Busan, Republic of Korea

Technology is a critical enabler of a sustainable blue economy, helping ocean-based industries grow while reducing pressure on marine ecosystems, providing greater efficiency gains while reducing adverse environmental impacts. Advances such as digital monitoring, remote sensing, artificial intelligence-enabled fisheries management, and renewable marine energy and transport technologies can significantly improve efficiency, reduce waste and emissions, and lower operational costs across sectors. New tools for data collection, traceability, and environmental monitoring strengthen governance, support science-based decision-making, and help prevent overexploitation. Together, these innovations can unlock economic value from the ocean while safeguarding biodiversity and ensuring long-term resilience.

48 government officials from 19 DMCs gathered in Busan for the Waves of Change Harnessing Technology to Power the Sustainable Blue Economy workshop, organized by ADB (Climate Change and Sustainable Development Department, ADB-Korea Climate Technology Hub, and the Southeast Asia Regional Department) in partnership with the Republic of Korea’s Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries. Building on the inaugural workshop in 2025, the event deepened understanding of technology-enabled solutions across blue economy sectors through expert presentations, peer learning, and field visits to ocean research and tourism institutions. K-Hub's support was instrumental, particularly on leading discussions on renewable blue technologies, identifying leading Korean companies and interlocutors in this space.

The workshop provided an opportunity for government officials from across Asia and the Pacific to deepen their understanding of how emerging and innovative technologies can drive sustainable blue economies. It also served as a platform for participants to share knowledge, exchange practical experiences, and explore technology-enabled solutions that support resilient, inclusive, and environmentally responsible ocean‑based development.

The four-day program placed emphasis on blue economy productive sectors—such as sustainable tourism, renewable energy, and blue finance—given their growing relevance to the sustainable blue economy. Through peer learning, case studies, structured discussions, and on-site visits, participants had the opportunity to develop clear, implementable next steps, aligned with their country’s context and needs, as well as with ADB’s capacity to support delivery.

Participants developed preliminary project concepts across seven areas: renewable energy, water security, maritime transport, tourism, fisheries, ocean health, and policy and blue finance. Follow-up support is underway to refine these concepts for potential integration into country programs and to sustain the momentum of the growing regional blue economy network.

Objectives 

The objectives of the workshop were to:

1. Deepen understanding of how new and emerging technologies across specific sectors can advance the sustainable blue economy agenda through presentations, peer-to-peer exchanges, and a field visit.
2. Assist participants to explore, plan, and present pathways, identifying potential initiatives and projects, including cross-border opportunities, that harness new and emerging technologies to advance the sustainable blue economy agenda.
3. Strengthen networks among blue economy experts, policymakers, and practitioners to promote ongoing collaboration and knowledge exchanges. 
4. Gather participant feedback and validate priority areas to refine proposed initiatives of ADB’s forthcoming approach to a healthy ocean and the sustainable blue economy.