As part of the SeaTecHub Expert Visits, AKTI had the pleasure of hosting a focused workshop on how to turn research into real-world impact, under the title:
“FROM RESEARCH TO IMPACT – Exploiting Research Results and Managing IP.”

The visit was organised by the Croatian Chamber of Economy (HGK) within the SeaTecHub project and took place at AKTI’s offices.

Two days of hands-on learning on IP & exploitation

Over the course of two intensive days, expert Petra Karanikić guided participants through the full journey of bringing research outcomes closer to the market and society.

The workshop covered key topics such as:

• 🔍 Identifying Key Exploitable Results (KERs) within research projects

• 🛡️ Intellectual Property (IP) protection strategies

• 💼 Commercialisation pathways and routes to market

• ✅ Freedom to Operate (FTO) and how to assess risks before scaling up

The sessions combined theory with practical examples, allowing participants to reflect on their own projects and explore how SeaTecHub results can be better structured for uptake and sustainability.

Collaboration across the SeaTecHub partnership

Our partners from the Cyprus Marine and Maritime Institute (CMMI) joined the workshop, bringing in their experience from the marine and maritime innovation ecosystem.

Their contributions enriched the discussions around:

• how to align research agendas with real industry needs,

• how to prepare innovations for future investors and adopters,

• and how cross-border collaboration can strengthen the impact of blue economy solutions.

This expert visit is part of SeaTecHub’s broader efforts to build capacities for innovation, technology transfer, and exploitation planning among project partners and stakeholders.

Thank you for an inspiring expert visit! 🙌

A warm thank you to Petra Karanikić for leading such an engaging and insightful workshop, and to the Croatian Chamber of Economy for organising this expert visit within SeaTecHub.

We also extend our thanks to all participants for their active involvement, meaningful questions, and commitment to ensuring that research in the blue economy does not stay on paper, but translates into tangible benefits for society, the environment, and the economy.