Institutionalizing Innovation

On today’s show, we head to Washington state to talk about a Blue Economy initiative called Washington Maritime BLUE 2050, a year-long effort to develop the state’s maritime strategy through economic studies and pilot projects. Our guest is the Governor’s Maritime Sector Lead for the Washington State Dept. of Commerce, Joshua Berger. We talk about the state’s efforts to stimulate Maritime innovation and create jobs.

Governor Inslee’s top priority is to create an economic climate where innovation and entrepreneurship can continue to thrive and create good paying jobs in every corner of our state. Washington State’s maritime sector comprises a robust and growing set of industries that contribute to achieving the Governor’s priority goal. Despite the diversity of the sector, many issues are important to all segments of the industry. Improved transportation infrastructure, regulatory balance and workforce education and training, supporting clean technology and best practices are good examples. We will work with stakeholders to create coalitions like the Washington Maritime Federation to promote these improvements and to raise awareness of the importance of maritime activity to our economy.

Joshua Berger joins us from his office in Seattle.

We also have a new feature on the podcast called “Salty Talk”.