Burgas hosted a large-scale working meeting dedicated to innovations and development of the Black Sea region, within the international project "Blue Ports". The forum, held at the Flora Exhibition Center, brought together leading experts from Bulgaria, Turkey, and Ukraine in a comprehensive discussion about the future of maritime industries.
The event was opened by key representatives of local authorities and international partners, including Stanimir Apostolov - Deputy Mayor of Burgas Municipality, Mehmet Bozdoan from the Turkish Agency for Eastern Black Sea Development, and Irina Savelieva from Odessa National Maritime University.
The first part of the forum focused on fundamental topics such as fishing, aquaculture, and research for sustainable regional development. Experts analyzed contemporary challenges and potential solutions in monitoring the maritime economy.
The second half of the meeting was dedicated to technological innovations, including applications of 3D modeling in the maritime sector. Participants discussed perspectives in shipbuilding, maritime transport, tourism, and alternative energy, emphasizing the need to prepare qualified personnel.
The strategic vision of the forum was aimed at deepening cross-border cooperation, promoting innovations and digital transformation. A key priority was creating an effective connection between scientific communities, businesses, and public institutions.
The "Blue Ports" project is implemented under the "Interreg Black Sea Basin" program with the main goal of supporting innovative development in the region. The initiative brings together academic and industrial partners in a large-scale effort for technological and economic progress.
Participants reached a consensus on the need to build a transnational cluster for blue economy and a digital hub that would catalyze the future development of the Black Sea region.