Connecting the Dots – Open Science, a Powerful Catalyst for the Blue Bioeconomy

Open science plays a crucial role in driving the blue bioeconomy forward. By promoting transparency, accessibility, and collaboration, open science fuels innovation, sustainability, and cooperation in a way that nothing else can. It promotes responsible and fair use of marine resources by enhancing data accessibility, fostering interdisciplinary research, enabling sustainable practices, accelerating technological advancements, and empowering communities.

To fully realize the potential of the blue bioeconomy and achieve a sustainable and prosperous future, we must embrace open science principles with open arms!

Remember: “Open as possible, closed as necessary.” Let me clarify data that is FAIR (Findable, Accessible, Interoperable, Reusable) compliant does not have to be open. This is a common misconception. There are numerous examples where data cannot be made open by default, e.g. data that is subject to Intellectual Property Rights and sensitive data.

“From data we gain information, from information we gain knowledge and insight.” The combination of open science, FAIR data principles, and emerging digital technologies like business analytics, AI, and digital twins is an incredible opportunity to accelerate the blue bioeconomy, unlocking the full potential of marine resources, ensuring that blue bioeconomy thrives, contributing to a sustainable and prosperous future for all. Despite the challenges and costs in data collection, FAIR principles will help us to greatly reduce these costs. After all, “data is the new fuel and AI the accelerator.”

At B2E – Blue Bioeconomy Colab, we are fully aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). We are especially committed to SDG 14 (life below water), SDG 12 (responsible consumption and production), and SDG 13 (climate action). In alignment with the UE and EOSC guidelines on Open Science, we actively engage in contributing to and benefiting from this paradigm.

We’re on a mission to connect the dots and foster collaborations across sectors to drive innovation, transparency, informed decision-making, and education. This approach is a game-changer! It stimulates business growth, enhances public trust, enables efficient resource use, and improves education and workforce development. Additionally, it attracts talent and investment, and empowers local communities, boosting local economies. While businesses may fear competitive disadvantages, balancing openness and exclusivity ensures mutual benefits for all stakeholders.

Connecting dots is the key to a prosperous future, and Open Science is the catalyst.