The Blue Economy: Linking Water to Economic Revitalization

Over the last several decades, the economy of North Carolina has undergone major transitions. Once home to thriving tobacco, furniture, and textile industries, we’re seeing more and more emphasis on high tech solutions to modern problems. We’re now a state of leaders in technology, education, manufacturing, green industry, and health care. Of course we’re not alone in this transition, as many communities are experiencing a decline in manufacturing and other once strong industries. In previous posts, my colleagues have written extensively on how water plays an important part in community economic development. But what role does water play in a transitioning economy? As it turns out, we’re not the only ones making the link between water and economic revitalization. With industry moving out, leaders in Michigan are asking how water (which remains plentiful in the region) can fuel a modern economy. Trade groups and researchers in Michigan have been talking about a “blue economy” that is centered around not only cleaning up the Great Lakes, but also building a water tech economy devoted to solving the country’s most pressing water challenges. According to a report from the Michigan Economic Center at Prima Civitas and the Grand Valley State University Water Resources Institute, there are five ways water and water innovation are important to the economy of the future. Although these ideas are developed for Michigan specifically, each of these points also apply to North Carolina. Legacy uses: transportation, ports, shipping, commercial fishing. Historic and traditional uses of water will continue to be significant sources of jobs and economic growth, though they may take new [...]