In May 2019, The Offshore Technology Conference provided the backdrop for a discussion between two colleagues, which resulted in a book collaboration featuring ocean scientists and industry professionals from across the globe. At that conference, Liesl Hotaling, MTS Vice President of Communications & Publications and Rick Spinrad, former MTS Past President and now head of NOAA met, and began to create an initial outline of what would become their book Preparing the Workforce for a New Blue Economy, People, Products and Policies. Released this month, the book features more than 60 experts discussing various aspects of the Blue Economy.

The book has many facets and touches upon many topics that inter-relate. It offers traditional chapters, interviews, case studies and opinion pieces from scientists, and members of academia and industry to make it a well-rounded intriguing read. It brings together leaders in marine science to discuss many topics including, offshore wind, aquaculture, sustainability, higher education opportunities including the Blue Economy MBA, workforce development, inclusion and equity, and policy making.

“Policy is a driver for the New Blue Economy,” said Hotaling. One of the many issues discussed in the book is the ripple effect of inequity. As an example, the book discusses the inequities of internet access in many parts of the U.S. Student access to technological tools are needed to prepare them as the workforce of tomorrow.  Access is driven by budgets and policies. “We can’t leave policies off to the side, we need forward looking policies to enable growth,” said Hotaling.

The book features articles, interviews and case studies from MTS Leaders including: Laurie Jugan, MTS Gulf Coast President, who wrote a case study on Marine Industries Science and Technology Cluster; Jim Hanlon, MTS Vice President of Research, Industry and Technology, wrote a case study on the Centre for Ocean Ventures and Entrepreneurship; MTS President-Elect Justin Manley is featured in an interview about industry trends; MTS Vice President of ECOPs Alfredo Giron discusses the importance of ECOPs in the ocean science industry; and Hotaling in addition to serving as the editor, wrote a chapter about preparing the workforce. And as the UN Decade kicks-off, the book also features a section about the initiatives of the UN Decade written by Vladimir Ryabinin, Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission of UNESCO.

Preparing the Workforce for a New Blue Economy, People, Products and Policies edited by Liesl Hotaling and Rick Spinrad is now available at all major book sellers.