NEWS
RUN-EU Innovation Meets Regions on Blue Economy at IPLeiria
19 March 2026
The RUN-EU Innovation Meets Regions on Blue Economy, organised by the Polytechnic University of Leiria (IPLeiria), through the School of Tourism and Maritime Technology (ESTM), in Peniche, will take place between 26 and 29 May 2026.
This event supports RUN-EU’s strategy to strengthen European universities’ role in regional development and to promote synergies across research, innovation, sustainability, tourism, public policies, and territory. This edition focuses on the Blue Economy as a key driver of sustainable transition, value creation, and territorial competitiveness.
Conceived as a space for dialogue and co-creation, RUN-EU Innovation Meets Regions will bring together policymakers, higher education institutions, research centres, companies, entrepreneurs, and regional and European stakeholders to reflect on the contribution of innovation to more sustainable, resilient, and inclusive regional development.
Peniche, shaped by its relationship with the sea, is highlighted as a living laboratory for innovation in the Blue Economy, where scientific knowledge, marine resources, emerging economic activities, tourism, sustainable development, natural heritage, and community engagement intersect.
Its links to the Berlengas Biosphere Reserve, fishing communities, coastal tourism and blue innovation ecosystems reinforce its strong applied dimension and territorial embeddedness.
By bringing together local, national, and European partners, this initiative positions Peniche and the Oeste region of Portugal as an emerging Blue Economy hub, aligned with European Union priorities and committed to a more sustainable, innovative, and territorially rooted future.
The RUN-EU Innovation Meets Regions will take place at the Peniche Multipurpose Pavilion, alongside the RUN-EU Student Research Colloquium, which will run from 27 to 29 May 2026, the Conference on Blue Economy with keynote speakers, on 28 May 2026, and the Peniche Biennial of the Sea – one of the largest fairs dedicated to sea-related economic activities, held from 22 to 31 May 2026.
RUN-EU Innovation Meets Regions
on Blue Economy
Date
26 to 29 May 2026
Time
9h00–17h30 (local time)
Mode
On-site event
Peniche Multipurpose Pavilion, Portugal
It will focus on:
- Promoting the sharing of European best practices and experiences in the Blue Economy and regional innovation.
- Strengthening links between science, business and public policy.
- Enhancing local and regional blue innovation ecosystems.
- Fostering collaborative solutions to societal, environmental and economic challenges.
Target groups
RUN-EU partners, researchers, regional entrepreneurs, organisations, and students
Why Join?
- Connect with European stakeholders in the Blue Economy.
- Discover best practices in innovation and sustainability.
- Collaborate and co-create solutions to real challenges.
- Explore Peniche as a living innovation hub.
- Expand your international network within RUN-EU.
- Experience a dynamic programme with research, industry and regional events.
Programme Highlights
- Opening Ceremony of RUN-EU Innovation Meets Regions, with keynote speakers and a VIP visit to the IMR exhibition and to Smart Ocean (26 May).
- RUN-EU Technology Showcase (26–28 May).
- Visits to regional companies (27 May).
- Workshops for researchers on funding programmes and on strengthening researchers’ visibility in the European knowledge ecosystem (27 May).
- RUN-EU Research Groups and RUN-EU Associated Partners Meetings (27 May).
- RUN-EU Student Colloquium (all topics) and the Conference on Blue Economy (28 May).
- Visit to the Berlengas Biosphere Reserve and surf lesson for students (29 May).
- Biennial of the Sea and Fisherman’s Day, regional events organised by the Municipality of Peniche (22–31 May).
Pratical information
Hosted by
IPLeiria, Portugal