Marine Science and Data Analytics are two of the target industries in St. Petersburg (learn more at Grow Smarter). These areas have always been intertwined but they are converging in deeper and unique ways under the NEW Blue Economy. The NEW Blue Economy is “a knowledge-based economy, looking to the sea not just for extraction of material goods, but for data and information to address societal challenges and inspire their solutions” according to Dr. Richard Spinrad (EOS.org). The traditional blue economy developed around tangible resources (e.g., food and fossil fuel production) and critical services (e.g., shipping, coastal tourism). Data was often nothing more than a supporting function.
In the future, the role of data, information, and related disruptive technologies will be critical. The ability to acquire, transform and interpret data will drive policies, sustainability efforts, new business ventures, and more. The Innovation District is fortunate to have academics, government and private industry partners already embracing the NEW Blue Economy. The potential is tremendous! Stay tuned for future updates on how the District and its partners are making strategic plans to further the NEW Blue Economy
From the SPID June 2022 Newsletter
The Innovation District and six partners were recently selected to help grow startups that are working on technology/data solutions for the ocean economy. This powerful collaboration is made possible thanks to $13.9 million awarded by the NOAA Ocean Enterprise Accelerators program.
Kudos to Lauren Bell, the Innovation District's Hub Community Manager, for her acceptance into the Leadership St. Pete Class of 2025. Lauren is a rock star at the Innovation District.
Are you like me? Give me a physical map and I get excited! Maybe its a carryover from the pre-GPS days, but I think it is such a fun way to explore an area.