Innovative port cities

The port industry was often criticized for the lack of innovation. However, more recently, key actors have gradually pushed for port cities to become innovation hubs. The rise of blue economy in national and international agendas has demonstrated that port cities have a key role in the future of new productive activities related to the sea, and port authorities need to embrace new roles, dynamizing local networks, building on their role as a central figure in new economic sectors. New flows of capital, knowledge and human resources reinforce the need for R&D gradually becoming a priority for the private sector, as well as research institutes, the ports themselves but also the national and local authorities. In this parallel track we will discuss different approaches to the blue economy and innovation strategies by key actors, such as port authorities, but also unusual ones, building on collaborative efforts.