Project description

Aquaculture is a strategic and rapidly evolving sector for Europe, offering not only sustainable food production but also strong economic development and job creation, particularly in coastal and rural regions. In alignment with the European Green Deal, the Farm to Fork Strategy, and the Strategic Guidelines for a More Sustainable and Competitive EU Aquaculture (2021–2030), aquaculture plays a key role in ensuring a secure supply of nutritious, safe, and affordable food for EU citizens. It contributes to climate change mitigation, biodiversity preservation, and circular resource management—especially through species such as bivalve mollusks, which support decarbonisation and pollution reduction.

To advance this vision, a consortium of leading European stakeholders—including aquaculture companies, business associations, vocational training providers, universities, and research centres—launches AQUATECHInn 4.0, a pioneering digital training programme aligned with Industry 4.0 and the EU’s ecological and digital transition goals.

The project implements a comprehensive, modular vocational training programme that integrates cutting-edge technological, environmental, and production-related innovations in aquaculture. Through the use of Virtual Reality (VR), gamification, and blended learning methodologies, AQUATECHInn 4.0 equips fish farm technicians with advanced digital and green skills, enhances their adaptability, and promotes continuous professional development. The initiative addresses current labour market demands and strengthens the sector’s capacity to meet sustainability, resilience, and competitiveness targets.

Functioning as a European reference model for innovative and digitally enhanced vocational training in aquaculture, AQUATECHInn 4.0 strengthens the knowledge base, empowers professionals, and drives the EU’s transition toward a resilient, inclusive, and sustainable Blue Economy.