Innovation is now omnipresent at the very centre of the blue economy. Soon it should meet the current dual challenge: to continue being an engine of growth and still be able to contribute to a better state of the ocean.​

Innovation in the field of the maritime economy has expanded considerably over the past thirty years, which made it omnipresent. First, in traditional sectors, such as fishing, shipping and shipbuilding, which foster their innovative projects to stay sustainable in rapidly changing 21st century. But also, in the emerging sectors such as blue biotechnology, aquaculture, new forms of tourism and recreational practices, whose development is massively dependent on the research.