The Polytechnic University of Leiria (Portugal), through the School of Tourism and Maritime Technology and its associated research unit MARE-IPLeiria, is strongly committed to implementing and boosting a BLUE INNOVATION ECOSYSTEM FOR THE BIOECONOMY.

To this end, significant investment has been made in recent years in terms of building infrastructures (e.g. CETEMARES), reinforcing scientific and technological equipment to support R&D and training activities, as well as recruiting highly qualified researchers. This strategic option has allowed the Polytechnic University of Leiria to become a key partner in the growth of the blue economy at regional and national level, reflectedin the establishment of partnerships with public and private entities.

With regard to Research & Development on Ocean & Sustainability, the Polytechnic University of Leiria strategy has been supported on a set of national and international projects in the following areas: (1) Protection and Restoration of Marine Ecosystems; (2) Circular and Sustainable Blue; (3) Sustainability andFood Safety and (4) Ocean Literacy and Blue Science Communication