How can materials discarded by one business become a valuable resource for another? This question was at the heart of RECONNECT’s Greek national training, held online on 8 October 2026. Organised and delivered by KiNNO Innovation Intermediaries and CERTH, the session brought together 26 Greek SMEs from the fisheries, aquaculture and crafts sectors to explore practical opportunities for circular innovation and collaboration.
The training introduced the RECONNECT approach to connecting businesses across sectors and countries. Participants explored how industrial symbiosis—the use of one business’s by-products or discarded materials as resources for another—can support new business opportunities in the Mediterranean blue economy.
From circular ideas to business opportunities
Through presentations and case studies, the session covered industrial symbiosis and value-chain cooperation, circular business models, open innovation and collaboration practices, alongside intellectual property protection and commercialisation.
Examples illustrated how cooperation between blue economy businesses and the crafts sector can give materials a second life:
- Transforming discarded fish skin into leather for new products.
- Using mussel shells to create tiles, home décor items and jewellery.
- Turning discarded fishing materials and recycled nets into bags, baskets, souvenirs and other commercial products.
The discussion also addressed the practical challenges behind these ideas. Small and fragmented material volumes, limited resources and a lack of established relationships between sectors can make collaboration difficult. Pooling available materials, agreeing on quality and commercial terms, and building trust through intermediaries were highlighted as ways to help businesses move forward.
CERTH led the sessions on industrial symbiosis and circular business models, while KiNNO explored open innovation practices and the management, protection and commercialisation of intellectual property.
Connecting businesses through RECONNECT
The training marked a step towards further engagement in the RECONNECT pilots. Participating SMEs will be supported in mapping their residual materials, identifying business needs and exploring potential collaborations through coaching and the development of innovation briefs.
By bringing fisheries, aquaculture and crafts businesses into the same conversation, RECONNECT is helping SMEs explore how circularity can translate into practical partnerships and new uses for materials that would otherwise be discarded.
“Proud to contribute to RECONNECT alongside our European partners! At KINNO, we believe in empowering small craft enterprises with circular and sustainable solutions, proving that the blue economy can be both innovative and inclusive”
