As part of AdriBioPro2026 – Fourth International Conference on Adriatic Biodiversity Protection, the SA SKILLS project will host a strategic High-Level Panel focused on strengthening blue economy competencies across Montenegro, Italy, and Albania.

 

Why This Panel Matters

The South Adriatic region faces growing demand for specialised skills in marine sectors, including aquaculture, sustainable tourism, marine biotechnology, and digitalised maritime services. At the same time, education systems must evolve to better respond to labour market realities.

This panel will address:

  • Regional skill gaps in emerging blue sectors

  • Harmonisation of education and professional standards

  • Cross-border mobility and recognition of qualifications

  • Alignment of academic curricula with industry needs

  • Sustainable employment pathways for youth

 

Who Will Participate

The panel will bring together:

  • Members of the Cross-Border Permanent Table (CBPT)

  • Representatives of national ministries and regional authorities

  • EU Programme representatives

  • Academia and higher education institutions

More than 150 conference participants and guests are expected to attend.

 

Strategic Context

The discussion forms part of the broader SA SKILLS initiative under the Interreg IPA South Adriatic Programme, which aims to:

  • Develop Innovative Learning Modules (ILMs) aligned with EQF standards

  • Launch a cross-border First-Level Master programme (60 ECTS)

  • Strengthen academia–industry collaboration

  • Operationalise the Blue Economy Training Centre (BETC)

  • Deploy the Blue Economy Digital Platform

 

The High-Level Panel will serve as a milestone event for consolidating regional cooperation and defining next steps for skills governance in the Adriatic blue economy.