Promoting interactions and projects between schools, training institutes and the professional world.
Creating collaborative spaces for experimentation: technology halls, co-working spaces, Learning Centers, Port Centers etc., to encourage interaction and stimulate new projects.
How can the port foster innovation through partnerships?
Transforming previously abandoned areas into innovative places has significant symbolic value for the Port City. Additionally, transitional spaces between the city and the port can be utilised as locations for creative districts and innovation hubs. In today’s world, where being responsive, forward-thinking, and flexible is increasingly necessary, such areas can be highly beneficial. Moreover, cooperation with educational institutions and collaboration with other stakeholders can increase these benefits even more. These benefits can be seen in Algeciras, where part of the port areas are being transformed together with the local university.
This good practice also includes objective 5.5 (Creating collaborative spaces for experimentation, e.g. technology halls, coworking spaces, Learning Centers, Port Centers, etc. to encourage interaction and stimulate new projects) of the AIVP’s 2030 Agenda.
Human Capital Development is one of the key vectors for the Port Authority of Algeciras. There are three key interconnected areas in which the port authority has invested to become a smart port and centre for research and innovation. First, cooperates with the University of Cadiz (UCA) in the Master's courses for port engineering, management and logistics. Second, this cooperation will be strengthened with the new facilities the port authority plans in the Port-City interface, the plan of Lago Marítimo in the area of Llano Amarillo. The goal is to improve the waterfront area with sports facilities and university infrastructure. The new UCA building was inaugurated in 2023 and has an innovation centre for port and logistics, and it will be the headquarters of the European University of the Seas. The same project will also include a new Port Center and museum. Finally, the port authority is also developing a program named Journey of Innovation, including the Algeciras BrainPort initiative. This five-year program (2025-2030) aims to nurture an open innovation culture in the port authority and port community, exploring the opportunities new technologies bring to improve logistic services and integrated solutions. The program is divided into stages, from evaluating the challenges and opportunities to implementing partnerships and assessing the results. This I+D+i (RDI) program includes support to start-ups and awards for master students, besides events and open calls for ideas.
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