What is the Blue Economy? #
The Blue Economy refers to the sustainable use of ocean and coastal resources for economic growth, social development, and environmental protection. In the context of Europe, the Blue Economy is becoming increasingly important as a source of job creation, economic growth, and sustainable development. The European Union recognizes the potential of the Blue Economy and has developed a strategic approach to support its growth, focusing on areas such as maritime transport, fisheries, and aquaculture, marine energy, and marine minerals and biotechnology. The EU is working to promote sustainable and responsible management of the ocean and coastal resources, while also preserving the delicate balance of marine ecosystems. The Blue Economy is not only seen as a source of economic opportunity but also as a key contributor to achieving the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals, such as reducing poverty, fighting climate change, and promoting sustainable food production. Europe is home to a number of world-leading companies and research institutions working in the Blue Economy, and the EU is committed to supporting the growth and development of this sector, which is critical to the future of the region.
Blue Social Economy Mission #
A Social Economy Mission workshop in the context of the European COSME projects is an event aimed at bringing together stakeholders from the social economy sector to discuss and develop solutions to challenges faced by this sector. These workshops provide a platform for exchange of ideas and best practices, networking, and the identification of opportunities for collaboration. They are designed to promote the competitiveness and sustainability of social economy enterprises and contribute to the development of the social economy in Europe. The workshops may include presentations, group discussions, and interactive sessions, and typically bring together representatives from cooperatives, mutuals, non-profit organizations, and relevant public authorities.
The Blue Social Economy Mission will be organised in Croatia from the 28th to the 30th of March 2023.
Immagine di vectorjuice su Freepik
Participants #
The Blue SEM was attended by a total of 28 attendees. Social economy stakeholders were selected by the consortium partners in each territory based on their experience in the blue sector and on the degree of innovation of their businesses and projects.
Methodology #
The Blue SEM methodology comprised the organizing of three distinct events with the goal of identifying, sharing, and analyzing best practices, co-designing creative solutions, and commenting on possible practical applications within the context of the New European Bauhaus.
Activity 1– “Designing in blue”: The methodology used in this activity (Design Thinking) help in finding of innovative and brilliant solutions to any problem. Activities are carried out in 5 phases (Phase 1 – Empathise, Phase 2 – Define, Phase 3 – Ideate, Phase 4 – Prototyping, Phase 5 – Evaluate).
Activity 2– “Visits to examples of good practice”: identified in the region of the Blue SEM host partner.
Activity 3– “Maritime Heritage Workshop”: Experts in maritime heritage highlighting the tangible and intangible cultural heritage that unites all participants. The idea of new uses of maritime heritage and how to conserve it were worked on, and synergies were established with the New European Bauhaus of the Seas. The “Bauhaus of the Seas” was the first thematic network proposed in the context of the cocreation phase of the New European Bauhaus.
Results #
„Design thinking“ workshop showed the importance of empathy, collaboration, and creativity in problem-solving. The ideas generated by the groups were diverse and showed the potential for innovative solutions to the problem of waste on Sakarun beach on Dugi Otok, Croatia. Overall, the workshop was an excellent learning opportunity for the participants, and it demonstrated the power of the Design Thinking methodology in solving complex problems.
