With the backing of the Cabildo of La Palma, local businesses and entities are working alongside the Canary Islands Oceanic Platform (PLOCAN) and LPRC on the Blue Innovation Centre (BIC), an innovative space in the Port of Tazacorte that will promote entrepreneurship, specialized training, job creation, and the development of new technologies.
Los Llanos de Aridane, February 28, 2025 – In a meeting organized by La Palma Research Centre (LPRC), together with the Canary Islands Oceanic Platform (PLOCAN) and with the support of the Cabildo of La Palma at the Benahoarita Archaeological Museum in Los Llanos de Aridane, representatives of businesses, institutions, and entities from the blue economy sector gathered to advance the creation of the Blue Innovation Centre (BIC). For La Palma’s blue economy sector, this center will drive technological innovation in the Port of Tazacorte.
The event was attended by representatives from the tourism sector (such as whale watching companies), entities linked to aquaculture and desalination, experts in innovation and renewable energies, as well as public administrations and research centers. The diversity of sectors present enriched the discussion with complementary perspectives on the needs and opportunities of the BIC.
The meeting marked an initial step in consolidating a community of businesses and entities that support the project. Key topics discussed included the improvement of strategic infrastructure, financing through projects, and attracting investment funds. This gathering helped advance the strategy and define the next steps needed to bring this initiative to fruition, ensuring benefits for La Palma’s entire blue economy sector.
The Cabildo of La Palma, as the funder of the BIC feasibility study and the meeting, reaffirmed its commitment to developing the blue economy on the island. Both public administration and private sector representatives highlighted the importance of having infrastructure that fosters research, innovation, and job creation.
For his part, PLOCAN’s director, Joaquín Hernández Brito, emphasized that the BIC has the potential to position La Palma as a global benchmark in the blue economy. “This center will act as a driver for local development, with a focus on specialized training that meets the demands of the global market,” said Hernández.
The BIC will be located in the Port of Tazacorte, covering an area of 3,000 m² and including infrastructure such as marine research laboratories, training areas, spaces for entrepreneurs and businesses, all with a cross-cutting focus on sustainability. Its strategic objectives include driving the digital and ecological transition of key sectors, creating a multidisciplinary innovation environment, attracting talent and investment capital, and training the local population in skills related to the blue economy.
Boosting Employment and Business Competitiveness
This center will provide local businesses with new infrastructure and services to strengthen their competitiveness, access advanced technologies, and optimize their processes. Representatives from various companies recognized the need for a space that fosters innovation and allows them to access cutting-edge technologies.
During the meeting, participants identified the BIC’s high potential in R&D&I, given the availability of marine resources and the opportunity to develop projects in underwater robotics, renewable energy, and marine sensing. Additionally, the need for agile and practical training in areas such as artificial intelligence applied to the marine sector, aquatic infrastructure maintenance, digitalization, and sustainable coastal resource management was highlighted.
Commitment to the Future of the BIC
During the meeting, participants expressed their support for the creation of the BIC. It was agreed to work on a statement of intent to formalize the commitment of the involved entities and businesses, establishing the main action lines to ensure the center’s viability. Furthermore, the importance of integrating the BIC into European innovation networks and attracting international investment was emphasized.
In this regard, PLOCAN’s director underscored the crucial role of collaboration among the various stakeholders: “The BIC represents a great opportunity to strengthen innovation and knowledge transfer in the marine sector. The involvement of the private sector and public administrations is essential to make this initiative a sustainable reality with long-term impact.” Hernández also highlighted the importance of establishing a clear governance framework to ensure the project’s continuity.
With the support of local institutions and the private sector, the Blue Innovation Centre will mark a milestone in La Palma’s economy, positioning it as a leader in the blue economy sector. The meeting concluded with the planning of upcoming actions, including drafting the BIC roadmap, creating a steering committee, and scheduling periodic meetings to track progress. “We plan to organize a group interview next week to hear from blue economy stakeholders, with the goal of creating a BIC that meets their needs,” concluded Laia d’Armengol, LPRC coordinator in La Palma.
