B2E – CoLAB for the Blue Bioeconomy was invited to join the Matosinhos Economic Advisory Council, recently created by the Matosinhos City Council. The main objective of this body is to promote the economic development of the municipality and attract investment.

The Matosinhos Economic Advisory Council's mission is to develop studies and proposals to attract and encourage investments aligned with the municipality's strategies, issue opinions on economic development and investment attraction strategies, contribute to the creation of sustainable jobs, support the implementation of municipal policies, and monitor specific projects, among other duties.

Within this context, B2E CoLAB emerges as a leading institution in the blue economy and bioeconomy sector, contributing its expertise and experience. The integration of B2E CoLAB, particularly in the advisory board's “Blue Economy and Green Energy” and “Innovation” working groups, highlights the growing importance of the blue bioeconomy as a driver of sustainable economic development for Matosinhos and the region.

The Matosinhos Economic Advisory Council covers different sectors of the local economy and includes representatives from various entities, including companies, business associations, educational institutions, civil society organizations, and trade unions. The general council, chaired by the Mayor of Matosinhos, Luísa Salgueiro, is responsible for approving internal regulations, proposing and approving changes to the list of members, creating and dissolving thematic advisory councils, among other responsibilities.

This step reinforces B2E CoLAB's commitment to the sustainable economic development of Matosinhos, demonstrating its commitment to contributing to the development of inclusive and effective local policies that drive progress in the region.

Based at UPTEC Mar in Leça da Palmeira, B2E CoLAB is a private non-profit organization that aims to add value to the economy and society. In the field of the blue bioeconomy—aquaculture, marine biotechnology, and living marine resources— B2E CoLAB operates in various fields, such as cooperation and collaboration with associates (research centers, universities, companies, and technological interfaces) and national and international stakeholders, advising producers and entrepreneurs on seeking and obtaining financial support, tailored HR training, strategy development and market analysis, knowledge protection and enhancement, promotion, and communication.