Green and Smart Ports: Shaping the Future of Green Transition and Skills Development in the Adriatic–Ionian Region

Throughout the workshop, participants have explored the multiple dimensions of the green transition of EUSAIR ports — ranging from technological innovation and investment needs to the crucial issue of skills alignment. What has clearly emerged from these discussions is that the energy and digital transition cannot succeed without a parallel human transition. This transformation must encompass the development of new competences, the creation of innovative partnerships, and the establishment of adaptive governance models.

Ports occupy a strategic position at the intersection of major European policy frameworks — the Green Deal, RePowerEU, and the Clean Industrial Deal. These global strategies call for rapid decarbonisation while safeguarding economic competitiveness. Achieving this dual objective requires a coordinated and integrated approach that combines infrastructure modernisation, innovation financing, and, most importantly, investment in people and skills.

Keynote addresses and panel exchanges brought forward several pivotal messages. First, the green transformation of ports must be driven by multi-level governance and a shared macro-regional vision that ensures coherence between transport, energy, and education policies. Second, cross-sector collaboration among port authorities, universities, training centres, and industry stakeholders is essential to anticipate future skill needs and to address mismatches in the labour market. Third, both public and private investments must be guided by flexibility and long-term planning, ensuring that sustainability and resilience remain at the core of the transition process.

The cross-pillar dialogue - including Blue Growth (Pillar I), Transport and Energy (Pillar II), and Improved Social Cohesion (Pillar V) - has also demonstrated that EUSAIR can play a fundamental role in bridging the gap between technological innovation and human capital development. Looking ahead, the challenge will be to translate today’s reflections into tangible, operational actions. This will require the establishment of joint projects, the reinforcement of structured cooperation frameworks, and, above all, strong political commitment. Through these efforts, EUSAIR ports can not only adapt to the requirements of decarbonisation policies but also take the lead in shaping them, becoming genuine engines of sustainable growth and innovation for the entire macroregion.