The World Ocean Council (WOC) and Economic Transformations Group (ETG) announced release of a white paper, highlighting the need and opportunity to develop Ocean/Maritime Clusters as a key part of achieving ocean sustainable development, implementing the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and advancing the “Blue Economy” and “Blue Growth”, specially in developing countries and small island states.
The paper, entitled “Ocean/maritime Clusters: Leadership and Collaboration for Ocean Sustainable Development and Implementing the Sustainable Development Goals”, suggests that by combining purpose in innovation, competitiveness, productivity, profit and environmental benefits, Ocean/Maritime Clusters can lead ocean sustainable development and realize economic benefits.
Research and analysis of eleven Ocean/Maritime Clusters by ETG indicates that the way forward is to focus on business growth and investment opportunities for responsible, sustainable ocean use which considers the intersection of ocean economic benefits, environmental health and societal value in policies and best practices.
The research indicates that four key concepts underpin success for sustainable ocean/maritime clusters:
- Leadership
- Action
- Cluster Environment
- Value Proposition
Eric Hansen, ETG President, stated:
Ocean/Maritime Cluster best practices enhance the exchange of knowledge and provide a platform for expansion of clusters to advance ocean business community leadership and collaboration and in achieving ocean sustainable development. The case studies highlight Ocean/Maritime Cluster best practices which demonstrate success factors rooted in collaborative action, key partnerships with government support, and value-adding through innovation.
The paper also provides key recommendations for organizations working to advance the role of the business leadership and collaboration in ocean sustainable development:
- Enhance and expand the role of ocean/maritime clusters in implementing sustainable development
- Accelerate the networking of ocean/maritime clusters for collaborative learning and action in support of sustainable development
- Support the development of ocean/maritime clusters for developing countries and small island developing states
Further details may be found by reading the full paper:
