Skip to main content
European Commission logo
enen
Food, Farming, Fisheries
Maritime Forum

Study to Support and Design Skills Development in the Blue Economy

The European Commission has funded a study on blue skills with a view to addressing needs and gaps, developing a competency framework, and shaping future policy initiatives.

Background

 

The blue economy, encompassing diverse sectors such as maritime transport, coastal tourism, offshore renewable energy, marine biotechnology, and fisheries, is a cornerstone of sustainable growth and innovation in the European Union. 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.

This initiative is driven by the understanding that the blue economy's future depends not only on technological advancements and policy frameworks but also on the people who implement them. By focusing on skills development, the study addresses a critical gap in ensuring the EU's blue economy can thrive in the face of challenges such as climate change, digitalisation, and globalisation.

 

Aims and objectives

The study sets out to:

  1. Define "blue skills" and establish a competency framework that supports workforce development.
  2. Assess current and future skills needs across the EU-27, spanning both traditional and emerging maritime sectors.
  3. Map existing education and training opportunities and evaluate their alignment with industry requirements.
  4. Examine EU-funded initiatives on blue skills to identify best practices and areas for improvement.
  5. Develop targeted recommendations to address identified skills gaps.

This holistic approach ensures that the study not only identifies challenges but also provides practical, future-oriented solutions tailored to the dynamic nature of the blue economy.

 

Key workstreams and methodology

To achieve its objectives, the study employs a structured and integrated methodology divided into six main work packages (WPs), each contributing a unique perspective to the overall findings:

  1. Survey design and deployment (WP1): a comprehensive survey was launched in September 2024, with stakeholders responding across ten blue economy sectors. It collects data on current skills profiles, anticipated future needs, and training gaps. Despite challenges in engaging underrepresented regions and sectors, the survey has generated critical insights that will inform subsequent phases of the study.
  2. Literature review and desk research (WP2): over 200 academic papers and 77 EU-funded projects have been 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.
  3. Text mining (WP3): by analysing job postings, training program descriptions, and related datasets, text mining provides a granular understanding of the skills most in demand across maritime sectors. This innovative approach complements survey and literature findings, offering a data-driven perspective on workforce needs.
  4. Competency framework development (WP4): the "BlueComp" framework is being developed to address sector-specific and cross-cutting skills requirements. Drawing inspiration from existing models like GreenComp, the framework integrates digital, green, and interdisciplinary competencies essential for sustainable blue economy growth.
  5. Focus groups (WP5):sector-specific focus groups will validate and refine findings from other work packages. These sessions aim to engage diverse stakeholders, ensuring that the study reflects the needs and realities of different regions and industries.
  6. Policy recommendations (WP6): building on earlier work, this phase will produce actionable recommendations tailored to sectoral and regional contexts. These will address skill gaps, propose training and reskilling initiatives, and provide a roadmap for sustainable workforce development.

 

Anticipated outcomes

As the study progresses, it aims to deliver:

  • A comprehensive BlueComp Competency Framework that aligns with EU policy priorities like the European Green Deal and digital transition strategies.
  • Policy recommendations to address skill gaps, enhance workforce resilience, and promote inclusivity.
  • A detailed mapping of education and training opportunities to guide stakeholders in addressing regional and sectoral disparities.

 

Conclusions

The Study to Support and Design Skills Development in the Blue Economy represents a pivotal step in preparing the EU’s workforce for a sustainable future. By addressing the interconnected challenges of skills development, digitalisation, and sustainability, this initiative will equip the blue economy with the tools it needs to drive innovation and resilience.

The findings of this study will be instrumental in shaping the EU’s vision for a sustainable and inclusive blue economy, ensuring that its workforce remains at the forefront of global maritime innovation and leadership.

If you want to be kept apprised of any developments, please make sure you check out this page regularly. Deliverables and preliminary findings will be made available here, as the study progresses.