VISION AND GOALS

The mission of the Center of competence (CoC) is to conduct high-tech scientific research to address complex environmental, economic and social challenges in the Black Sea and Lower Danube regions. We strive to provide evidence-based solutions through interdisciplinary collaboration and rigorous methodologies, contributing to global scientific knowledge. The CoC aims to lead high-tech research that fosters innovation and sustainability in the Black Sea and Lower Danube regions.

The CoC aims to become a recognized scientific center in several research areas, leading in achieving significant progress in addressing complex problems related to marine and river ecosystems, socio-economic dynamics and environmental sustainability.

The vision is focused on research to develop business models that use or create renewable resources to improve marine and river ecosystems, reduce pollution, increase resilience to climate change and support existing enterprises to adapt in order to reduce their environmental impact.

The main objective of the CoC includes the creation of a dynamic research ecosystem, defined by knowledge exchange and capacity development, to stimulate significant change and motivate a new generation of researchers who are committed to expanding the boundaries of knowledge and having a beneficial impact on society.

The main strategic objective is the creation and development of a distributed scientific infrastructure, bringing together multidisciplinary expertise, competencies and tools in support of the Blue Economy in the Black Sea Region and the Lower Danube River to ensure integrated sustainable management of processes and trends through multidisciplinary research and innovation to increase the adaptive potential of stakeholders in the transition to clean activities and technologies, to mitigate the impact of climate change, in the context of digital transformation and a neutral ecological footprint.

Project Objectives
To improve the R&I integration of the partners by creating a distributed research infrastructure BLUE CRISTAL CoC and initiating joint projects and publications (with a list of 5 new project concepts developed with the participation of CoC partners; 5% of the total number of project publications the team of researchers to be joint).

To create joint research networks and partnerships between institutions in the Black Sea region and the lower Danube River basin (2 new signed memoranda of understanding by CoC partner with other research organizations, networks, DIHs or clusters).

Development of a research distributed infrastructure in support of sustainable practices in the blue economy in Bulgaria by building and purchasing 1 van, building 1 wind tunnel, delivery and installation of specialized equipment, internal renovation of premises and equipment for 4 new laboratories – 2 pcs. in BU and 2- in RU and building 1 common data center in RU.

To improve the interdisciplinary collaboration of partners with external stakeholders in the regional R&I ecosystems (at least 1 new partnership agreement or memorandum of understanding from a partner CoC signed with an industrial/business entity during the project period).

To conduct research and analysis identifying opportunities and challenges for the future development of the blue economy in the target regions by developing and promoting 1 white book with key results and recommendations and publications in journals for Q1-Q4 and reference editions (at least 15 during the project period) and publications in refereed conference proceedings – 75).

To provide training and capacity building initiatives empowering local communities and professionals to participate in blue economy activities and to promote innovation and entrepreneurship in blue economy related sectors such as marine biotechnology, aquaculture, renewable energy, transport and tourism by organizing (2 regional partner workshops organized with stakeholders).

To raise awareness of the impact of blue economy initiatives on environmental sustainability, economic growth and social well-being in the regions by organizing 4 regional workshops (for SW, NW, NE and Southeast region).

To increase the capacity of partners for blue economy research through new knowledge and skills acquired by 7 research managers and at least 35 researchers. To attract talented researchers developing the capacity of the CoC (at least 1 new researcher from an academic partner).