Shandong, China's maritime powerhouse, is accelerating its quest for ocean talent to fuel its blue economy. In August, Jiaolong, China's first manned submersible, completed its first scientific expedition after a year-long upgrade. The submersible's improved capabilities, including extended range and improved observational systems, are a testament to Shandong's commitment to marine progress.

Leading this drive is Qingdao city, which has been nurturing marine talent through various initiatives, including offering financial support and comprehensive services to assist marine entrepreneurs in securing funding, workspace, market access, and policy guidance. By 2024, the city had brought in 22 marine academicians and a total of 376,500 marine professionals.

Other coastal cities in Shandong province are also rolling out talent policies. Yantai city established the first marine engineering talent innovation port last year, aiming to provide tailored services for marine engineering enterprises. Weihai city plans to accelerate the construction of a forward-thinking international marine strong city by regularly publishing high-end marine talent demands and organizing blue talent special reports.

Shandong's strategy includes implementing major scientific plans to integrate talent, education, industry, and value chains. Policy-wise, the province has launched a three-year plan spanning 2025 to 2027 to gather and attract marine talent, which has significantly sped up the pace of marine talent introduction and cultivation.

With a robust marine talent pool, Shandong aims to push its marine industry GDP towards 2 trillion yuan ($280.29 billion). The province's efforts to build a marine talent hub are not only driving economic growth, but also setting a global example for sustainable ocean development.