The students in this course will be able to comprehensively understand the concept of blue economy and its ecosystem, as well as its foundation for economic growth and poverty reduction. Students will be acquainted with the fundamental blue economy issues and processes, they will be able to understand and quantify its value, processes behind trade and financial flows and to understand the economic and social consequences of blue economy.

The students will develop analytical skills of problems solving, group/team working, presentation, written and oral communication, openness to social issues.

The term ‘blue economy’ relates to economic activity that involves the oceans, coasts and maritime markets. Seas and oceans are drivers for our economy and have great potential for innovation and economic growth while preserving the health of ocean ecosystems. A sustainable blue economy provides social and economic benefits to current and future generations by contributing significantly to food security, livelihoods, poverty eradication and health safety. The main drivers of the maritime industry are global trade, innovation, investment, infrastructure, regulations and policies, digitalisation and emerging markets.

The topics will include:
- Macroeconomic and microeconomic perspective of blue economy
- Cross-cutting issues on the trade /blue economy agenda
- Regulating the blue economy using the trade agreements
- Management of the blue economy
- Measuring the value of the blue economy
- Blue finance and investing in sustainable blue growth and competitiveness
- Theoretical and practical aspects of the blue economy in terms of sustainable development
- Environmental impact assessments/biodiversity loss and impact
- The role of maritime transport in the international logistics chain
- Blue skills and corporate entrepreneurship, entrepreneurial opportunities in blue economy