Maritime Business and Technology Convention Commences in Italy

The eighth edition of SEAFUTURE, a maritime business and technology convention, will commence at the La Spezia Naval Base in Italy. The conference will focus on the development and sustainability of the Mediterranean’s blue economy and will also cover topics related to security issues, technological innovations, and the transition to green energy.

Italy is a key stakeholder of WestMed, an initiative of the European Commission that seeks to promote the blue economy, defined as the use of maritime resources to promote economic growth without harming the environment, in the Western Mediterranean. Its navy has cooperated closely with the initiative, and Rome has recently adopted a more proactive policy towards the Mediterranean region.

Furthermore, Italy is a particularly good choice for this year’s edition of SEAFUTURE, as the country serves as a hub for maritime companies, startups, and research institutes. Italy boasts Europe’s third largest blue economy: a $145 billion industry that represents 10% of the country’s GDP and employs close to 1 million workers. Additionally, Italy’s National Recovery and Resilience Plan will add more than $3 billion in economic investments in maritime infrastructure and ecological sustainability projects. Often overlooked, the blue economy can play a strategic role in the economic revival and development of Italy.