The project is called BLUEVALSTEP and is based on a case study in the field of marine co-product valorization—that is, parts of fish such as skins, bones, viscera, shells, or carapaces that are still, in many cases, underutilized, but which could be integrated into higher value, technology-intensive value chains.

In an initial phase, the study aims to identify existing resources, the scientific and industrial capabilities already established in Portugal, and how the value chains associated with marine co-product valorization are organized, including the technologies involved.

This work will enable a better understanding of the sector’s structure, helping to identify gaps, constraints, and opportunities, while strengthening the knowledge base on blue biotechnology. Gaining a clearer picture of resources and capabilities is an essential step in supporting the sector’s development.

Initiative aligned with European priorities

Funded under Portugal 2030, the project is aligned with the Strategic Technologies for Europe Platform (STEP), a European Union initiative created to help member states identify and support technologies considered strategic for the future of the economy and industry.

More than simply providing a snapshot of the sector, BLUEVALSTEP, led by B2E CoLAB, aims to develop tools with practical application.

Among the expected outcomes is a proposal for an economic and technological taxonomy, that is, a more precise way of classifying and organizing activities and technologies within blue biotechnology, as well as a monitoring model with indicators to help public entities and other decision-makers track the sector and define priorities for support and investment.

A more accurate classification will improve how these activities are framed and support more effective funding decisions, while sector monitoring will contribute to better design and evaluation of public policies.

The study also includes an analysis of the relationships between the different actors involved, from those generating marine co-products to those transforming them into new products, helping to identify synergies, weaknesses, and opportunities to strengthen the ecosystem.

By combining information on available resources, existing capabilities, infrastructure, and value chains, the project contributes to a more structured understanding of the sector, helping to identify pathways to reduce waste, promote circularity, and strengthen the innovation capacity of the blue bioeconomy in Portugal.

The role of B2E CoLAB

The project’s leadership reinforces the work that B2E CoLAB has been carrying out in mapping and structuring the blue bioeconomy in Portugal, including initiatives such as the Fish Matter platform and participation in strategic efforts related to biotechnology and circularity.

With BLUEVALSTEP, B2E CoLAB continues this trajectory, aiming to contribute to a more robust understanding of the sector and to the creation of tools that help better guide public support and investment in emerging areas of blue biotechnology.