Successful first edition of BESS

On 10 September, over 100 actors in the blue economy travelled to Ostend to participate in the Blue Economy Science Summit. Through this initiative, Blue Cluster and Flanders Marine Institute aim to highlight the most important innovative activities and achievements in the blue economy.

During the plenary session, some speakers talked about Intellectual Property (IP) Rights and what this means for innovation and cooperation projects. Furthermore, Nathalie Balcaen, General Administrator of Agency Maritime Services and Coast, explained how the government deals with and commits to innovation.

Afterwards, the attendees were also given a tour of the innovation market, where (the results of) some innovation projects in the blue economy were explained. This included a presentation of a selection of the different types of projects: feasibility studies, pilot projects, ICONs and R&D projects, as well as SBRs. 

The topics discussed at the stands nicely illustrated the broad scope of the blue economy. The projects on display were related to, for instance, aquaculture, biomaterials, coastal protection, multi-use, desalination, shipping, wind energy and solar energy.

At the end of the event, the participants could have a chat with the exhibitors and enjoy a snack and a drink. 

We would like to thank you all again for attending this first physical event in a long time.