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The Future’s Looking Blue A summer workshop series in Newport unpacks what’s on the horizon for Rhode Island’s ocean economy It’s not just a nickname – being the Ocean State is interwoven with Rhode Island’s economy. With over 400 miles of rugged coastline, the state’s identity is tied to the sea. Narragansett Bay and the Atlantic Ocean support a major sector of the local economy, providing resources, jobs, and scenic vistas as stunning as anywhere in the world. This is why Innovate Newport is hosting Blue and You, a series of workshops running every Thursday through August 18, co-sponsored by the Greater Newport Chamber of Commerce. The speaker series is intended to educate the public on what’s known as the blue economy. If you’re unfamiliar with the term, Pete Rumsey, chief business development officer at the URI Research Foundation – who helped coordinate the series – offers this definition: “The blue economy is one that is, at its core, economically resilient, environmentally sustainable, and centered on equitable economic development.” This description differs somewhat from previous definitions that centered around fossil fuels, maritime shipping, and tourism. Photo courtesy of Greater Newport Chamber of Commerce The Bay • August 2022 9
