Fostering Transportation Workforce Development for the Blue Economy

This research-to-practice paper presents a strategy for educating future civil engineers in identifying Blue Economy strategies to develop more resilient coastal communities and transportation corridors. Coastal communities, essential hubs for population and economic activities, are increasingly vulnerable to hazards caused by extreme natural events due to their proximity to the ocean. Blue Economy, which advocates for the sustainable use of marine resources to promote economic growth and ecosystem health, is a focal point for these regions. Transportation corridors, lifelines for accessing jobs and opportunities in coastal areas, are exposed to heightened risks from natural events. This paper underscores the importance of preparing the engineering workforce community in designing a resilient transportation infrastructure that supports preparedness, mitigation, and post-disaster recovery efforts in coastal communities. The proposed framework for integrating Blue Economy principles into engineering education emphasizes the identification and implementation of strategies that enhance resilience and sustainability of coastal communities. A case study is included as a practical application of these concepts in coastal development.