Preliminary communication
https://doi.org/10.51650/ezrvs.20.1-2.2
Innovation Systems In The Blue Economy: Communicating And Leading The Culture Of Change
Mateo Ivanac
; Digital Innovation Hub Innovamare, Šibenik, Croatia
Sonja Brlečić Valčić
; University of Zadar, Department of Economics, Zadar, Croatia
*
* Corresponding author.
Abstract
This paper explores innovation systems within the blue economy, with a particular emphasis on sectoral interdependencies and the conceptual role of communication and leadership in fostering a culture of change. The study aims to identify patterns of relationships between selected blue economy sectors and development factors across Mediterranean European Union member states. The empirical analysis is based on secondary data obtained from EUROSTAT and the EU Blue Economy Report 2022, covering the period from 2016 to 2020. Hierarchical cluster analysis was employed to process the data, with the results presented through a dendrogram. The findings reveal strong associations between gross value added and the sectors of energy, coastal tourism, maritime transport, ports, and fisheries, as well as with investments in research and development and the availability of highly skilled labour. The contribution of the study lies in the empirical mapping of sectoral patterns within the blue economy and their interpretation through the innovation systems perspective. Communication and leadership are considered as important interpretative dimensions for understanding stakeholder coordination and change management; however, they are not included in the empirical model as directly measured variables. The research is exploratory in nature and provides a foundation for future studies involving broader theoretical and methodological developments.
Keywords
innovation systems; blue economy; leadership; culture of change; sustainable use.
Hrčak ID:
349822
URI
Publication date:
27.7.2026.
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