“Role of the port in encouraging innovators and local start-ups to be part of the port ecosystem”
The ESPO Award on Social Integration of Ports is entering its 12th edition. The theme of this year is “Enhancing the port-city relationship by encouraging innovators and local start-ups to be part of the port ecosystem”.
Innovation is key for European ports if they want to prepare for a zero-carbon and digital future. Most European ports are situated in or near big urban agglomerations where innovation and start-up businesses are at their best.
The ESPO Award 2020 will go to the port managing body that has developed a successful strategy to attract innovation and local start-ups to the port and thus matches supply and demand for innovative solutions for the port and its stakeholders. The winning port will demonstrate to what extent this strategy has led not only to stimulating innovation in the port, but also making the port ecosystem an attractive place for innovative ideas and local young start-up talents.
Project submissions have to reach the ESPO Secretariat by Friday 26 June 2020 at the latest. The application form and the terms of reference are available on the ESPO Website.
The 12th ESPO Award will be officially handed out during an Award Ceremony and Dinner, which will take place on 10 November in Brussels.
The ESPO Award was established in 2009 to promote innovative projects of port authorities that improve social integration of ports, especially with the city or wider community in which they are located. In this way, the Award aims to stimulate the sustainable development of European ports and their cities.
Previous winners of the Award are the Port of Gijón (2009), the Port of Helsinki (2010), the Ports of Stockholm (2011), the Port of Genoa (2012), the Port of Antwerp (2013), the Port of Koper (2014), Port of Dublin (2015), BremenPorts (2016) and Guadeloupe Ports Caraïbes (2017), Port of Rotterdam (2018), Port of Dover (2019 – picture).