NEWS: The Chamber of Economy of Montenegro strengthens the link between education, innovation, and the labour market through GROWTH4BLUE
By mid-2027, key sectors of the blue economy – maritime transport, fisheries, aquaculture, marine biotechnology, and coastal tourism – will be significantly strengthened through the GROWTH4BLUE project, which, with the support of the European Union, is developing innovative employment models, digital tools, and training programmes tailored to the real needs of the labour market. This regional project, funded through the Interreg IPA ADRION programme, aims to enhance the resilience and competitiveness of the blue economy in the Adriatic-Ionian region by connecting businesses, education, and innovation.
The Chamber of Economy of Montenegro (CEM) is a partner in the GROWTH4BLUE project, led by the Region of Western Greece, with the participation of institutions from Greece, Italy, Slovenia, Serbia and North Macedonia. On this occasion, the Chamber organised an info day in Podgorica to present the project’s goals and activities.
“The aim of the project is to systematically address current issues such as the lack of qualified workforce and the low rate of technological innovation adoption, as well as to create sustainable employment models that will ensure the long-term resilience and competitiveness of this vital economic sector in the Adriatic-Ionian region,” said Tanja Radusinović, Director of the Project Department at CEM, highlighting the importance of regional cooperation and the role of the blue economy in Montenegro’s future economic development.
She added that through project activities such as labour market analysis and the development of online tools for analysing job advertisements using advanced processing technologies, GROWTH4BLUE is laying solid foundations for better understanding of market needs and faster adaptation of training programmes to labour market demands.
“These tools will enable employers, educational institutions, and decision-makers to respond timely and effectively to the new demands and opportunities brought by the blue economy,” Radusinović explained.
As part of the info day, a lecture titled “The Digital Age: Entrepreneurship with Purpose” was held by Mr. Radivoje Drobnjak, an expert in entrepreneurship and the blue economy, aiming to further reinforce the messages promoted by GROWTH4BLUE.
“Digital transformation is an indispensable factor in modern business, especially in sectors related to natural resources and sustainable development. Through innovative approaches and socially responsible business models, new opportunities are being created for employment, increased productivity, and the development of the blue economy,” said Drobnjak.
Recalling the project's objectives, it was emphasised that GROWTH4BLUE promotes exactly this way of thinking and acting – innovative, sustainable, and mindful – and that digital technologies and purpose-driven entrepreneurship can significantly contribute both to economic growth and the preservation of the natural resources of the Adriatic and Ionian Seas.
“GROWTH4BLUE is an example of how innovation and digitalisation can strongly support economic growth and social well-being by creating quality jobs and preserving nature,” said Radusinović, underlining the importance of continued investment in education and the development of sustainable entrepreneurship models that recognise their place in the social and environmental context.
The info day brought together representatives from the public sector, businesses, education, science, and civil society, opening a dialogue on concrete ways to respond to labour market challenges, link knowledge and practice, and strengthen Montenegro’s role in joint regional efforts through the GROWTH4BLUE project – “Creating Regional Opportunities for Workforce Transformation and High-Tech Innovation in the Blue Economy of the Adriatic- Ionian Region.”
