Blue Technology is a concept first introduced by Belgian entrepreneur and environmental activist Gunter Pauli, referring to technologies that mimic or draw on structures and principles found in living organisms and natural ecosystems. Applied across cutting-edge fields to advance human technological development, Blue Technology also contributes to solving environmental problems and building a sustainable society.
As an innovation that takes its cues from nature, Blue Technology has evolved beyond conventional green technology (Green Technology) in its approach to climate change — progressing toward the elimination of carbon emissions at source rather than simply managing their effects. While green technology focused on developing solutions for treating and responding to pollution after it has already occurred, Blue Technology goes further by proposing technologies that fundamentally suppress the generation of all substances contributing to climate change. Examples include solar cells modeled on leaf structures, energy-saving architecture inspired by zebra stripe patterns, and artificial photosynthesis technologies — all of which contribute to renewable energy production and improved energy efficiency. Blue Technology can also advance low-carbon transition and resource recycling in manufacturing through the development of new materials and the realization of a circular economy.
[Blue Technology ⓒESG.ONL]
U.S. consulting firm FBEI (Fermanian Business & Economic Institute) projected that the global Blue Technology market will grow rapidly to USD 1.6 trillion (approximately KRW 1,900 trillion) by 2030. As a result, Blue Technology is expected to serve as a core engine of future growth and industrial competitiveness.
Surrounded by sea on three sides, South Korea plans to cultivate Blue Technology as a regional strategic industry, expanding new growth sectors across marine, environmental, bio, and energy fields.
by Editor O