Jobs and growth from our seas (Blue Economy)

This communication identifies several issues that hold back innovation in the blue economy and sets out the European Commission’s plans for addressing the key barriers. Stimulating innovation in the blue economy will help develop our seas’ and oceans’ economic potential in a sustainable manner, providing jobs and growth.

ACT

Communication from the Commission to the European Parliament, the Council, the European Economic and Social Committee and the Committee of the Regions - Innovation in the Blue Economy: Realising the potential of our seas and oceans for jobs and growth (COM(2014) 254 final/2 of 13 May 2014).

SUMMARY

This communication identifies several issues that hold back innovation in the blue economy and sets out the European Commission’s plans for addressing the key barriers. Stimulating innovation in the blue economy will help develop our seas’ and oceans’ economic potential in a sustainable manner, providing jobs and growth.

WHAT DOES THIS COMMUNICATION DO?

• Proposes an open and easy-to-use network of data related to the seas and oceans by combining current databases and making them more accessible.
• Aims to develop a seabed map of all European waters by 2020.
• Seeks to create an information platform of all marine research projects, combining work from the EU level and the national levels, by the end of 2015.
• Creates a ‘Blue Economy Business and Science Forum’ that will meet in 2015 to exchange ideas and results between industry, NGOs and others with an interest in Europe's seas and oceans.
• Promotes a ‘Sector Skills Alliance’, a partnership between industry and education that aims to make the transition from learning/training to working easier and a ‘Knowledge Alliance’ that brings academics and businesses together to strengthen innovation through higher education.

KEY POINTS

• 1

  There is currently a lack of information about Europe’s seas and oceans. This restricts innovation and job growth, which is why this paper calls for improved databases and a seabed map of all European waters.

• 2

  Although research towards ‘blue growth’ has been largely successful, there are some hurdles, like duplicated research, poor access to research funds and not enough public-private collaboration.

• 3

  Research is to focus on how marine resources can create jobs and economic growth whilst ensuring that the resources are used in a sustainable way.

• 4

  There is currently a shortage of skills in the job market related to Europe’s seas and oceans and this is expected to grow if action is not taken.

BACKGROUND

This communication follows on from a European Commission communication from 2012 that demonstrates that Europe’s seas, oceans and coasts can contribute to the Europe 2020 strategy for smart, sustainable and inclusive growth.

KEY TERMS

The ‘blue economy’ refers to the part of the EU economy driven by the seas and oceans, while ‘blue growth’ refers to innovation and job creation in the marine and maritime sectors.

Further information is available from the European Commission’s Directorate-General for Maritime Affairs website, a press release and a memo for the press.

RELATED ACTS

Communication from the Commission to the European Parliament, the Council, the European Economic and Social Committee and the Committee of the Regions - Blue Growth opportunities for marine and maritime sustainable growth (COM(2012) 494 final of 13 September 2012).

last update 08.12.2014