Hence, the COASTAL project's importance is to set up evidence-based business roadmaps and policy solutions, focusing on economic growth, marine spatial planning, and environmental protection, including inland water quality. An important indicator for the current and future activities will be their contribution to the regional economic development and employment.
The Blue growth could create opportunities for new jobs and strategic specialisation of port activities. Thanks to the Voka Welt project and subvention from the Flemish Government, Blue Economy organisations highlighted their activities and jobs at Bluebridge, Ostend.
The concept is to introduce job seekers and graduates to the advantages and employment within the Blue Economy. The objective of this job fair is twofold: on the one hand, jobseekers and graduates can get acquainted with the jobs and activities within the Blue Economy, on the other hand, the companies in this industry can draw attention to their vacancies. This shows that, even in crisis times, various recruitments are made within this sector, which has only positive consequences for our local economy.
We could find off-shore wind energy, aquaculture, research, and coastal protection among the different companies' activities. Latter can benefit other economic activities in the hinterland. No fewer than 20 companies were represented at this job fair: 24SEA, Defensie, De Blauwe Cluster, e-BO Enterprises, ECA Robotics Belgium, Economisch Huis Oostende, Elscolab, GEOxyz, Haven Oostende, International Marine & Dredging Consultants, Jan De Nul, MHI Vestas Offshore Wind Belgium, MOORE Business Consulting, MULTI. Engineering, Noordzee Helicopters Vlaanderen, Otary RS, Renasci, Siemens Gamesa Renewable Energy, VITO and VDAB.
The Blue Carreer Day's interactions also give us more information on the companies' labour needs that can be taken into account for the COASTAL-project models.
