Maritime Education Competencies in Smart Agribusiness Development: A Qualitative Analysis

This study explores how maritime vocational education develops competencies that enable innovative contributions to smart agribusiness development. Using semi-structured interviews, narrative inquiry, and cognitive mapping with ten maritime graduates, the research examines how maritime education creates professionals capable of cross-sector innovation in agricultural contexts. Findings reveal exceptional effectiveness (8.9/10) in developing transferable competencies including systems thinking, technological integration, and logistical optimization that demonstrate remarkable applicability to agricultural value chain enhancement. Maritime graduates demonstrate professional identity evolution enabling confident engagement with agricultural challenges while leveraging their educational foundation in port management and shipping coordination. Results show maritime professionals possess unique capabilities in implementing smart agricultural technologies, optimizing distribution networks, and facilitating international market access. The research reveals mechanisms of educational effectiveness extending beyond traditional industry applications, establishing maritime education as creating adaptable professionals capable of addressing contemporary agricultural challenges requiring technological sophistication and cross-sector collaboration.