Multi-Stakeholder Networks as Governance Structures and ICT Tools to Boost Blue Biotechnology in Spain

Jesus E. Argente-Garcia (), Jaime Bernardeau-Esteller, Cristóbal Aguilera, Juan Luis Gómez Pinchetti, María Semitiel-García and Antonio F. Skarmeta Gómez
Additional contact information
Jesus E. Argente-Garcia: Department of Information and Communication Engineering, University of Murcia, 30100 Murcia, Spain
Jaime Bernardeau-Esteller: Seagrass Ecology Group, Spanish Institute of Oceanography—CSIC, C/Varadero, San Pedro del Pinatar, 30740 Murcia, Spain
Cristóbal Aguilera: Institute for Agri-Food Research and Technology, San Carles de la Rapita, 43540 Tarragona, Spain
Juan Luis Gómez Pinchetti: Spanish Bank of Algae, Institute of Oceanography and Global Change, University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, 35003 Las Palmas, Spain
María Semitiel-García: Department of Applied Economics, University of Murcia, 30100 Murcia, Spain
Antonio F. Skarmeta Gómez: Department of Information and Communication Engineering, University of Murcia, 30100 Murcia, Spain

Sustainability, 2024, vol. 17, issue 1, 1-17

Abstract: Blue Biotechnology (BBt) is a young and promising sector in the Mediterranean region with the potential to drive innovation and strengthen the Blue Economy (BE). However, its progress is constrained by fragmented coordination among stakeholders, impeding policy development and efficient resource management. Under this context, this study investigates the role of networks of diverse stakeholders, particularly the Spanish Blue Biotechnology Hub (BBHub) and a digital tool, ICT Matchmaking Tool (which connects network actors), in addressing these challenges by fostering collaboration, enhancing governance and supporting sustainable innovation. Building on this, the research employed the quadruple helix model (administrations, academia and research, industry and society), engaging 214 individuals from 130 organizations in the BBHub network. A survey assessed participants’ involvement and influence perceptions, followed by the formation of a discussion group “called sherpa group” of 10 key stakeholders for in-depth discussions through semi-structured interviews and meetings. Through this approach, key barriers to BBt and potential solutions for BE sustainable growth in Spain were identified, including regulatory obstacles, limited funding or weak public-private collaboration. Among the solutions proposed were the simplification of administrative processes to create new business, the creation of specific funding opportunities or the implementation of labelling policies to promote BBt products and value chains. Considering these findings, the study demonstrates that the BBHub network and ICT Matchmaking Tool could enhance stakeholder coordination, governance and decision-making processes in Spain. By addressing these gaps, these tools enable collaboration and better coordination among actors, contributing to sustainable marine resource use and innovation in the BBt and BE sector. However, sustained progress requires stable funding and stronger stakeholder commitments. In turn, as a broader implication, this research provides a replicable model for leveraging open innovation and multi-stakeholder frameworks to promote coordination, policy development and sustainable growth in the BBt and BE sectors. Thus, it offers insights into addressing governance challenges in Spain and the Mediterranean, advancing the use of marine bioresources through collaborative approaches.

Keywords: networks of actors; governance structures; ICT solutions; mediterranean stakeholder collaboration; blue biotechnologies (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: O13 Q Q0 Q2 Q3 Q5 Q56 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2024
References: View references in EconPapers View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (1)

Downloads: (external link)
https://www.mdpi.com/2071-1050/17/1/155/pdf (application/pdf)
https://www.mdpi.com/2071-1050/17/1/155/ (text/html)

Related works:
This item may be available elsewhere in EconPapers: Search for items with the same title.

Export reference: BibTeX RIS (EndNote, ProCite, RefMan) HTML/Text

Persistent link: https://EconPapers.repec.org/RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:17:y:2024:i:1:p:155-:d:1555223

Access Statistics for this article

Sustainability is currently edited by Ms. Alexandra Wu

More articles in Sustainability from MDPI
Bibliographic data for series maintained by MDPI Indexing Manager ().