SUSTAINABILITY OF BLUE ECONOMY

In a world where approximately 90% of global trade relies on marine shipping, and 99% of internet data traffic runs through submarine cables, understanding how blue economy works and how we can make it resilient is crucial for future generations. The seas and the oceans are at once the locations of ecosystems, provide different economic resources, they are the set for strategic infrastructures, and also an arena of international competition. Shipping, ports, fisheries, offshore energy, coastal tourism, shipbuilding, marine technologies and underwater infrastructure generate major opportunities, but also create environmental, social and security dilemmas. The purpose of the course is to provide the students with a comprehensive understanding of surface and underwater blue economy, the different sectors involved, maritime routes and security, the evolution of trade and tech innovations as related to sustainability and corporate resilience. Through specific case-studies, we will look at these dynamics in key regions, and we will delve into the role of global firms operating in shipping, ports, energy, shipbuilding and critical infrastructure. Lectures are combined with industry perspectives and guest sessions. The course will include contributions from representatives of leading national industries and institutions operating in the blue economy, thus providing different perspectives and insights on the topics addressed.

No prior knowledge of sustainability or blue economy is required. This is an elective course designed to introduce the students to the different features of the sustainability of blue economy.

At the end of the course, the expected learning outcomes will be the following: a) Knowledge and understanding: the student will have acquired the necessary to understand and discuss the most salient issues concerning the sustainability of blue economy, with particular attention towards the principal sectors of the blue economy and its security implications. b) Ability to apply knowledge and understanding: the student will be able to gradually apply the knowledge in relation to the international political and economic context through the activities foreseen, such as participation in the working groups on business cases, and discussions with expert guest speakers. c) Communication skills: the student will have gained the ability to communicate the notions learned thanks to the transversal skills (critical analysis skills, synthesis skills, public speaking and debating skills, ability to organize teamwork and team building) acquired during the course.

This course introduces the complexity of blue economy through a combination of perspectives from international relations, business strategy, sustainability and maritime security. Blue economy is intended here not just technical or environmental subject, but a field in which different actors compete and cooperate, deal with regulatory challenges, face geopolitical risk and manage the transition towards sustainability and resilience. The course starts by examining how oceans have shaped human development, economic activity and international power, before introducing the main sectors and value chains of the blue economy and the governance and security frameworks within which they operate. Particular attention is devoted to the market dynamics, industrial structures and technological transformation of shipbuilding and the underwater economy, as well as to maritime trade, global connectivity, supply-chain resilience and the business impact of disruptions affecting strategic routes and chokepoints. The course then addresses maritime law, European regulation and the role of industry associations, before turning to climate change, green shipping, alternative fuels, sustainable infrastructure, ESG and corporate responsibility. Please note that the course schedule is provisional and may be subject to changes due to organizational needs, guest speaker availability or other unforeseen circumstances.

- Heidkamp, P. et al. (2022) Blue Economy. 1st edn. Routledge. Available at: https://www.perlego.com/book/3790265 (Selected chapters) - European Commission (2025). The EU Blue Economy Report 2025. Publications Office of the European Union. Luxembourg - Slides and additional material that will be uploaded to the MyLuiss platform Non-attending students shall contact the instructors.

Lectures on campus; case study discussion; guest lectures by experts and professionals.

Group work: presentation of selected business cases 30%; final written exam 70%.

Strong interest in blue economy different sectors; high participation in class; final grade equal or above 28.