CANADA ’ S OCEAN SUPERCLUSTER “ is an industry-led transformative cluster model that is driving crosssectoral collaboration , accelerating innovation , and growing Canada ’ s ocean economy in a way that has never been done before .”

What does that mean ? It ’ s estimated that , by 2030 , the global ocean economy will be worth $ 3 trillion . With the largest coastline in the world , Canada ’ s Ocean economy employs almost 350,000 Canadians and contributes more than $ 36bn of GDP , but with the potential for much more . Canada ’ s ocean economy currently accounts for only 1.5 % of the national economy compared to a global average of 3.2 %.

Ultimately the Supercluster is a shared vision of leaders in fisheries , aquaculture , offshore resources , transportation , marine renewables ,

defence , bio resources , and ocean technologies . Ultimately , it is about exploiting opportunities as well as addressing challenges faced by the world ’ s oceans . The first five-year Mission – finishing in 2023 – is ‘ to enable the sustainable growth of Canada ’ s ocean economy by building an ecosystem in which all members are well-connected and have the capacity and capability to drive digital innovation .’ As the strategic plan explains : With investment from across the country and linkages to international partners and Indigenous communities , it will build on existing strengths , experience and knowledge to open new opportunities for innovation , market exploration and talent attraction . Encouraging collaboration across organisations , sectors

Above : Supercluster is a shared vision of leaders in ocean , marine and bioresource technologies

Right : Catching on to the attraction of Canada

and regions will result in a more integrated approach to addressing ocean challenges . The Ocean Supercluster will also create new business opportunities for SMEs . It will promote and facilitate new partnerships between anchor firms , SMEs , research institutions , and academia , helping them to undertake new business initiatives , develop and market new innovative products , become part of new and existing supply-chains , supporting them as they become more competitive and expand into new markets . Additionally , since IP development and protection is critical for SMEs , the OSC will put in place processes and tools to help SMEs protect their interests and utilise IP to improve their productivity and competitiveness in global markets .”

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