The Ukrainian National Hub held its national event “Innovating Voices: Communication Strategies for Advancing the Blue Economy” on 19 June in Odesa, bringing together scientists, artists and blue‑economy stakeholders for a cross‑sector dialogue on modern communication approaches. Organised under the Common Maritime Agenda and supported by the Black Sea Assistance Mechanism, the workshop explored how creative tools, scientific insights and cultural practices can jointly advance public understanding of the blue economy. The event report, recently published by the National Hub, provides a detailed account of these discussions and the ideas developed during the workshop.
Exploring New Communication Approaches
The workshop examined how modern communication tools can help make blue‑economy topics more accessible to wider audiences. Participants discussed the potential of augmented reality, AI‑supported storytelling and interactive media to translate complex scientific information into engaging narratives. Insights from ongoing scientific projects, including IASON+, DIVERSEA, BlueC, EU4EMBLAS and RESPONSE, informed the conversation on how research outputs can be adapted for public‑facing materials and educational use.
Science, Creativity and Future Vision
The event brought together scientific insights and creative perspectives, combining inputs from ongoing research projects with contributions from artists, designers and museum specialists. Participants explored new communication tools such as interactive media, augmented reality and AI‑supported storytelling while reflecting on how these approaches can help engage wider audiences in blue‑economy topics. The workshop also provided space to consider the conceptual foundations of a future Black Sea Museum in Odesa, including its goals, potential structure and opportunities for integrating science and art.
The Vision for a Black Sea Museum
A dedicated session focused on shaping the concept for a future Black Sea Museum in Odesa. Participants outlined a shared vision for a modern, interdisciplinary institution that brings together scientific knowledge, artistic expression and community engagement around the Black Sea and the blue economy. They discussed how science galleries could draw on regional research projects, how interactive zones could use augmented reality and AI‑driven storytelling and how a citizen‑science and pollution‑response space could support public participation. The idea of hosting temporary art–science residencies and rotating exhibitions was also explored, along with the potential for an outdoor interpretive trail linked to artificial‑reef initiatives. The conversation further addressed governance models, partnership opportunities and a blended funding strategy combining EU programmes, national research funds, philanthropic support and municipal cooperation.
Lessons Learned
The event demonstrated the value of cross‑sector collaboration in shaping compelling blue‑economy narratives. Participants agreed that combining scientific data with storytelling is essential for reaching non‑specialist audiences. They noted that hybrid digital and physical experiences can broaden engagement, while modular museum components allow future exhibitions to evolve over time. Embedding outputs from ongoing regional projects was recognised as a way to strengthen credibility and streamline content development. The workshop also highlighted the importance of community inclusion to ensure that future initiatives remain relevant and foster long‑term stewardship.