San Diego's blue tech economy has global reach

By Matt Sanford, director of economic development

Walking around the trade show floor at Oceanology International in London, it was apparent that many of the companies in attendance have a presence in San Diego. From startups like Assure Controls and Ocean Aero to some of the industry's largest players like Teledyne Marine, Xylem and Fugro, there are countless linkages and footprints in San Diego.

For companies that aren't located in our region, there is certainly interest. Nine hours of conversations with different global regions and companies revealed that San Diego's blue tech sector is well established and recognized globally as a leading cluster.

The blue tech sector may be something we take for granted in San Diego as a part of a very diverse economy. But globally, and especially in coastal regions, San Diego is a well known destination for the industry. Representatives from France, England and Ireland were interested in replicating our model to develop a cluster.

World Trade Center San Diego (WTCSD) and San Diego Regional EDC are in London to support the announcement that Oceanology International North America is launching in February 2017 in San Diego. The show has never been in San Diego before, but the region was picked because of the robust cluster of maritime technology companies. Show organizers, Reed Exhibitions cited industry concentration, industry partnership (The Maritime Alliance) and global linkages as reasons they picked America's finest city. The announcement included Reed Exhibitions, The Maritime Alliance, WTCSD, EDC and Mayor Kevin Faulconer, who shared a message via video, welcoming the show and expressing the region's blue tech vision.

San Diego's Blue Tech Cluster is being maximized and is setting the bar globally in how a cluster can operate.