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Description
Human capital is crucial for the successful development of a sustainable blue economy. Currently, though, there is a lack of education programs in economics devoted to that topic. The OceanSchool fulfils that gap by developing an innovative course stream in blue growth for master’s students at NovaSBE and NHH. To that end, OceanSchool put together a multidisciplinary team of Environmental and Resource economists from those Schools, and experienced natural scientists and practitioners from recognized non-academic institutions, such as IPMA. By explicitly integrating knowledge from complementary fields, the OceanSchool will provide students from both Schools with an innovative experience where research on timely real-world challenges and more traditional learning goals are integrated.
Building upon the extant master''s programs offered by the two Schools, mandatory course units will be revised to provide students with the adequate background in Blue Growth from an economics perspective. Besides the mandatory course work, OceanSchool is founded on two central pillars. The first is a Field Lab, which serves as an integrative platform of applied research projects to be developed by students under the co-supervision of experienced researchers and practitioners of the consortium institutions. This is particularly relevant, as it will allow students to consolidate knowledge on specific topics of Blue Growth while also producing new studies on relevant policy questions for both Portugal and Norway. The second pillar is a summer intensive course taking place at Nova SBE and NHH. By benefiting from the participation of natural scientists and practitioners, the summer course curricula will focus on applied blue growth challenges.
It was thus designed to endow students with the necessary competence and skills to develop economic and public policy analysis on maritime themes, delivering the first specialized breed of economists and practitioners on Blue Growth in Portugal.
Summary of project results
The OceanSchool project was designed to tackle the urgent issues of marine ecosystem degradation and resource overexploitation. By fostering interdisciplinary research and education, the project aimed to enhance marine conservation and policy development.
The project''s key activities included developing educational programs, facilitating international collaboration, and conducting applied research. Key Results:
• Enhanced Mobility and Collaboration: OceanSchool significantly boosted student and faculty mobility between Portugal and Norway. This international collaboration enriched educational experiences and facilitated the exchange of knowledge and cultural understanding. It also strengthened partnerships between academic institutions and stakeholders in the blue economy, promoting joint problem-solving efforts.
• Educational Impact: The project developed and implemented multidisciplinary master''s programs in blue growth at Nova School of Business and Economics (NovaSBE) and the Norwegian School of Economics (NHH). These programs, which covered marine conservation, public policy, and sustainable management, were complemented by practical field labs and intensive summer/winter programs. This comprehensive approach trained a new generation of economists and public policy advisors specialized in blue growth.
• Influential Applied Research: OceanSchool produced valuable applied research that informs public policy and sustainable management practices in the maritime sector. This research has had a significant impact on the development of new educational programs and has influenced public policies related to marine resource management.
• Capacity Building and Dissemination: The project organized numerous conferences, workshops, and public demonstrations to share its findings and enhance its visibility. These efforts ensured that the project''s outcomes reached a wider audience, including stakeholders and the general public.
• Long-Term Sustainability: The project''s activities and results are designed to endure beyond the funding period, ensuring ongoing benefits for marine conservation and sustainable development.
The OceanSchool project is a pioneering initiative that addresses a critical gap in blue economy education. Its innovative curriculum, practical research opportunities, and strong international collaboration have positioned the project to make a lasting contribution to the sustainable management of marine resources. By training students and practitioners in the economic aspects of blue growth, OceanSchool is contributing to the sustainable development of maritime resources and enhancing the capacity of public authorities in this field. The project''s impact extends beyond academia, influencing public policy and fostering a deeper understanding of marine conservation and sustainable management practices.
Summary of bilateral results
Main Results:1. Improved Research Quality and Knowledge Sharing2. Enhanced Mobility and Educational Opportunities3. Capacity Building and Joint Events:Several joint events, including workshops and seminars, were organized to share knowledge and build capacities among students and faculty. These events contributed to a broader understanding of marine conservation and policy development.4. Shared Results and Broader Impacts:The partnership led to shared results that have broader implications beyond the project itself. The research findings and methodologies developed are now being applied in other contexts and projects, extending the impact of OceanSchool to a regional and European level. Future Plans: The project partners plan to continue their collaboration beyond the funding period. Importance of Donor Partner Collaboration: Having a donor project partner was crucial for several reasons:• Enhanced Research Capabilities: The collaboration brought together diverse expertise and perspectives, enhancing the project''s research capabilities and outcomes.• Long-term Impact: The bilateral partnership is expected to have a long-term impact by fostering sustainable research practices and integrated management strategies for marine resources.• Increased Visibility: The collaboration led to increased visibility for the project, garnering interest from various stakeholders and the broader community, which is essential for the project''s ongoing success and impact. Overall, the bilateral collaboration with donor partners has been a cornerstone of the OceanSchool project, contributing significantly to its achievements and ensuring its sustainability and broader impact.