Blue Culture Technology Excellence Hubs in EU Widening Member States

Abstract

BCThubs aims to build in the participating Widening countries (i.e. Greece, Bulgaria and Malta), Blue Culture Technology Excellence Hubs, as permanent structures that will serve as beacons of innovation and collaboration. These Hubs are designed to support the development of new innovative solutions and products that will contribute to the sustainable protection, restoration, valorisation, management, accessibility, and promotion of Underwater Cultural Heritage (UWCH). Although the new Hubs will be scoped regionally, they will be interconnected and oriented towards national and international synergies, ensuring a holistic approach that transcends geographical limitations (i.e. beyond regional borders). This framework will actively pursue cross-border collaborations on common strategic goals, fostering partnerships that span across various sectors and communities. Each Excellence Hub will bring together all regional/national actors related to Blue Culture and UWCH, including key stakeholders from research and academia, businesses, the public sector, and societal actors, thereby implementing a comprehensive 4-helix approach. This collaborative dynamic will mutually reinforce their capacities and effectiveness, creating a robust network that enhances knowledge sharing and resource allocation. Ultimately, the mission is to elevate innovation excellence within the sustainable Blue Economy/Culture in respective regions, leading to a significant positive impact on local communities and ecosystems, while also contributing to broader European and global sustainability objectives.