We are delighted to share exciting highlights from the recent International Scientific Conference, «Modern Paradigms in the Development of the National and World Economy», where global thought leaders convened to discuss innovative approaches to economic development.One of the key moments of the conference was the participation of Tzvetalina Genova-Petrova from Varna University of Management, Bulgaria, who proudly represented Project BSB00332: INTERSMARTS — Interdisciplinary Solutions for Smart Sustainable Tourism and Services for Blue Growth in the Black Sea Basin.In her presentation, Tzvetalina underscored the critical importance of sustainable tourism as a cornerstone of blue growth, highlighting how it can support economic development while protecting the fragile marine and coastal ecosystems of the Black Sea Basin. She also addressed the unique challenges faced by the tourism sector in the region, including environmental threats, uneven development, and the need for enhanced collaboration between stakeholders.To address these challenges, the INTERSMARTS project takes an interdisciplinary approach, combining research, networking, and co-creation to foster smart and sustainable solutions tailored for the Black Sea Basin. The project emphasizes the need to position tourism as a knowledge-intensive sector, unlocking its potential for sustainability and innovation.
A key feature of INTERSMARTS is its implementation of the quintuple innovation helix model, which integrates five key stakeholder groups:
- Academia: Driving research and innovation.
- Business: Promoting sustainable entrepreneurship and investments.
- Government: Supporting policies for resilience and growth.
- Civil Society: Encouraging community involvement and cultural preservation.
- The Environment: Ensuring the protection of ecosystems for long-term sustainability.
This collaborative model aims to cultivate a knowledge-based economy that supports the future of tourism in the Black Sea Basin. By engaging stakeholders across all sectors, INTERSMARTS seeks to create a resilient and inclusive tourism industry, fostering both economic prosperity and environmental stewardship.
We are proud to see the growing impact of INTERSMARTS in the region and beyond. Its focus on smart, sustainable tourism solutions is a testament to the transformative power of interdisciplinary collaboration.
The project “INTERSMARTS: Interdisciplinary Solutions for Smart Sustainable Tourism and Services for Blue Growth in the Black Sea Basin” aims to improve the sustainability performance and innovation absorption of tourism and services via interdisciplinary research, networking, co-creation and holistic knowledge generation.
The INTERSMARTS project is co-funded by the INTERREG NEXT Black Sea Basin Programme 2021-2027.
