FANBEST - Blue Economy Project

Greater Manchester Chamber of Commerce, along with 12 partners across the European Atlantic Area, is involved in a European funded project designed to support businesses and innovation in the blue economy.

The Funding Atlantic Network for Blue Economy Technology Transfer (FAN-BEST) project focuses on the blue economy and its opportunities. It is part of the Interreg Atlantic Area programme, which supports cooperation and innovation to strengthen territorial and sustainable economic development in the 'blue economy' regions.   Check a short video which introduces this project:

What is the Blue Economy?

According to the World Bank, the Blue Economy “is sustainable use of ocean resourced for economic growth, improved livelihoods and jobs, and ocean ecosystem health.” The Blue Economy represents roughly 5.4 million jobs and generates a gross added value of almost €500 billion a year. However, further growth is possible in several areas. Blue growth is the long-term strategy to support sustainable growth in the marine and maritime sectors, which have great potential for innovation and growth.

This project will focus on five sectors with high potential for sustainable growth:

  • Biotechnology

  • The use of marine resources

  • Aquaculture

  • Renewable Energy

  • Coastal Tourism

The objective of this project is to develop a support network of public and private entities to encourage technology transfer, innovation and increase the number of women entrepreneurs in the sector.

Who can be involved?

To develop this network, we are looking to engage with SMEs, start-ups and entrepreneurs as well as with R&D organisations and financing agents. If you would like to be involved, please email Pauline Puig via pauline.puig@gmchamber.co.uk or francesco.feraco@gmchambre.co.uk

Find out more

  • Please visit the FAN-BEST website for more information about the project: www.fanbest.eu

  • Follow FAN-BEST on Twitter to hear about the latest developments, events and news: @EUfanbest. 

  • Sign up to our monthly Fanbest newsletter hereRead the latest FANBEST Newsletters here

Funding News

  • [Dec 2021] Sustainability charity WRAP and Innovate UK have launched a major new UK fund to reduce the impact of plastics on the environment in India, Chile, Kenya and South Africa. For more information, click here