INTESA SANPAOLO AND SDA BOCCONI LAUNCH THE BLUE ECONOMY MONITOR
FIRST TWO STUDIES ON BLUE NATURAL CAPITAL AND SUSTAINABLE MOBILITY PUBLISHED
The Blue Economy generates opportunities for sustainable development, innovation and employment
The shift towards sustainable mobility in the maritime-port sector is driven by innovative technologies, strategic planning and local policies – all essential to confronting the challenges of climate change
Rising demand for multidisciplinary scientific, technological and economic expertise
Effective cooperation between institutions, companies, universities and the research community is vital to leverage development and job prospects for future generations
Milan, 5 November 2025 – Blue Natural Capital and Sustainable Mobility are the focus of the first two research studies by the Blue Economy Monitor, an initiative launched by Intesa Sanpaolo and SDA Bocconi School of Management and presented today in Milan. The Monitor, promoted by the Group led by Carlo Messina, aims to analyse the many facets of the marine economy and monitor its development trends, in order to raise awareness of a rapidly growing sector in which Italy can play a leading role on the international stage. To generate tangible opportunities for growth, innovation and sustainable development – while helping young people understand these transformations and acquire the necessary skills – increasingly synergistic collaboration between institutions, universities and businesses is key.
The two studies provide an up-to-date overview of the economic and environmental opportunities linked to the sustainable management of the sea, and the challenges facing the Italian production system in the shift towards more resilient and decarbonised development models.
The first study is dedicated to Blue Natural Capital, analysing the role of corporate strategies in mitigating the effects of human activity on the oceans and highlighting the opportunities related to the conservation and sustainable use of marine resources.
The second study focuses on the transition to Sustainable Mobility, exploring regulatory and policy scenarios to anticipate sector needs and guide investment. Particular attention is paid to the evolution of sustainable mobility in the maritime-port sector and the specific characteristics of the national context.
Elisa Zambito Marsala, Head of Education Ecosystem and Global Value Programs at Intesa Sanpaolo, commented: “Among the emerging trends, the blue economy and seabeds offer extraordinary growth potential for our country. Supporting research in this field means enhancing competitiveness and Italian distinctiveness, while building virtuous ecosystems where institutions, businesses and universities work together to prepare future generations for global challenges and constant transformation.”
Stefano Caselli, Dean of SDA Bocconi School of Management, added: “The blue economy expands the concept of the marine economy by integrating environmental and social sustainability principles. It focuses on the responsible use of ocean resources to foster economic growth, improve livelihoods and create jobs while safeguarding the health of marine ecosystems. We are grateful to Intesa Sanpaolo for partnering with us to address such a vital issue for the economy and the environment.”
The Blue Economy Monitor is part of a broader ecosystem focused on the Blue Economy and Seabeds, involving prominent national and international partners including Université PSL in Paris, SRM – Centro Studi e Ricerche, One Ocean Foundation, and leading industry players.
In this context, Intesa Sanpaolo reaffirms its commitment to supporting schools and universities by promoting educational initiatives and training programmes that foster knowledge of the Blue Economy and the development of multidisciplinary skills.
Research Summaries 1) The Value of Blue Natural Capital Blue Natural Capital – the totality of marine and coastal natural resources that generate ecological, social and economic benefits – represents a strategically valuable asset for the planet and for Italy. Globally, the stock value of Blue Natural Capital is estimated at over USD 24 trillion, including USD 5.6 trillion in the Mediterranean alone. These ecosystems generate economic flows between USD 1.5 and 2.6 trillion per year, with projected growth up to USD 3 trillion by 2030. In Italy, the marine economy generated EUR 64.6 billion in gross value added in 2022, with an overall contribution to GDP of EUR 178.3 billion and more than 1 million people employed. Italy ranks among the top five EU Member States in terms of its contribution to the marine economy, with a leading position in coastal tourism, shipbuilding, maritime transport, and fishing and aquaculture. Among emerging sectors, the greatest potential lies in marine renewable energy (particularly offshore wind), blue biotechnology, digital solutions for marine ecosystem management, and sustainable infrastructure. Experience from Marine Protected Areas shows that conservation can deliver economic benefits that exceed costs, promoting sustainable tourism and new employment opportunities. To fully capture these opportunities, the study highlights the need for an integrated approach combining a long-term strategic vision, a stable regulatory framework, and innovative financial instruments, including blue bonds, sustainable investment funds and payment mechanisms for ecosystem services. 2) Maritime Transport: The Transition Towards Sustainability The second study by the Observatory analyses the role of maritime transport – a vital sector for both the Italian and global economies – which is currently undergoing a major transformation towards decarbonisation. Although it is the most energy-efficient transport mode, the sector is responsible for approximately 2.9% of global greenhouse gas emissions, which are projected to increase by up to 130% by 2050 without corrective action. In Italy, maritime transport plays a crucial role in economic and social cohesion: 52.7% of freight traffic and over 90% of passenger traffic take place on domestic routes, also serving more than 80 inhabited islands. Italy holds leading positions in Europe in the Ro-Ro and cruise segments and plays a significant role in container transport. However, the energy transition will require substantial investment and more effective coordination between public and private stakeholders. The main barriers identified include high infrastructure costs, fragmented decision-making, complex authorisation procedures, and slow fleet renewal, along with low public acceptance of certain decarbonisation-related investments. Current national policies based on LNG, bio-LNG and cold ironing could reduce emissions by only a limited share (less than 5% by 2030) unless combined with more ambitious measures. The study's recommendations include:
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Intesa Sanpaolo, with €421 billion in loans and more than €1.4 trillion in customer financial assets at the end of September 2025, is the largest banking group in Italy, with a significant international presence. It is a European leader in wealth management, with a strong focus on digital and fintech. Intesa Sanpaolo has developed a large-scale Artificial Intelligence program, currently involving around 150 use cases and delivering strong benefits for the Group. By 2025, the Group will provide €115 billion of Impact lending to support communities and the green transition, together with a €1.5 billion program (2023–2027) to help people in need. The Bank’s network of museums, the Gallerie d’Italia, hosts its owned artistic heritage and cultural projects of recognized value.
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SDA Bocconi School of Management
SDA Bocconi School of Management is the international school leading the transformation of individuals to improve the future of people, organizations, and society. Alongside its urban campus in Milan, renowned as the most sustainable in the world, the school also has a location in Rome and a pan-Asian hub in Mumbai. SDA Bocconi’s programs are built on rigorous and original research activities, offering MBAs, Specialized Master, and Executive Master programs, as well as open and custom executive education.
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Last updated 5 November 2025 at 17:59
