The BlueBio project's database: web-mapping cooperation to create value for the Blue Bioeconomy

Area of Science:

• Marine Biotechnology
• Aquaculture
• Fisheries
• Seafood Processing

Background:

• Innovation funding requires knowledge of past/ongoing research, but databases are scattered and incomplete.
• Identifying gaps and synergies among actors, networks, and projects is crucial for effective research funding.
• Existing resources for the Blue Bioeconomy sector lack comprehensiveness and searchability.

Purpose of the Study:

• To present the BlueBio database, a novel, comprehensive compilation of funded research projects.
• To consolidate and harmonize data on international and national research projects from 2003-2019.
• To provide a searchable and accessible resource for the Blue Bioeconomy sector.

Main Methods:

• Data collection over 4 years, including 4 surveys and extensive data retrieval, building on the COFASP ERA-NET database.
• Integration, harmonization, and open sharing of project data.
• Dissemination via a WebGIS platform for data entry, update, and validation.

Main Results:

• Compilation of 3,254 georeferenced research projects active between 2003 and 2019.
• Projects cover Fisheries, Aquaculture, Seafood Processing, and Marine Biotechnology.
• Data includes 22 parameters, both textual and spatial, providing a robust overview.

Conclusions:

• The BlueBio database serves as a living archive for the Blue Bioeconomy sector.
• It informs stakeholders about research activities, gaps, and synergies during a period of transformation.
• The database is freely available to support future research and innovation.