On 9 October 2026, the RECONNECT project partners, under the guidance of T2I (Italy), organised an online training session on Open Innovation and the use of Artificial Intelligence tools to analyse, assess, and improve business plan models in the fisheries and aquaculture sectors. The training brought together 130 SMEs from across the Adriatic-Ionian region, including 26 Albanian SMEs: 10 from the aquaculture sector and 16 from the fisheries sector.
Strengthening SME Capacity through Open Innovation and AI
The training aimed to strengthen SMEs’ capacities to explore innovative approaches, use AI-powered tools to assess their business plans, identify opportunities for improvement, and develop more competitive, sustainable, and resilient business models.
The session highlighted how combining Open Innovation and Artificial Intelligence can help businesses identify market opportunities, optimise business strategies, and respond more effectively to the evolving challenges of the blue economy.
Particular attention was given to the potential of AI-based tools to support business plan analysis, improve strategic planning, and facilitate informed decision-making. These tools can help SMEs identify opportunities for innovation, strengthen their competitiveness, and explore new pathways for sustainable business development.
The training also highlighted the importance of combining Open Innovation with Artificial Intelligence to support digital transformation and encourage the adoption of innovative business approaches in the fisheries and aquaculture sectors.
By exploring these tools and methodologies, participating SMEs gained insights into how innovation and AI can contribute to more effective business planning and improved responses to market challenges.
Through this initiative, the RECONNECT project continues to support innovation, digital transformation, and cooperation among fisheries and aquaculture SMEs across the Adriatic-Ionian region, contributing to the development of a more competitive, resilient, and sustainable blue economy.
“The training highlighted the potential of Open Innovation and Artificial Intelligence to help fisheries and aquaculture SMEs improve their business planning, identify new opportunities, and strengthen their competitiveness. The use of innovative digital tools can support more informed decision-making and contribute to the sustainable development of the blue economy.”
