It was an honour to join the WestMED National Event Italy–Malta (Rome, 11–12 June, 2026) and a real pleasure to join the “TRL 8-9 Project Adopters” panel, and to represent the MED-Hubs consortium. Highly valuable and practical discussions, case studies and experiences were exchanged, together with a wide range of perspectives from key stakeholders such as representatives from the Italian and the Maltese governments, Regione Lazio, Regione Liguria, CDP Cassa Depositi e Prestiti, Lazio Innova and many more.
Among key takeaways: “..a stronger Blue Economy requires a coordinated innovation and investment pipeline: cutting administrative burdens and uniting banks, authorities, test-bed operators, and accelerators to bring solutions to market faster”.
Sincere thanks to Stephanie Vella (CEO WestMED National Hub Malta and Member of the MED-Hubs Observatory Panel) Leonardo Manzari (CEO WestMed National Hub for Italy) and the Ecorys team for arranging such a topical and excellent event.