Croatia and Slovenia are neighbours and among Europe’s smaller countries. They are also united along the Adriatic. In this context, the EU-funded INNO2MARE project will boost maritime and connected industries. Specifically, it will support the digital and green transitions in Western Slovenian and Adriatic Croatian innovation ecosystems. The two ecosystems will strongly benefit from the sharing of best practices of the Flemish Innovation Ecosystem, one of the most developed maritime innovation ecosystems globally.

Implementing three pilot projects (Improved fire evacuation VR model of a ship engine room; Digital twin with AI for sustainable and efficient energy management and Autonomous shipping technology supported by AI), INNO2MARE will address some of the key challenges related to maritime education and training, security and safety in marine traffic and logistics as well as energy conversion and management systems’ efficiency.

In addition to supporting the engagement of citizens in the innovation process and smart skills training, the project will reduce the innovation divide by connecting the innovation actors within the ecosystems.