Blue Economy Training Centre Opens as a Flagship SKILLS Infrastructure for Practical Learning

The Blue Economy Training Centre (BETC) is one of the flagship results of the SKILLS – High LEVEL and market-respondent Competences for a Blue and Digitalized “Smart and skilled South Adriatic” project. Located at the Institute of Marine Biology (IMBK) of the University of Montenegro (UoM) in Kotor, the Centre has been established as a permanent facility dedicated to strengthening practical skills and supporting innovation in the blue economy.

BETC was created to address one of the key challenges identified during the implementation of the SKILLS project—the need for modern, practice-oriented training environments where students, professionals, researchers, and businesses can develop market-relevant competences through hands-on learning.

Following the complete renovation and modernisation of part of the Institute's historic premises, BETC now provides flexible teaching and conference rooms, a fully equipped practical training workshop, meeting facilities, and specialised technical equipment supporting vocational education, applied professional training, and demonstration activities.

The Centre represents the practical backbone of Work Package 3 of the SKILLS project, enabling the implementation of Innovative Learning Modules (ILMs) and Cross-Border Higher Education Learning Modules (HELMs). By combining classroom instruction with practical exercises and real-life demonstrations, BETC helps bridge the gap between education and labour market needs across the South Adriatic region.

Strategically embedded within the Institute of Marine Biology, BETC benefits from more than six decades of scientific excellence in marine research. Founded in 1961, the Institute is the only scientific institution in Montenegro dedicated exclusively to marine research. Today it operates five specialised laboratories and the Adriatic Biodiversity Conservation Centre – Aquarium Boka, while actively participating in numerous European research and innovation projects.

Beyond supporting SKILLS activities, BETC has been designed as a long-term regional resource. The Centre is open to project partners and external stakeholders, including universities, vocational education and training providers, public authorities, small and medium-sized enterprises, and professionals working in aquaculture, marine environmental management, maritime sectors, and other blue economy industries.

The Centre also works in synergy with the SKILLS Blue Economy Digital Platform, enabling blended learning, knowledge sharing, and wider access to educational resources across Montenegro, Albania, and Italy.

As a permanent institutional investment, BETC will continue supporting lifelong learning, professional upskilling, technology transfer, and cross-border cooperation well beyond the lifetime of the SKILLS project. It provides a modern environment where knowledge, innovation, and practical experience come together to strengthen the competitiveness, sustainability, and resilience of the South Adriatic blue economy.

The establishment of BETC demonstrates the long-term commitment of the Institute of Marine Biology and the SKILLS partnership to developing highly skilled professionals capable of addressing the environmental, technological, and economic challenges of the marine sector while promoting sustainable growth throughout the South Adriatic region.