SOOP
The ocean covers over 70% of the Earth’s surface, plays a critical role in regulating the global climate, supporting livelihoods, and serves as the foundation of the Blue Economy. Efficient ocean management and resource utilization require reliable information and knowledge. However, less than a third of ocean observation efforts are sustainably funded, leaving the ocean significantly under-monitored. Research vessels are overbooked, and data collection is limited by fragmented, project-based solutions. There is an urgent need for expanded in-situ observation to support sustainable decision-making, ensuring the long-term protection and use of the ocean for the Blue Economy and society as a whole.
Ocean observation technologies often rely on small companies that lack the resources to compete outside of niche markets. These companies face high development costs and struggle to meet customer demands, limiting the impact and accessibility of ocean observation tools. The current landscape is further hindered by a lack of interoperability between technologies and limited innovation in data collection, which stalls progress.
SOOP addresses these challenges by creating a collaborative framework for science, industry, and civil society to strengthen competencies and promote sustainable ocean observations. It encourages co-creation of technologies, standards, and best practices designed for interoperability on non-scientific infrastructure. This approach reduces entry barriers for new participants, enables seamless integration with existing systems, and supports automated, cost-effective observation solutions, making ocean monitoring accessible to a diverse range of actors.
As an innovation hub, SOOP provides access to an open lab for the co-creation of new technologies and data products. Scientific infrastructure is activated, and a global network of engaged ocean observers is fostered. This drives the development of demand-driven technologies, opens new markets, and fuels a growing need for ocean data and knowledge, effectively expanding capacity beyond traditional research vessels for widespread ocean monitoring.
SOOP’s efforts go beyond technology, covering the entire process from observation and data collection to transforming insights into actionable information. By co-developing solutions that increase demand and unlock new markets, SOOP significantly enhances ocean data availability and knowledge, supporting sustainable use of the ocean for both economic and societal benefits. This approach ensures data quality through established standards and enables consistent, accurate monitoring over time.
As a nexus of collaboration between science, society, and industry, SOOP democratizes access to ocean information and fosters an innovative market for ocean observation. SOOP has established a structure for engaging non-scientific participants in ocean monitoring through communication, interaction, and data quality assurance. By facilitating easy data access and participation, SOOP opens new opportunities for stakeholders within the Blue Economy. This comprehensive approach—from technology development and data use to creating new business models—positions SOOP as a central player in the New Blue Economy.