The Hub Azul Portugal platform, promoted by Fórum Oceano, was officially mentioned as a reference source in the European Commission's Blue Economy Report 2024, marking a significant milestone for Portugal's position in the European blue economy panorama. The report highlights the role of the Hub Azul Dealroom, a digital tool developed to map and monitor innovation, investment and employment trends in the ocean economy, with particular emphasis on the fast-growing blue biotechnology sector.
According to the report, Hub Azul Portugal is emerging as a key player in providing data and knowledge that supports informed decision-making in policy, investment and business development. This recognition reinforces the value of platforms that integrate economic intelligence with strategic links across the sector.
The Blue Economy Report 2024 includes data from the Blue Hub, which reveals a dynamic and expanding ecosystem: in 2023, the blue biotechnology sector in Europe represented 163 registered start-ups and scale-ups, generated an estimated economic value of 1.1 billion euros and employed almost 4,000 professionals, mainly in small and emerging companies. These figures emphasise the sector's importance as a driver of innovation, sustainability and competitiveness.
For Fórum Oceano, this recognition reflects not only the impact of the Blue Hub initiative, but also Portugal's strategic commitment to strengthening its leadership in ocean-based industries. By bridging the gap between science, business and investment, the Blue Hub is contributing to the transformation of the blue economy into a pillar of sustainable growth at both national and European level.
The Blue Economy Report 2024 is available in full from the European Commission, and the Blue Hub Dealroom remains open to all interested parties wishing to explore the evolving opportunities within the blue economy.