Transnational Governance Frameworks for Sustainable Innovation: The Case Of The Blue Bioeconomy In The Mediterranean

Abstract

Recent developments in innovation policy have challenged the initial assumptions of Smart Specialisation Strategies (S3), initially aimed at promoting innovation for regional growth. In response to the United Nations Agenda 2030 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), the new S3 seeks to address social and sustainable development challenges. The present study sets out to propose an extension of one of these reformed S3 approaches to a multilevel governance setting. The study will propose a governance model suitable to support innovation in the blue bioeconomy –those economic activities related to the living resources at sea–, in the Mediterranean.