Digital and Social Blue Economy: Sustainable Transition and Innovation Opportunities in Sustainable Industry Development
27–28 January 2027 | Gdańsk and Gdynia, Poland
Join us on Poland’s Baltic coast for two days of ideas, practical exchange and encounters with the people and places shaping the blue economy.
Gdańsk and Gdynia are a fitting setting for this Living Lab because maritime activity is part of the region’s working life. Ports and logistics, maritime research, specialist education and industry meet here. The area is also building a role in offshore wind: Gdańsk is developing an installation and logistics hub for Baltic wind projects. That makes the coast itself part of the learning experience, connecting conversations about innovation and sustainability with the organisations, skills and infrastructure behind them.
The Living Lab will bring together social economy SMEs and enabling organisations with clusters, universities, research institutes, public and private institutions, and experts in technology and sustainability. Together, participants will explore how digitalisation and social innovation can help make the blue economy more sustainable, inclusive and competitive.
On Wednesday, 27 January, the programme includes a visit to Centrum Techniki Okrętowej, the Maritime Advanced Research Centre, followed by discussions on cross-sector cooperation, digital transformation and sustainable products and services. Workshops will give participants space to share challenges and ideas on innovation, skills, investment and new market opportunities. The day will end with a networking dinner.
On Thursday, 28 January, participants will visit Gdynia Maritime School. Its training covers sustainable maritime transport, offshore technologies, ports, fishing and fish farming, professional yachting and ship security. The visit offers a chance to see how specialist education prepares people for a changing maritime sector. Lunch, networking and a closing session will round off the programme.
Call for Financial Support
The Call is open to social economy SMEs and enabling organisations active in the blue economy across Europe. Up to 90 organisations may be selected. Each selected organisation can receive a lump-sum contribution of up to €800 towards eligible travel, accommodation and subsistence costs for up to two participants. The amount and conditions are set out in the full Call.
Applications close on Monday, 14 December 2026. Read the full Call for Proposals and submit your application through the online form.
Sectors in the Blue Economy
Marine Technology
Innovations in renewable energy, underwater robotics, and data collection systems.
Sustainable Aquaculture
Practices and technologies to promote eco-friendly fish farming and seafood production.
Coastal Resilience
Strategies to protect coastal regions from climate change impacts, including erosion control and habitat restoration.
Blue Tourism
Sustainable tourism initiatives focusing on marine and coastal ecosystems.
Ocean Health
Efforts to reduce pollution, protect biodiversity, and ensure sustainable fishing practices.
Translational Capacity Buildings (Face-to-Face)
National Capacity Buildings
Coaching and Mentoring
Matchmaking and Knowledge Sharing Events
Speed Business Dates
Events
COMING SOON.
Living Lab Calendar:
- Upcoming sessions, workshops, and webinars.
- Business speed dating opportunities.
- Regional and Europe-wide hackathons.
Community
COMING SOON.
Collaborative Tools: Integration with platforms like Slack, discussion forums, and other tools to enable real-time interaction and brainstorming among participants.
Virtual Access Links:
- Online sessions hosted by Living Lab Europe.
- Webinars and training programs.
- Hackathons and virtual innovation challenges.
Call for Financial Support
Participants can apply for financial support to cover the costs associated with attending Living Lab Europe activities. This includes travel, accommodation, and participation fees for workshops, training sessions, and other events.