Charting the future of marine biotechnology: educational strategies for empowering Europe’s blue bioeconomy workforce

Abstract

This study provides useful insight into the current state and recent developments in blue (marine) biotechnology education (BBE) in Europe. A questionnaire assessing awareness and interest in blue biotechnology (BB) was conducted among students in their final year of upper secondary school in a selection of European countries. Results demonstrate that there are great regional differences in students’ recognition of BB; recognition of BB is relatively poor (though biotechnology knowledge is relatively good). This illustrates the lack of early education and ocean literacy. The interest in BB studies varied by country. Non-formal science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) activities, especially visits to research institutes and private businesses, help raise awareness. The review of education programs conducted in this study revealed that only a small number of programs are dedicated to BB and that it is not well integrated into existing curricula. Early ocean literacy, lifelong learning opportunities, and the inclusion of entrepreneurship and interdisciplinary skills in education are essential for developing a workforce capable of driving the future of the blue bioeconomy within the broader objectives of the EU Blue Economy Strategy and European Union (EU) Bioeconomy Strategy. To advance BBE, we propose the following recommendations: 1) incorporate and increase ocean literacy and BBE at the primary and secondary school levels; 2) support lifelong learning and adaptation to emerging technologies; 3) build collaborative ocean education networks; 4) bridge education communities, research and industry; 5) encourage entrepreneurship; 6) harmonise postgraduate BB programs; 7) establish joint European MSc and PhD degrees; and 8) align funding and BBE activities with national and regional gross domestic product (GDP) contributions for the BB sector.