The project 4Helix+ is funded by the European Union through Interreg Med program. Albania is represented by the Albanian Development Fund.The main objective is capacity building and financing of innovative ideas and approaches to the Mediterranean marine economy sector, which is considered as an economic promoter and a generator of employment.

TIRANA-Six small Albanian businesses have been selected for the Voucher scheme. The Voucher scheme is an instrument implemented in the framework of the program 4Helix+ which aims to boost the growth of businesses operating in the Blue Economy sector.

The project 4Helix+ is funded by the European Union through Interreg Med program. Albania is represented by the Albanian Development Fund. The latter collaborates closely with EU member states such as Spain, Portugal, France, Italy and Greece.

Several months ago was launched the call for 4Helix+ Innovation Vouchers where a number of businesses were invited to apply for grants competing with innovative ideas (development new business products, services, and models).

Altogether €10.000 has been allocated by 4helix+ for each company. Over the next six month period the winners will develop and implement a small-scale innovation project within their own company under the expert guidance of a 4helix+ registered Knowledge Provider. These creative innovation experts were selected by the companies themselves.

You may find the ranking list of the companies awarded with a 4Helix+ Innovation Voucher below:

https://4helix.unicam.it/voucher_result.php

The 4Helix + project offers opportunities for collaboration between private business, government, academic circles and the community for the long-term development of the marine economy, a sector with tremendous potential.

The main objective is capacity building and financing of innovative ideas and approaches to the Mediterranean marine economy sector, which is considered as an economic promoter and a generator of employment.

In addition to support through the voucher scheme, the project aims to directly affect capacity building and adaptation in Albania to innovative ideas and methodologies used in European Union countries.

The project will last 30 months and the Albanian Development Fund will co-operate with governmental institutions at central and local level, private business, academic circles and the community of coastal areas.

Marine economy includes economic activities based on the exploitation of marine resources: from fishing and sea transport to tourism and various industries.

Many citizens in Albania, as in other developed countries, depend on the sea and its resources. It is therefore vital for countries like Albania to explore models of European Union countries to turn this resource into a generator of employment.