Tanja Radusinović, Director of the Projects Sector at the Chamber of Economy of Montenegro (PKCG), emphasized that the blue economy represents one of the greatest development opportunities for the region, but these possibilities are not sufficiently discussed, especially regarding youth. The statement was released by PKCG.
Speaking at Core Days 2025 in Belgrade, organized by the National Alliance for Local Economic Development (NALED) with support from the Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency (SIDA), Radusinović participated in an event focused on the Growth4blue project, implemented through the Adrion program and co-financed by the European Union.
The event brought together representatives from partner organizations — NALED, PKCG, the Primorska Chamber of Commerce from Slovenia, and the Chamber of Commerce of North Macedonia — working together to improve employability, digital solutions, and sustainable business models in the blue economy sectors.
Radusinović highlighted that the blue economy — covering maritime industries, aquaculture, coastal tourism, marine biotechnology, and digital solutions — is growing rapidly and creating a significant number of modern, well-paid jobs, but this potential needs to be more visible.
“Many professions in the blue sector are not widely known, despite offering excellent career opportunities. We need to invest more in communication and education, promote good practices, green and digital jobs, innovative companies, and success stories,” she said.
She stressed that the blue economy is not just about the sea — it is an economy of knowledge, data, and innovation. Projects like Growth4blue create a platform connecting business, science, education, and technology sectors.
“Strengthening cooperation between businesses, educational institutions, and research centers is essential to ensure that the labor market aligns with the needs of the blue economy. Companies must be involved in designing training and study programs,” added Radusinović.
She also highlighted other PKCG projects as examples of good practice, including BLUECONNECT, implemented with the Croatian Institute of Oceanography and Fisheries, the Chamber of Commerce of the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina, and the Institute of Marine Biology Kotor; AZA4ICE, focusing on sustainable and circular aquaculture; and RECONNECT, an international initiative promoting the circular economy in the Mediterranean.
The key message from Core Days 2025 is that regional cooperation and stronger communication about opportunities in the blue economy are crucial for creating new jobs and attracting young people to the sector.
Radusinović concluded: “If we want the blue economy to be recognized as a space for innovation and opportunity, we must work together to increase its visibility and connect key actors. Only then can we build a competitive and sustainable region.”
The Core Days 2025 conference gathered policy makers, business representatives, local governments, international institutions, and civil society from the Western Balkans and the EU to promote socially responsible and sustainable business practices.
