Preliminary results from the Blue Skills study

Encompassing diverse sectors such as maritime transport, coastal tourism, offshore renewable energy, marine biotechnology, and fisheries, the blue economy is a cornerstone of sustainable growth and innovation in the EU. It offers immense potential for economic development, job creation, and environmental stewardship.

However, achieving these goals requires a workforce equipped with the necessary skills to navigate the sector’s evolving demands. Recognising this, the European Commission, through DG MARE, has commissioned this study to explore the current landscape of skills in the blue economy, identify future needs, and provide actionable recommendations for fostering a resilient and inclusive workforce.

A comprehensive survey was launched in September 2024, with 233 stakeholders responding across all blue economy sectors. The survey collected data on current skills profiles, anticipated future needs, and training gaps. Despite challenges in engaging underrepresented regions and sectors, the survey generated critical insights that will inform the subsequent phases of the study. 

Further, over 200 academic papers and 77 EU-funded projects were analysed, uncovering trends such as the increasing demand for digital and green skills. This review also highlights regional disparities in training opportunities, particularly in outermost EU regions, and identifies gaps in addressing emerging sectors like desalination and marine robotics.

Both the survey report and the literature review report are now available on the Maritime Forum.

As the study progresses, it  will collect job postings and training programmes descriptions and it will analyse them through machine learning and text mining, so as to provide a granular understanding of the skills most in demand across blue economy sectors. This innovative approach intends to complement survey and literature findings, offering a data-driven perspective on workforce needs.

Expected to end in June 2025, the study will culminate in the development of a competency framework to address sector-specific and cross-cutting skills requirements. Drawing inspiration from existing models, such as GreenComp and DigComp, the framework will integrate digital, green, and interdisciplinary competencies essential for sustainable blue economy growth. 

The competency framework will be the result of a collaborative effort between the contractors in charge of the study and the wider stakeholder community, which will validate it through a series of sector-specific focus groups.

Stay tuned, as more outputs will be made available in the coming months!