key role. Thus, the BlueNetCat (“Xarxa d’R+D+I Marítima de Catalunya” in Catalan, www.bluenetcat.eu) was designed as a tool to foster the technological transfer - in all the disciplines affecting the blue economy sectors - from the Catalan universities and research centers toward the market and the society. Nowadays, the BlueNetCat (“Xarxa d’R+D+I Marítima de Catalunya” in Catalan) is an open innovation multidisciplinary community, accounting for more than 700 researchers, trainees, and technicians. The network is constantly growing and currently is composed by 67 research groups belonging to 5 Catalan universities (University of Barcelona, Autonomous University of Barcelona, Universitat Politècnica de Catalunya, University of Girona, Rovira i Virgili University) and 2 research institutions (the Spanish National Research Council, CSIC, with three different research centers, and the Institute of Agrifood Research and Technology, IRTA).