Innovative Social Practice and Community-Based Approach to the Ocean

This book stands as a pioneering work, illustrating a community-based and people-centered approach to the ocean. It meticulously outlines methodologies, procedures, and evaluations of social practices initiated by universities and think tanks, rooted in the actualization of social responsibility. Its outcomes extend towards implications for blue impact finance, highlighting a dedicated commitment to fostering positive change in oceanic environments.

Universities play a vital role in bridging research and education to create innovative solutions for communities as partnerships. Japan and Taiwan share similar concerns as maritime states and recognize that collaboration is the linchpin for strengthening relationships among faculty, students, and local residents, ensuring sustainability with a positive societal impact. To address this issue, the Ocean Policy Research Institute (OPRI) of the Sasakawa Peace Foundation collaborates with the Taiwan–Japan Alliance of Local Revitalization and Social Practice and the National Taiwan Ocean University. Through this joint effort, thematic case studies are selected to illuminate the methodology of impact assessment and evaluation for ocean-link initiatives within the framework of think tank–university social responsibility.

This book contains four key parts: I. Methodology of Problem-solving Structure for Coastal Region; II. Challenges and Opportunities of Ocean-link Industries; III. Innovative Forms of Blue Impact; and IV. Evaluating Blue Impact from Social and Environmental Perspective. Successful experiences have been shown to rely on problem identification, assessment, and endeavor, driven by shared motivations and the establishment of trust among research institutes, universities, and communities.

This is an open access book.