The European Commission has highlighted the significant role of the blue bioeconomy in job creation and economic growth.
According to the 2024 EU Blue Economy Report, emerging sectors are leading the way in creating new business opportunities. The Commission emphasized the importance of biotechnology and biomanufacturing, noting that these sectors have created over 200,000 direct jobs in healthcare, industry, and agriculture, and support more than 600,000 additional jobs indirectly, but there are endless opportunities relying on other skills.
In this WG Meeting, co-organized with Blue Jobs, we explore the evolving blue job market — from mussel farming and algae processing to environmental modeling and impact assessments. The session is aimed at those interested in employment opportunities, skill diversification, and emerging trends in the blue economy.
As part of the workshop Exploring Skills and Opportunities in the Blue Bioeconomy, Blue-jobs will lead a practical, forward-looking session designed to help participants reflect on their professional readiness and align their skillsets with emerging industry demands.
This interactive session will introduce Blue-jobs’ self-assessment tool, developed to help participants evaluate their current competencies and identify gaps in relation to the evolving needs of the blue biotechnology and bioeconomy sectors. Whether you’re transitioning from a traditional marine science background or entering the sector from another field, the tool provides valuable insights into how to position yourself more competitively in the job market.
The session will also feature a dialogue with industry representatives, offering an opportunity to hear directly from employers. They will share:
- What they look for in candidates
- Which skills are in highest demand
- Real job opportunities and career pathways in the blue bioeconomy
Additionally, Sandra Castañer, Policy Officer at the Directorate-General for Maritime Affairs and Fisheries (DG MARE), will present the results of the recent EU study on skills for the blue economy, with a specific focus on the blue bioeconomy. Her intervention will provide valuable policy perspectives and highlight key skills priorities for future workforce development.
By combining personal reflection, policy insight, and direct industry feedback, this session aims to empower participants to take concrete steps toward enhancing their employability and career development in one of Europe’s fastest-growing blue sectors.
