The future of the Blue Economy: Innovation and collaboration for SMEs

Digital transformation. Social impact. A sustainable Blue Economy

Welcome.

Wether you joined us for the first Living Lab or discovered Bluedots recently, thank you for being part of this growing community.

Our mission is to empower social economy SMEs with digital tools and collaborative innovation to accelerate a just, inclusive, and sustainable transition in the Blue Economy.

This newsletter brings you key updates, inspiring highlights, and unique opportunities to get involved.

ALL ABOUT BLUEDOTS

In May we launched the first Bluedots Living Lab in Málaga, Spain: “Digital and Social Blue Economy: Sustainable Transition and Innovation Opportunities” — two days full of exchanges, hands-on workshops, and forward-looking conversations.

From marine sustainability training to AI-driven algae innovation, the event featured cutting-edge practices and powerful voices from cooperatives, SMEs, and experts across Europe.

RESOURCES & HIGHLIGHTS – LIVING LAB SPAIN

Hear from the participants!
Organisations like Blue Connection, Futuralga, The Open Food Network, Coral Soul, Xpander,Blue-Jobs, Atrium Environmental, Monarca Náutica, and Inishowen Development Partnership shared their experiences during the first Living Lab.

They all agreed on one key takeaway: events like this are essential for building transnational networks and scaling digital-social innovation.

WATCH ALL THE VIDEOS

Join us in Brussels! We’re back with the second Bluedots Living Lab— and we want you there!

If you’re a social economy SME working in the Blue Economy and ready to explore new ideas, meet people, and get support, this is your chance.

Where: Brussels, Belgium
When: September 23–24, 2025
Financial support: Get your travel & accommodation covered
Deadline to apply: August 23, 2025

Heads up: if you joined us in Málaga for the first Living Lab, you’re not eligible this time — but you can still help us grow the Bluedots community! Share the call with other SMEs who might benefit.

APPLY NOW

And there’s more for everyone! Starting in October, we’ll kick off a series of online capacity-building sessions. Stay tuned — agenda and details are on the way soon.

Keep an eye on our website and social media!

The Blue Economy holds enormous potential for sustainable innovation—but only if it’s inclusive and community-driven. That’s where the social economy comes in. Through cooperatives, community organisations, and non-profits, we’re embedding digital innovation into the heart of marine sustainability.

“In a world where the climate crisis is becoming increasingly evident, talking about sustainability as an option is no longer enough—it is a necessity. In this context, the Blue Economy emerges as a powerful ally. Its proposal? To harness the potential of seas, oceans, and rivers responsibly, generating employment, innovation, and development without jeopardizing the health of the planet. The Belgian economist and entrepreneur Gunter Pauli was the person that first coined the concept in his book The Blue Economy.”

Read the blog post