Joint WestMED Italy–Malta National Event Advances Blue Economy Cooperation in Rome
Rome, Italy | 11–12 June 2026 – Policymakers, researchers, investors, maritime businesses and innovation stakeholders from Italy and Malta gathered in Rome for the fourth edition of the Joint WestMED National Event, reaffirming their shared commitment to advancing a sustainable, innovative and connected blue economy across the Mediterranean, particularly towards the southern shore countries.
Organised under the WestMED Initiative, the two-day event focused on accelerating the deployment of mature maritime innovations, strengthening investment ecosystems and enhancing cooperation in strategic sectors including shipping, ports, offshore infrastructure, aquaculture, tourism and blue skills.
Accelerating innovation and investment
The opening day explored how high-readiness (TRL 8–9) research projects can move more rapidly from demonstration to commercial deployment by connecting innovators with investors, public authorities, development agencies and industry. Discussions also highlighted opportunities for closer Italy–Malta cooperation on decarbonisation, digitalisation, maritime security and infrastructure development. As highlighted by the event organisers, the gathering sought to bring together “national institutions, research bodies, investors and maritime stakeholders from both countries for two days of targeted cooperation” while helping to “shape the next wave of blue innovation.”
Building skills for the future
The second day focused on developing the human capital needed to sustain the Mediterranean’s blue economy. Universities, vocational education and training providers, research institutes and managing authorities exchanged experiences on strengthening Blue Skills networks and improving access to funding opportunities.
The goal was to gather Italian and Maltese stakeholders around their relevant national representatives within the Technical Group on Blue Skills, also in order to convey coordinated inputs from the ecosystem.
The programme concluded with a roundtable on how the outcomes of WestMED Technical Groups can contribute to future INTERREG programmes and strengthen collaboration across maritime clusters. Reflecting on the discussions, participants emphasised that “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.”
Strengthening regional cooperation
The joint WestMED Italy–Malta National Event once again demonstrated the value of regional cooperation in addressing common environmental, technological and economic challenges across the Mediterranean.
The two national hubs will undertake an initiative to promote cross-border joint ventures, also as a way to enrich the Maltese and Italian ecosystems with a larger number of stakeholders, in the fields where each country wants to fill its existing gaps.
By fostering dialogue between governments, academia, industry and investors, the initiative continues to build practical partnerships capable of translating research into market-ready solutions while supporting the transition towards a greener, more resilient and competitive maritime economy.
With its growing network of stakeholders and continued focus on innovation, investment and skills, the annual Italy–Malta gathering has become an important milestone in advancing the objectives of the WestMED Initiative.
For more information, mail Leonardo Manzari WestMED National Hub Italy | Stephanie Vella WestMED National Hub Malta
