Maturing the Market for Blue Technology and Workforce
Unleashing Innovation, Collaboration, and Economic Growth Across the Ocean Enterprise
Transforming Ocean Observing into a Key Market Sector
The Ocean Enterprise Initiative is a Marine Technology Society flagship program developed in collaboration with the Global Ocean Observing System (GOOS), NOAA (including the NOAA’s National Ocean Service), and industry partners such as Kongsberg Discovery and L3Harris Technologies. This initiative aims to spearhead innovation, strengthen public-private partnerships, and increase economic development within the Ocean Enterprise.
Powering Innovation, Collaboration, and Economic Growth
The Ocean Enterprise represents a rapidly growing market sector of businesses developing and utilizing ocean-related technologies and services. By fostering public, private, academic, and non-profit collaboration, it strengthens industry, creates jobs, and contributes significantly to the broader economy.
Accelerating Opportunities in the Ocean Marketplace
The Ocean Enterprise Initiative advances the ocean economy by improving market access, fostering collaboration, and investing in talent and infrastructure. Through better data, public-private partnerships, and innovation, we drive growth in the ocean sector.
Improving the Marketplace
Unlocking the ocean's economic potential through better data and emerging markets.
Cultivating Collaboration
Bridging public-private gaps to drive impact and innovation.
Shaping the Future
Investing in talent and infrastructure to sustain the ocean economy.
Ocean Enterprise Impact Value
The Ocean Enterprise is a rapidly growing market sector that fuels innovation in ocean technologies and services. It plays a crucial role in supporting responsible resource use and advancing industry capabilities. Over the past decade, this sector has experienced remarkable growth in the number of companies, revenue, and job creation. These trends highlight its increasing economic importance and long-term potential.
Government agencies, non-profits, and private investors continue to drive expansion by funding research and supporting emerging technologies. As global interest in ocean industries rises, the Ocean Enterprise attracts new opportunities for investment and collaboration. Addressing key challenges, such as marketplace visibility, remains essential for continued success.
By focusing on innovation and exploring high-potential export markets, the sector strengthens its position in the global economy. With ongoing advancements, the Ocean Enterprise is set to shape the future of ocean-related industries and technological progress.
£2 Billion estimated
Annual Ocean Enterprise revenue for the United Kingdom was estimated £2.02 billion.
2024-2025 Review of U.K. Marine Scientific Industry >
$8 Billion estimated
The 2020 Ocean Enterprise Study identified 814 U.S. businesses active in provision of Ocean Enterprise products and services, in 49 states, the District of Columbia, and two overseas U.S. territories. Total employment for these companies was some 325,000 and their Ocean Enterprise revenue was estimated at $8 billion.
IOOS 2020 Ocean Enterprise Study >
c$1.9 Billion estimated
Canada’s Ocean Enterprise is experiencing significant growth. In 2024, estimated revenue is projected to be between $1.8 billion and $2.0 billion, and it employs over 8,000 people.
COVE 2024 White Paper >