The Blue Economy plays a growing and significant role in Italy, contributing over 60 billion euros annually and employing more than a million people. Between 2019 and 2023, the number of companies in this sector increased by 4.3%, while the overall business base in Italy shrank by over 2%.

The Blue Economy encompasses a wide range of activities, including fishing, aquaculture, shipbuilding, coastal tourism, port logistics, marine research, ecosystem protection, energy generation, and the exploitation of marine resources. A key focus is shipbuilding, both commercial and recreational, which requires technological innovation, the development of new materials, and improved design and engineering.