On 29 September 2026, AULEDA – Local Economic Development Agency organised the RECONNECT project Kick-off meeting and training session for 10 SMEs from the aquaculture sector in the Vlorë Region, Albania. Hosted at the premises of Vlora Fish in Orikum, the event introduced the project’s objectives and planned activities, followed by a training session focused on circular business models, open innovation, industrial symbiosis, value chain collaboration, and intellectual property rights.
Building Knowledge and Cooperation for a More Sustainable Aquaculture Sector
The training session addressed four key topics:
- Circular Business Models: Exploring practical approaches to reducing waste, improving resource efficiency, and creating value from existing resources.
- Open Innovation Principles and Collaboration Practices: Encouraging SMEs to exchange knowledge, expertise, and ideas and to develop innovative solutions together.
- Industrial Symbiosis and Value Chain Collaboration: Exploring opportunities for businesses to exchange resources, by-products, knowledge, and services for mutual economic and environmental benefits.
Intellectual Property Rights: Understanding the management, protection, and commercialisation of intellectual property as an important element of innovation and business development.
An important part of the session was the discussion on the legal framework and practical challenges related to fish waste management. Participating SMEs exchanged views on existing practices and explored opportunities for cooperation to transform waste streams into valuable resources, improve resource efficiency, and reduce environmental impacts.
The meeting also provided an opportunity to discuss the establishment of an aquaculture cluster in the Vlorë Region. Participants explored how a cluster could strengthen cooperation among businesses, facilitate knowledge exchange, encourage innovation, and support the development of joint solutions across the aquaculture value chain.
The event highlighted the potential of collaboration among aquaculture SMEs to advance circular economy practices and develop more innovative, resource-efficient, and sustainable business models. Through the RECONNECT project, AULEDA aims to support stronger cooperation and new opportunities for businesses in the blue economy.
“The Kick off meeting and training session provided an important opportunity for aquaculture SMEs to exchange experiences, discuss common challenges related to waste management, and explore new opportunities for cooperation. The discussion on establishing an aquaculture cluster was a valuable step towards developing joint solutions and strengthening the sustainability and competitiveness of the sector.”
