Methodology for Transformative co-creation innovation labs (TRAIN labs)
Blue Ecosystem objective is to enhance the capacities of quintuple helix stakeholders and the uptake of solutions through a transformative innovation approach applied to the Sustainable Bleu Economy sector. This document outlines a methodology for establishing Transformative Co-Creation Innovation Labs (TRAIN Labs) and details a structured process for stakeholder engagement, mission alignment, and solution acceleration. It builds on existing frameworks (RIS3, Mission Restore Our Ocean) and includes a glossary and a participatory, design-based approach.
Project
BLUE ECOSYSTEM 
Mission
Innovative Sustainable Economy
Production year
2025
Type of result
Methodology
Target audience
Business Support Organisation, Education, Training Center and School, General public, Interest groups incl. NGOs, Local public authority, Regional public authority, Sectoral agency, SME
Covered areas
Coastal area, Marine area, Urban area
Keywords
Blue economy, Sustainable industrial transition, Environmental and sustainability policy engagement, Clustering and economic cooperation, Institutional cooperation and cooperation networks, SME and entrepreneurship
Partners
Attrattivita Ricerca Territorio Emilia Romagna
Issues addressed
The Mediterranean Blue Economy suffers from fragmented governance, limited stakeholder engagement in innovation, and uneven policy alignment. The TRAIN Labs aim to tackle these challenges through regional innovation ecosystems that foster co-creation, challenge-led missions, and transnational acceleration to achieve sustainable economic and environmental impact
Added value of the result
This methodology consolidates lessons from past projects (BLUEMED, B-Blue, etc.) while introducing practical co-design tools and a mission-based model tailored to Mediterranean regions. The novelty lies in its combination of territorial specificity, policy alignment, and a structured call-for-solutions framework grounded in the Quintuple Helix model. The methodology has been designed in a collaborative approach but is tested at territorial level and in different pilot sites.
Transferability potential
The TRAIN Lab methodology is highly adaptable to other regions if supported by strong local facilitation, stakeholder mapping, and political will, and once the challenges and territorial basis are identified. Implementation requires capacity-building in co-design methods, alignment with S3 strategies, and access to technical support for running the acceleration phase and managing multi-stakeholder collaboration.
Contribution to SDGs
SDG 13 - Climate action, SDG 14 - Life below water, SDG 8 - Decent work and economic growth, SDG 9 - Industry, innovation and infrastructure
Contribution to the Strategies and EU Policies
A new approach for a sustainable blue economy in the EU, EU Circular Economy, EU Innovation Agenda, Marine Strategy Framework Directive
