BlueInvest, the high-profile event from the European Commission to promote investment in the ocean economy, has set foot in Malta today. The concept is tried and tested: 20 innovative companies pitch for the hand – and wallet – of a jury of investors. And as their projects are all about greening and cleaning the economy, the winners are not just the companies landing a contract, but also society at large.
For blue economy companies, the European Commission’s BlueInvest events are the place to be to find new business partners. They come well prepared, ready to be grilled by investors with a heart for the ocean, but an eye for the bottom line. All hope to return home with new contacts and contracts in their pockets. And we know from previous editions that this hope can quickly turn into reality.
At the pilot event, in May 2018 in Brussels, BlueInvest fostered no less than 1200 business-to-business meetings. This edition, with more than 300 registrations from almost 40 countries, is set to become as successful. We witnessed one participant looking for his business cards: he brought two full boxes. Speed dating is clearly one of the main reasons for being here.
In the wake of all this business bustle follows a vast number of policy makers and stakeholders from all across the Mediterranean. Also for them, BlueInvest is an important rendez-vous, to stay on top of recent developments and anticipate future policy needs. The fast developments in the European blue economy are challenging the current policy frameworks. The traditional divide between fisheries and other maritime activities – shipbuilding, aquaculture, tourism… – is fading. And the sector benefits from breakthroughs in other disciplines, including 3D printing, block chain technology or artificial intelligence. Keeping track of all these new developments and anticipating what may come next is crucial for everyone wanting to create a stable and supportive policy environment.