“The Blue & You: Understanding Our Blue Economy” summer speaker series will run for a second year in a row. “Innovate Greater Newport,” one of the four pillars of the Greater Newport Chamber of Commerce, which includes programming at Innovate Newport, is committed to supporting the innovation and entrepreneurial ecosystem in the region, with a special focus on the blue economy.

These educational sessions, led by panels of experts, are offered to the general public. Considering Rhode Island has 400 miles of coastline, the blue economy has always been a vital component of the state and Greater Newport’s economy. In recent years, there has been a renewed focus on redefining the term and reenergizing efforts around making Rhode Island a regional hub for blue economy and blue tech.

By offering Rhode Islanders the chance to learn about the various sectors that make up the Blue Economy, as well as the innate interconnectedness of the various sectors, citizens become more aware and engaged. “These sessions provide information that will help citizens understand what the blue economy is and how it impacts them.” says Mollie Frazer Williams, Director of Innovation & Entrepreneurship; Greater Newport Chamber of Commerce.

The Blue & You Speaker Series will be held at Innovate Newport most Thursdays throughout the summer from 4-5:30 p.m. It will include a presentation and Q & A, followed by networking. The series is sponsored by Newport Craft Brewing & Distilling.

TOPICS:

• June 23 – Smart Bay
• June 27 – The Sustainability Toolbox
• June 30 – Offshore Wind
• July 14 – Aquaculture
• July 21 – Coastal Resilience
• July 28 – Plastics (Canelled)
• August 4 – Blue Jobs
• August 11 – Blue Ecosystem
• August 18 – Looking Ahead