t2i & Rotary Distretto 2060
9 Febbraio 2026
On 5–6 February 2026, RECONNECT partners gathered in Rijeka, Croatia, for the Technical and Steering Committee Meeting hosted by PP08 – UNIRI. Over two intensive days, partners advanced the Open Innovation toolkit, strengthened collaboration, and prepared the next phase of pilot activities supporting circular blue economy SMEs across the Mediterranean.
The Technical and Steering Committee Meeting took place at InnovaLab in Rijeka, bringing together project partners both onsite and online.
The first day focused on technical coordination, including a comprehensive overview of WP1 activities and next steps led by PP08 – UNIRI. Special attention was given to Activity 1.2 – the RECONNECT Toolkit, including the presentation of the Open Innovation (OI) methodology by PP05 – KINNO and the AI-based tool by LP01 – T2I.
The session enabled in-depth discussion, validation with partners, and practical training on the application of the tools. Working groups allowed participants to test the methodology in real-case scenarios and align expectations before the toolkit’s finalisation.
The afternoon sessions concentrated on the finalisation of Activity 1.3 and the preparation of the upcoming call for SMEs. Partners discussed the structure of the application process, exchange knowledge activities, and future study visits aimed at fostering collaboration across Mediterranean regions.
Communication activities led by PP3 – BIC EURONOVA reinforced the importance of visibility, dissemination, and stakeholder engagement. Additionally, the session on Crossing Activities – MISSION: Innovative Sustainable Economy encouraged partners to align RECONNECT outcomes with broader Interreg Euro-MED objectives.
The day concluded with a social dinner, strengthening partnership ties and fostering informal exchange.
The second day opened with discussions on WP2 – the piloting phase, presented by PP05 – KINNO. Partners explored the pilot action methodology and clarified implementation steps to ensure consistency across participating regions.
This phase represents a key milestone for RECONNECT, as it will test the Open Innovation and AI-based tools with SMEs, transforming aquaculture waste into high-value bio-based solutions while strengthening circular business models in coastal communities.
The Steering Committee session focused on project management and financial updates, led by LP01 – T2I. Partners reviewed the status of activities, outlined next steps, and discussed the establishment of additional management bodies, including the CO₂ manager.
Financial management discussions provided an overview of Reporting Period 1 and clarified upcoming obligations to ensure smooth project implementation.
The meeting concluded with a shared commitment to accelerate implementation, deepen collaboration, and prepare for the launch of SME engagement activities in the coming months.
Find out more about the RECONNECT project and how it contributes to the ISE Mission priorities at 👉 https://reconnect.interreg-euro-med.eu/.
“Hosting the RECONNECT Technical and Steering Committee Meeting in Rijeka was an important milestone for our partnership. The progress achieved in refining the Open Innovation methodology and AI-based tools demonstrates the strength of our collaboration. We are now entering a decisive phase where innovation will directly support SMEs in building circular, sustainable solutions for the Mediterranean blue economy.”
Head of Office for Project Monitoring and International Cooperation, University of Rijeka – Faculty of Biotechnology and Drug Development (UNIRI – FABRI)