ECCENTRIC General Meeting in Bari: Driving Innovation in the Blue Economy
Cross-border cooperation, cutting-edge materials and experimental validation: how research and industry are shaping a more resilient Adriatic.
How can innovation and cross-border cooperation shape the future of the Adriatic Blue Economy?
This was the question that IMAST and the partners of the ECCENTRIC project (funded by the Interreg Italy–Croatia 2021–2027 Programme) addressed during the General Meeting held in Bari on 18–19 September.
In line with the project’s mission – to strengthen collaboration between research institutes, companies, and technology clusters in Italy and Croatia – the meeting provided a first concrete answer: the presentation of the preliminary version of a new artificial intelligence tool developed within ECCENTRIC.
This tool will be tested with companies during the project’s pilot phase to support them in designing tailored investment plans and, once validated, will remain available to SMEs as a lasting resource to enhance the competitiveness and sustainability of the Adriatic Blue Economy.
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Meeting Highlights
During the sessions, the partners presented the project’s initial outputs -from research activities and the development of thematic roadmaps to the planning of the pilot phase – aimed at helping small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) identify effective technological solutions to their innovation needs and build a cross-border public–private network that promotes circular solutions in the emerging sectors of the Blue Economy.
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Study Visit at the Coastal Engineering Laboratory
During the meeting, participants visited the Coastal Engineering Laboratory (LIC) at the Polytechnic University of Bari, guided by the research team led by Professor Michele Mossa.
The LIC is the only facility in Italy dedicated to coastal dynamics. It features large experimental tanks and a modular wave generator capable of producing waves up to 30 meters wide, enabling highly accurate reproduction of real sea conditions.
Beyond its role as a research center, the LIC serves as a strategic resource for businesses, offering access to expertise and infrastructure to test prototypes, validate physical models, and simulate innovative solutions for coastal protection and resilience—combining scientific excellence with industrial relevance.
By enabling the testing of prototypes made with advanced materials under controlled conditions, the LIC establishes a concrete bridge between scientific knowledge and industrial needs, supporting SMEs in reducing development risks, validating innovative solutions, and accelerating their adoption on a real-world scale.
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Innovative Materials for Coastal Protection
Coastal erosion and the increasing frequency of extreme events are driving the adoption of increasingly sustainable and high-performance solutions for shoreline protection. The search for new materials plays a strategic role, offering alternatives capable of reducing environmental impact while enhancing the durability of maritime infrastructure.
Innovative materials are finding strategic applications in coastal engineering, particularly in two key areas:
1) Breakwaters and Coastal Barriers
Structures designed to dissipate wave energy and protect shorelines now rely on advanced materials such as:
- Eco-sustainable composites – Blends of natural fibers (e.g., Posidonia oceanica) combined with low-impact cementitious binders. These materials not only reduce CO₂ emissions but also improve integration with the marine ecosystem, supporting the settlement of flora and fauna.
- Reinforced structural polymers – Prefabricated modules made from advanced polymers, resistant to saline corrosion and thermal fluctuations. Their lightness facilitates transport and installation, reducing both construction costs and time.
- Geotextiles and geosynthetics – Technical fabrics that stabilize sediments and mitigate erosion at the base of structures. They are employed as separation or reinforcement layers, extending the service life of coastal defenses.
2) Anti-erosion Pavements and Coatings
Surfaces in direct contact with tides and currents require advanced solutions, including:
- High-strength polymer composites – Modular pavements offering excellent resistance to abrasion, chemicals, and UV radiation, ideal for piers, seaside promenades, and port quays.
- Permeable and draining concretes – Designed to promote rainwater runoff, they mitigate surface water flow and reduce flood risks during storm surges.
- Flexible concrete mattresses – Articulated elements that adapt to irregular seabeds, providing long-term protection even in areas exposed to strong currents.
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The Role of IMAST
IMAST’s participation in the ECCENTRIC project represents an opportunity to reaffirm its mission: strengthening excellence in research, accelerating industrial innovation, and acting as a bridge between science and industry. This is achieved through its integrated approach, which connects innovation, industrial needs, and real-world experimentation, as well as through initiatives that foster technology transfer and the growth of SMEs.