Maritime Industry Growth Through Optimized Learning and Digitalisation (MARIGOLD)
Project time period — 2024 - 2025
Lead — CTT
Partners — CTT and UNZAG FSB (Croatia), ÅKP AS (GCE Blue Maritime Cluster)
Funding — EEA Grants
Objective
The MARIGOLD project aims to enhance long-term business collaboration between Croatia and Norway, focusing on Blue Growth and Maritime Digitalization. This project focuses on the digital transition and how the Norwegian and Croatian maritime businesses and educational institutions can cooperate in the field of digitalization to provide long term networks and connections, especially within the field of automation. GCE aims at facilitating the collaboration between these countries by developing a dynamic student-2-business model where students from both countries gain practical competence through internships within the maritime industries in both Norway and Croatia.
Activity 1: Mapping Educational and Industry Capacity
The first activity involves a comprehensive analysis of the educational institutions and industry needs in Croatia and Norway. The project team works on mapping the number of universities and technical institutions that provide this specific type of education. By assessing their current capacities and alignment with industry needs in the field of digital transition, the team will identify skill gaps and recommend improvements to educational programs to meet industry demands.
Activity 2: Hybrid Student-to-Business Event
A hybrid event will bring together students, educators, and industry stakeholders to identify relevant collaboration areas. This webinar aims to bridge the skills gap in the maritime industry and promote careers in areas like automation, sustainable blue economy, and zero-emission transport. The event will support networking, increase student engagement, and establish frameworks for ongoing collaboration.
Activity 3: Transnational Match-Making Event in Norway
A match-making event in Ålesund, Norway, will facilitate direct interactions between students and industry, aiming to create internships, mentorships, and job opportunities. The event will focus on automation, green- and digital innovation within the maritime industry, promoting an arena for international collaboration.
Activity 4: Establishing the Student-to-Business Internship Concept
The final activity is to develop a structured internship program connecting students with maritime businesses in Croatia and Norway. The program will focus on providing hands-on experience and address the competency gap, with the aim of preparing students for sustainable careers in automation, digitalization, and green shipping.
This project will ultimately reinforce the ties between educational institutions and the maritime industry, fostering a sustainable future for the sector.
