Supporting the Blue Economy in Apulia through skills analysis

The Apulia Region, through ARTI (Regional Agency for Technology and Innovation), has launched the “Skills Programme Analysis” project under the Interreg IPA South Adriatic 2021–2027 Programme. The initiative aims to address the shortage of qualified skills in the labour market and to promote the sustainable growth of economic sectors linked to the Blue Economy. Its core objective is to enhance the availability of competencies and innovation capacities, thereby boosting the competitive development of the Adriatic area.

More details

Lattanzio KIBS supports ARTI in delivering an extensive analysis service that includes, first and foremost, the mapping of 171 Apulian enterprises operating in the nine sectors identified in the 2024 Blue Economy Report. These sectors include living and non-living marine resources, marine renewable energy, port activities, shipbuilding and repair, maritime transport, coastal tourism, blue biotechnology, and desalination. In parallel, the Lattanzio KIBS team conducts three in-depth studies: an analysis of companies’ emerging skill needs, an investigation into the barriers hindering the availability of such skills, and an exploration of the main drivers behind the development of new professions and employment sectors.

The assignment also includes a quantitative analysis of the Blue Economy in Apulia, a mapping of regional training opportunities in this field, an analysis of the results from the “Company Skills Survey” questionnaire, and several desk research studies on key emerging issues. To complete the process, Lattanzio KIBS designs and facilitates three focus groups with regional stakeholders and enterprises, focusing on sustainable coastal tourism, maritime transport and shipbuilding, renewable energy, blue biotechnology, and aquaculture. The findings are presented during a dedicated event hosted by the Apulia Region at Job Orienta, the education and work fair held in Verona.

Project Impact

This initiative creates tangible value by enhancing the Apulia Region’s ability to respond effectively to labour market needs within the Blue Economy sectors. The business mapping and training needs analysis help identify skill gaps and development opportunities, supporting the design of targeted policies and innovative educational pathways. The direct involvement of stakeholders fosters greater awareness and collaboration between public and private actors, laying the groundwork for the emergence of new professional profiles and sustainable value chains.