In a region crisscrossed by coastlines and rich marine biodiversity, the ocean is not just a geographical feature for ASEAN, it is its lifeblood. From fisheries and shipping routes to coastal tourism and offshore energy, Southeast Asia’s seas are vital to the economy and the livelihood of millions. Yet, the pressure on marine ecosystems is intensifying. Overfishing, pollution, and climate change are pushing the region to a critical crossroads. To avoid ecological and economic collapse, ASEAN must embrace a new model of growth, one that leverages technological innovation and empowers startups to drive a sustainable blue economy.
The blue economy, by definition, promotes the responsible and inclusive use of ocean resources for economic development while preserving the health of marine environments. For ASEAN, this concept is more than aspirational, it is essential. But realizing its full potential requires a radical shift in thinking. Traditional sectors alone cannot carry the burden of sustainable transformation. What’s needed is a tech-powered startup revolution, one that fuses environmental responsibility with cutting-edge innovation to generate both profit and preservation.
From Fossil Fuels to Smart Sustainability
At the heart of this transformation is the urgent need to transition away from fossil fuel dependence. As Nepal et al. (2021) have pointed out, fossil fuels accounted for nearly 80% of ASEAN’s energy mix in 2017, and without significant change, that number could rise to 82% by 2050. Such reliance not only deepens carbon footprints but also undermines the potential of clean ocean-based industries. Startups that specialize in renewable marine energy, AI-powered fishing tools, and sustainable aquaculture solutions offer scalable alternatives.
Innovative technologies like artificial intelligence (AI), blockchain, and big data analytics can dramatically enhance the way we manage and monitor ocean resources. Smart sensors and satellite tracking can provide real-time data to prevent illegal fishing, while predictive analytics can help aquaculture farms optimize feed and reduce waste. These solutions aren’t hypothetical, they’re already being tested by emerging startups in Singapore, Indonesia, and Vietnam. But to scale, they need investment, policy support, and regional collaboration.
Rehman and Holý (2022) underscore how green technology can improve both environmental outcomes and economic resilience. ASEAN countries must treat sustainability not as a trade-off but as a multiplier for growth. By incentivizing clean marine technologies and integrating them into national development plans, governments can stimulate innovation and open new markets while reducing ecological risks.
Startups: The Unsung Heroes of Ocean Innovation
Startups are uniquely positioned to be the drivers of this transformation. Agile and adaptable, they are not bogged down by legacy systems or bureaucratic inertia. In fact, many marine-focused startups in ASEAN are already developing tools for ocean monitoring, waste collection, and sustainable seafood certification. These ventures combine environmental impact with economic viability, a rare but necessary alignment in today’s crisis-prone world.
Studies by Simanjuntak et al. (2024) and Bennett et al. (2019) illustrate that startups involved in marine innovation often outperform traditional industries in terms of sustainability metrics. Whether it’s deploying drones to map coral reefs or using AI to track migratory fish patterns, these ventures are pushing the boundaries of what’s possible.
The work of Miloslavich et al. (2018) further highlights the significance of innovation in ocean observation. Without robust data, there can be no informed policy. Startups can fill this gap by offering cost-effective, localized, and adaptable technologies that improve our understanding of marine ecosystems. In doing so, they become essential partners, not just service providers, in shaping the blue economy.
COVID-19 as a Catalyst for Rethinking the Blue Economy
The COVID-19 pandemic disrupted nearly every sector, but it also exposed the fragility of ocean-dependent economies. Tourism collapsed, shipping slowed, and fisheries faced uncertain markets. Yet, the crisis also created an opening for transformation. Suriyankietkaew and Nimsai (2021) argue that recovery strategies must prioritize sustainability and regional resilience.
This is where startups and technology can again play a pivotal role. In the wake of the pandemic, digital platforms emerged as essential tools for logistics, commerce, and monitoring. Applying similar models to marine sectors can enhance adaptive management. For example, platforms that connect small-scale fishers directly to buyers reduce reliance on vulnerable supply chains and ensure fairer pricing.
Lewison et al. (2015) make a compelling case for flexible management systems backed by real-time data. ASEAN’s post-pandemic recovery must seize this moment to embed resilience, not just rebuild old systems. The blue economy cannot afford to be a casualty of future disruptions, it must be a pillar of recovery and long-term security.
The Policy Puzzle: Enabling Innovation, Not Hindering It
For the startup revolution to flourish, governments must move from rhetoric to action. Policy frameworks need to be dynamic, inclusive, and innovation-friendly. Bennett et al. (2019) and Lubchenco et al. (2020) emphasize that without supportive policies, even the most promising technologies will struggle to gain traction.
Startups need access to capital, open data ecosystems, and fast-tracked regulatory approvals. Governments should consider setting up marine innovation hubs, launching ocean-tech challenge funds, and offering tax incentives for companies working on sustainable maritime solutions. These aren’t handouts, they’re strategic investments in a sustainable future.
Moreover, policy must promote collaboration across sectors. Academia, private companies, NGOs, and local communities must be included in the decision-making process. Indigenous knowledge systems and scientific expertise can coexist, and when they do, the result is more effective and inclusive stewardship of marine resources (Girón‐Nava & Harden‐Davies, 2021).
Education: Building the Next Generation of Ocean Leaders
A sustainable blue economy won’t happen without human capital. Education systems across ASEAN need to evolve to meet the demands of the future. Marine science programs should integrate courses on digital technology, environmental economics, and entrepreneurship. Vocational training in areas like eco-friendly shipping and marine robotics must become more widely available.
Simanjuntak et al. (2024) emphasize the importance of preparing young people to be future stewards of the ocean. This means going beyond textbook learning and offering hands-on experience with technology and sustainable practices. By aligning education with the goals of the blue economy, ASEAN can nurture a workforce that is both competent and committed to long-term change.
The Time to Act is Now
Let’s be clear: the stakes are high. If ASEAN continues down its current path of fossil fuel reliance, ecological degradation, and fragmented governance, the blue economy may remain a buzzword rather than a transformative reality. The window for change is narrow, but the opportunities are vast.
Startups offer the bold thinking and rapid action that traditional institutions often lack. They are capable of turning technological potential into tangible impact. But they cannot do it alone. They need an ecosystem of support, policies that reward innovation, education that builds capacity, and regional cooperation that breaks down silos.
ASEAN has everything it needs to become a global leader in the sustainable use of ocean resources. What’s missing is the political will to scale what works and discard what doesn’t. The future of the region’s seas, and its people, depends on the choices made today. The blue economy is not a distant dream. With the right vision and investment, it can be ASEAN’s most vibrant and resilient economic frontier.
