The 2026 report analyses the role of the’Sea Economy as a strategic platform for the country's economic and employment growth. With a total value of more than 216 billion euro and around 2.5 million employees along the direct and indirect supply chains, the Blue Economy is confirmed as one of the main drivers of development, expanding strongly compared to the national average.

The analysis highlights the transformations taking place in the main sectors - shipbuilding, maritime logistics and the fishing industry - driven by energy transition, digitalisation and new geopolitical balances, but also a growing mismatch between demand and supply of skills.

In order to sustain growth and close the employment gap estimated for the next few years, the report identifies three priority lines of action: regulatory simplification and access to professions, technological innovation, and strengthening of training paths. The objective is to consolidate Italy's position and fully exploit the industrial and employment potential of the sea.