USM looks at Gulf’s ‘Blue tech’ biz

USM looks at Gulf’s ‘Blue tech’ biz A new Mississippi maritime industries study spotlights the importance of shipbuilding, fishing, oceanography and marine technology as a dominant force in the state’s economy. Data from the Mississippi’s Blue Economy: An Analysis of Mississippi’s Maritime Industry study shows that 35 percent of the workforces in the three coastal state counties are in “blue industries.” And it’s not just the Mississippi Gulf Coast that has a stake in the blue economy. The study looked at employment and other data on shipbuilding and fishing as well as industries such as construction that have maritime and non-maritime activities. It also included maritime technology or “blue tech” companies. The study was compiled by three members of the Masters of Economic Development Program at the University of Southern Mississippi. Laurie Jugan, project coordinator for the Mississippi Enterprise for Technology at Stennis Space Center, said the study confirms an expansive amount of marine science and technology work being done: along the Mississippi Coast. “Until now, there was no way to quantify the importance of this industry sector in our area,” she said. “With the USM study, we now have a place to start.” The Small Business Administration awarded MSET a competitive $523,742 grant based on the study’s findings. (Source: Mississippi Business Journal, 12/18/14)