Innovation in the Blue Economy: realising the potential of our seas and oceans for jobs and growth

Key EESC messages

• Between 3 and 5% of the EU's GDP comes from the overall maritime sector, which employs around 5.6 million people and generates EUR 495 billion for the European economy. Some 90% of foreign trade and 43% of intra-EU trade takes place via maritime routes. European shipbuilding and allied industries account for 10% of global production. Almost 100,000 boats are in operation around Europe, in fisheries or aquaculture with mineral extraction and wind farm activities, also developing.
• The EESC welcomes the EC document, which sets out to maximise the employment potential of seas and oceans through innovation, with specific emphasis on marine biotechnology, ocean energy and seabed mining.
• The EESC recommends that in tandem with the scientific approach of the document, there is a need to integrate coastal tourism strategies into the process in order not only to boost civil society's interest in the subject but also to benefit from integrated cooperation between the two visions of the process.
• The EESC recommends that coastal and island communities that are experiencing serious decline in the traditional industries, including fishing, should be fully included at all stages of the development of the blue economy so as to guarantee the correct balance between R&D and tourism activities that can create jobs and prosperity. The EESC would specify that all communities affected by the blue economy should be represented in a meaningful dialogue among all of the stakeholders. Furthermore, these communities, and more specifically islands, have clear potential here and a specific contribution to make as regards innovation within the blue economy.
• The EESC is concerned by the lack of coordination of measures initiated by the private and public sectors and notes that similar tensions exist among Member States.
• The EESC notes that the lack of adequate data and data systems necessary for accurate information about our seas and their potential is impeding innovation development, despite efforts by several universities and knowledge institutes across the Member States.

Contact the TEN Section secretariat for more information