Cross-border collaboration strengthens the blue economy of the future

For the blue industries of the future to grow, new partnerships, more meeting places, and environments where ideas can be developed and tested are needed. Within Blå Samverkan, stakeholders from the business community, academia, and the public sector are working together to create better conditions for a sustainable blue bioeconomy.

When Falkenberg Municipality’s Business Development Unit recently hosted a meeting and workshop at Blue Hub Halland, businesses, researchers, and public sector representatives gathered to discuss the development of the blue economy of the future—and how new partnerships might take shape along the west coast.

A mirror-smooth sea and bright sunshine set the tone as companies, municipalities, and innovation stakeholders from Sweden and Norway gathered in Hvaler. The study visit was organized by Blå Samverkan in collaboration with Testarena Skagerrak, with the goal of exploring new opportunities for collaboration, innovation, and business development in the marine industries.

“There is so much potential and expertise among the companies along our coasts. Our role is to create meeting places where different stakeholders can connect, test ideas, and work together to develop solutions that strengthen the blue bioeconomy,” says Sonja Andrén, project manager at Innovatum Science Park.

From Needs to New Opportunities

Many companies in the blue bioeconomy face similar challenges—regardless of which side of the border they operate on. These include the need for testing environments, new partnerships, expertise, and pathways to develop and scale up new solutions.

During their visit to Hvaler, the participants learned about the development of the Norwegian section of Testarena Skagerrak and discussed how companies in sectors such as seaweed, mussels, oysters, and marine raw materials can gain better opportunities to test, demonstrate, and develop their ideas.

Cooperation between Sweden and Norway plays a key role in strengthening the development of the blue economy of the future. By combining experiences from both sides of the border, new opportunities are created for businesses, research institutions, and public sector actors to develop solutions together.

“We share challenges, opportunities, and a common sea. Norway has extensive experience in developing large-scale aquaculture industries, while Sweden has strong research and innovation ecosystems. By combining our strengths, we can create better conditions for testing, product development, and new sustainable business opportunities,” says Helen Sjöde Veerman, project manager for Testarena Skagerrak.

When stakeholders come together, progress happens

An important part of Blå Samverkan is strengthening the ties between businesses, research, and the public sector. By bringing together different perspectives, new ideas can emerge—from circular flows and new products to collaborations that strengthen both the business community and coastal communities.

“It’s particularly exciting to see the natural connection between Strömstad and Hvaler, where companies are already collaborating across the border. There’s a strong drive here from both the business community and society to develop new opportunities together,” says Sonja Andrén.

A Blue Future Is Built Together

The development of the blue economy of the future requires collaboration across both geographic and organizational boundaries. Initiatives such as Blå Samverkan and Testarena Skagerrak create more opportunities for companies to find the right contacts, test new ideas, and contribute to the sustainable development of marine resources.