Bill Overview
Title: Ocean Regional Opportunity and Innovation Act of 2022
Description: This bill directs the Department of Commerce to designate at least seven entities as Ocean Innovation Clusters. Ocean Innovation Clusters are hubs of operation and entrepreneurship for private, public, and academic stakeholders to collaborate on opportunities to promote and enhance the maritime industry. In designating entities, Commerce shall prioritize entities with a history of supporting cross-sector growth and development of the Blue Economy. Additionally, Commerce must designate at least one Ocean Innovation Cluster in (1) each of the regions covered by the five regional offices of the National Marine Fisheries Service, (2) the Great Lakes region, and (3) the Gulf of Mexico region. Commerce may award competitive grants for the establishment, operation, and administration of Ocean Innovation Clusters.
Sponsors: Sen. Murkowski, Lisa [R-AK]
Target Audience
Population: People involved in the Blue Economy and Maritime Industry
Estimated Size: 300000
- The Ocean Regional Opportunity and Innovation Act of 2022 aims to establish Ocean Innovation Clusters that involve private, public, and academic stakeholders.
- Individuals involved in the maritime industry will benefit from innovation and collaboration opportunities.
- The act will positively impact sectors like fishing, marine biotechnology, and marine transportation due to new inventions and entrepreneurial activities.
- People in regions covered by the National Marine Fisheries Service, the Great Lakes, and the Gulf of Mexico will be directly impacted.
- Research and development professionals involved in blue economy projects will gain new opportunities.
- The academic community can expect increased funding and collaborative research opportunities.
Reasoning
- The Ocean Regional Opportunity and Innovation Act targets regions directly involved in the maritime industry, fostering innovation and collaboration.
- By establishing Ocean Innovation Clusters, the policy will primarily affect individuals involved in maritime activities such as fishing, transportation, and marine research.
- Immediate impacts are likely to be felt in regions targeted for these clusters, i.e., coastal and lake regions in the U.S.
- Although the policy has a significant budget allocation, its direct impact will be limited to those currently engaged or willing to engage in maritime innovations.
- The policy is broader and more impactful on a community level rather than focused on individuals unless they are directly involved.
- For individuals, the potential for enhanced job opportunities and improved collaboration environments will be a key factor for positive impact.
Simulated Interviews
marine biologist (Houston, TX)
Age: 35 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 10/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I believe this policy is a great opportunity for scientific collaboration.
- It will bring more funding and projects to our area.
- I am optimistic about new conservation projects emerging.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 9 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 9 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 5 |
fisherman (Seattle, WA)
Age: 42 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 12/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I'm concerned about whether small fishers will benefit or the big companies.
- If it increases regulations, it could make our lives harder.
- If it brings more business opportunities, that could be good.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 5 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 5 | 4 |
| Year 20 | 5 | 4 |
oceanographer (Miami, FL)
Age: 29 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 8/20
Statement of Opinion:
- The policy seems like a good chance to enhance our research facilities.
- I'm hopeful for more international collaboration opportunities.
- The impact on local ecosystems could be beneficial.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 9 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 9 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 9 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 6 | 4 |
marine transportation manager (Chicago, IL)
Age: 50 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 7/20
Statement of Opinion:
- This might improve shipping routes and efficiency.
- I hope it translates into more jobs and less bureaucracy.
- The Great Lakes could benefit from this focus on innovation.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 5 | 5 |
retired (Boston, MA)
Age: 60 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 3.0 years
Commonness: 5/20
Statement of Opinion:
- It's exciting to see new clusters being developed, though I wonder about their long-term sustainability.
- As a former executive, I see potential but also caution in terms of investment.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 5 | 5 |
| Year 2 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 3 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 5 | 5 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 5 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 4 | 4 |
environmental policy advisor (Los Angeles, CA)
Age: 38 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 6/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I believe the clusters will drive forward the Blue Economy ethos.
- Implementation should carefully consider inclusivity and diverse stakeholder engagement.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 6 | 5 |
graduate student (New Orleans, LA)
Age: 27 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 8
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 10/20
Statement of Opinion:
- It's encouraging to see potential job opportunities in my field within my region.
- The policy could bridge academic knowledge with practical entrepreneurship.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 9 | 8 |
| Year 2 | 9 | 7 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 9 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 4 |
ship engineer (Baltimore, MD)
Age: 45 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 8.0 years
Commonness: 7/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I hope the focus includes sustainable ship engineering.
- It would be great to see more innovation here especially towards reducing emissions.
- Collaboration opportunities sound promising if inclusive of engineers on the ground.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 5 | 4 |
indigenous rights advocate (Anchorage, AK)
Age: 55 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 4/20
Statement of Opinion:
- It’s crucial any policy respects indigenous coastal rights and practices.
- Hoping the policy brings attention and support to indigenous communities' ideas.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 5 | 5 |
| Year 2 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 3 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 5 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 5 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 4 | 4 |
startup founder (Cleveland, OH)
Age: 32 | Gender: other
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 5/20
Statement of Opinion:
- The clusters could provide the networking and growth opportunities we need.
- I'm excited about the potential for novel partnerships and technology development.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 3 | 9 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 9 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 6 | 4 |
Cost Estimates
Year 1: $50000000 (Low: $45000000, High: $55000000)
Year 2: $48000000 (Low: $44000000, High: $52000000)
Year 3: $51000000 (Low: $47000000, High: $55000000)
Year 5: $53000000 (Low: $49000000, High: $57000000)
Year 10: $56000000 (Low: $52000000, High: $60000000)
Year 100: $100000000 (Low: $90000000, High: $110000000)
Key Considerations
- Establishing effective governance and management for each Ocean Innovation Cluster will be crucial for success.
- Leveraging existing infrastructure and expertise in designated regions can enhance cluster implementation.
- Maintaining consistent funding and support from both governmental and private entities will be essential for cluster sustainability.
- Monitoring and evaluating the cluster's impact on innovation and economic growth will be necessary to adjust strategies as needed.