Multi-use Infrastructure Spatial Concepts for the Blue Economy: Leveraging on Sustainable Port Ecosystems through Living Labs
- Coordinator: Copenhagen Business School
- Supporting person at CSEI: Christopher Dirzka
- Funding body: Innovation Fund Denmark
- Period: June 2025 – June 2028
Summary
BluePortLab focuses on transforming European maritime ports into sustainable, low-carbon energy hubs pivotal for the blue economy’s transition. Recognizing ports’ significant role at the intersection of land and sea, the initiative seeks to rethink maritime ports’ function to enhance energy efficiency, biodiversity, and sustainable growth. This aligns with the EU’s goals for a clean energy future and sustainable ocean principles.
BluePortLab argues for a transformative vision where ports expand on their traditional roles to become multifunctional spaces driving regional development, social cohesion, and environmental sustainability. It introduces multi-use spatial concepts within ports, incorporating renewable energy, green technologies, and practices to address challenges like greenhouse gas emissions and energy consumption. This approach envisions ports as catalysts for clean energy, promoting synergies among maritime activities to facilitate a climate-neutral blue economy.
Scientifically, the project aims to develop innovative spatial concepts enhancing energy efficiency and biodiversity, assess socio-economic and environmental impacts, and establish a governance framework for resilient and sustainable port management. Research questions delve into maximizing synergies between energy production, biodiversity, and economic development, understanding socio-economic impacts, and optimizing governance for multi-use spatial concepts. The novelty lies in the holistic perspective on ports, integrating them into broader energy and economic systems for societal benefits. The project introduces Living Labs Networks (LLNs) for real-world testing and co-creation of multi-use infrastructures, fostering collaborative innovation.
Methodologically, a multidisciplinary mixed-methods approach will be employed, structured around LLNs
in key maritime regions. This includes developing LLNs, conducting co-creation workshops, launching pilot projects for prototyping, and using data analysis for evaluation. Stakeholder feedback and iterative refinements will ensure adaptability, with successful concepts scaled up for wider application.
The impact plan is based on the Theory of Change, aiming for environmental sustainability, economic competitiveness, social cohesion, and policy influence. The project seeks to embed renewable energy and biodiversity initiatives in port operations, stimulate regional economies, and ensure inclusive transition to a sustainable blue economy. European cooperation is emphasised through transnational collaboration, involving the ports of Ravenna, Aalborg, Trelleborg, and other ports linked to the research network of the partners, e.g. Hamburg, Rotterdam, Naples, Valencia, Antwerp to share experiences and foster innovative solutions. The involvement of port stakeholders will be central to the project. Stakeholder engagement involves academia, industry, government, and civil society, ensuring inclusive and transparent collaboration.