Support programmes for employment and entrepreneurship in the economic sectors linked to the sea (Blue Economy)
The Coastal Plan’s assessment shows that the multiplier effect of strictly maritime activities is greater than that of other activities currently taking place in the city’s coastal areas. For each direct job created in the maritime sector, 1.73 indirect jobs are created, compared to 1.10 on average for all other coastal activities. Regarding economic output, for every euro generated directly, maritime activities generate 1.17 indirectly, compared to 0.98 on average along the coast.
Barcelona is seizing this opportunity to support maritime activities with a high multiplier effect, as part of its commitment to boosting the blue economy. Special priority is given to activities that focus on innovation in sustainability and technology, with the goal of making them a driving force for job creation and economic and social development, in addition to cementing their place as a cornerstone of the city’s coastal activity.
Promoting the blue economy is a strategic approach to making progress on the city’s goals in the framework of the Barcelona Green Deal, European 2030 Agenda and the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals. This economic model plays a key role in economic sustainability and quality job creation, while promoting innovation and technology transfer. What’s more, the development of the blue economy strengthens resilience in the business and production sectors, leads to the creation of skilled jobs and supports modern, sustainable infrastructure.
What are we doing?
As part of the Government Measure for Promoting the Blue Economy in Barcelona, programmes are currently being implemented to support employment and entrepreneurship in these sectors, although the strategy has a more cross-cutting scope. With the goal of promoting a blue economy, defined as all activities that favour sustainable social and economic development linked to the sea, the strategy establishes 15 projects and 43 measures, grouped into 8 lines of action focusing on the following goals:
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Identification of gaps in value chains and promotion of sustainable transformations
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Transformation of Port Olímpic into a leading space for sustainable blue economy companies in the city
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Search for disruptive, transformative, scalable business models that are also sustainable
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Specialised training and sector-specific reskilling programmes for the blue economy
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Detailed analysis of the blue economy training options to ensure that they better meet labour market demand
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Improved job placement model, adjusting training to the needs of the sector and designing education and collaboration agreements to promote quality jobs in this field
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Strengthened cooperation with existing initiatives to boost employment, led by organisations and economic stakeholders in coastal districts
This integrated approach seeks to make the blue economy a driver of sustainable growth, quality job creation and innovation in Barcelona.
Specific blue economy projects currently under way:
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B-Blue entrepreneurship programme
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Study of new jobs / Reskilling
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InnovaBlue (collaborative innovation programme)
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Support for investment funds
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Organising and hosting international events (UNESCO Ocean Decade Conference, Tomorrow Blue Economy at the Smart City World Congress...)
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Blue economy public-private sector roundtable discussion
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Blue Tech Port
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UNESCO Blue Economy DCC candidate
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Barcelona’s Blue Economy Observatory
