"Blue Economy is defined by the World Bank as the “sustainable use of ocean resources for economic growth, improved livelihoods, and jobs while preserving the health of ocean ecosystem.”
Index Overview
The UNC Wilmington Blue Economy Index is an equity benchmark designed to track the performance of global companies that are involved in the provision of products and services associated with the ocean economy. The index prioritizes companies with high Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) rankings with an increased weighting from their Environmental scores, reflecting a commitment to sustainable practices.
The UNC Wilmington Blue Economy Index is an Environmental weighted index. The index is reconstituted annually and rebalanced semi-annually. It will be published globally and available to be licensed by global asset managers for inclusion in investable financial products.
Investment Opportunity
The index will be the first of its kind by measuring the economic activities in oceans and waterways with a tilt towards environmental impact. The oceans produce over $3T in annual GDP, making them the equivalent of the 6th largest country in the world. The UNC Wilmington Blue Economy Index will give investors access to the growing impact of economic development around the oceans as there continues to be a population shift toward coastal communities.
Innovative Process
The collaboration between UNCW’s Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship (CIE), CIE’s Alliance the Blue Economy, UNCW’s Cameron School of Business and FactSet, a financial industry data and software company brought together academics, science, and business to create a unique product that brings awareness to a global concern about ocean preservation and economic development.
https://uncw.edu/research/centers/innovation-entrepreneurship/
https://uncw.edu/research/centers/innovation-entrepreneurship/events-programs/programs/all-blue
https://uncw.edu/academics/colleges/csb/
Index Objective
The index will allow value-based investors for the first time to invest in environmentally focused growth and opportunities from our global oceans' economy. The index should spark collaboration with UNCW, other Universities and Blue Economy hubs from around the world to create sustainable economic development in coastal communities.
A key objective is to attract entrepreneurs, students, and financiers to Wilmington, NC to help solve the environmental challenges around the oceans. UNC Wilmington’s Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship along with its various partners want to create a Blue Economy Hub in the town of Wilmington.
Index Constituents Data
Index Top Companies
Mitsubishi Heavy Industry, Ltd. (Japan)- Industrial Manufacturing
Norwegian Cruise Lines Ltd. (USA) - Hospitality Services
Goldwind Science & Technology Co. Ltd. (Hong Kong) – Industrial Manufacturing
Yang Ming Marine Transport Corp. (Taiwan) - Industrial Services
Toyota Tsusho Corp. (Japan), Industrial Services
The UNC Wilmington Blue Economy Index will soon be published globally and available for global asset managers to license for inclusion in financial products. For additional information or questions regarding the Blue Economy Index, please contact:
Justin Streuli
streulij@uncw.edu