Students bring new perspectives to the blue transition

A young industry working together for the future

Involving students in the Blue Collaboration is a way to strengthen the overall perspective and long-term sustainability of the project. During the spring, two student groups from the University of Gothenburg have participated via HUSK - Hållbar utveckling i samverkan - and contributed with important insights on social justice and increased human consumption of pelagic fish.

- "Involving students in the BlåS project is an important element to broaden perspectives and bring in new ideas. Their reflections add both critical and creative insights that strengthen the project's holistic approach and long-term sustainability," says Kristin Johansson, project manager for Blå Samverkan.

Social sustainability needs to take its place

One group has focused on how to better integrate social sustainability and blue justice into the blue bioeconomy. Through interviews with stakeholders in business, academia and the public sector, they highlight the need for greater inclusion, especially of small-scale actors such as local fishermen.

Students: Saido Adan, Johanna Blombäck, Amanda Duckert, Stina Eliasson and Lisa Jonasson. Supervisor: Anna-Karin Bergman, University of Gothenburg

School meals as a catalyst

The second group has been exploring how to increase the consumption of Swedish pelagic fish. Their work shows the potential of using school meals as an engine for behavior change. By introducing more blue food in schools, strengthening cooperation with local fishermen and developing infrastructure in ports, both climate benefits and competitiveness can be achieved.

Students: Lisa Andreasson, Albin Lundén, Lisa Svensson, David Staxler, Joar Strand and Ida Sporrsäter. Supervisor: Niclas Rönnström, University of Gothenburg.

The work also creates synergies with the EU Blue Bio Clusters project

Engaging students in mapping and analyzing social sustainability and entrepreneurship in the blue bioeconomy creates opportunities for new perspectives and innovative solutions. The students' efforts help identify barriers and opportunities for the transition to a more sustainable and inclusive blue bioeconomy in coastal communities - in line with the objectives of Blue Bio Clusters, which link local development to European strategies and networks.

Immerse yourself in the students' proposals

The students' work shows how new perspectives can provide concrete proposals for change - and reminds us that sustainable transition requires both innovation and reflection.