Ocean Impact Start-ups – Ocean Health and Sustainable Entrepreneurship

The global ocean, a vast and vital ecosystem, faces unprecedented threats from climate change, pollution, and overexploitation. As a result, there is a growing need for innovative solutions to address these challenges (Mallin and Barbesgaard, 2020; Jarvis and Young, 2023). Ocean impact start-ups, emerging as a powerful force, are developing sustainable business models to protect marine environments and promote a healthy Blue Economy (e.g., Pakseresht et al., 2025; Zhu et al., 2023).

The proposed PhD project aims to explore the intersection of ocean health and sustainable business, focusing on the role of ocean impact start-ups. By examining the strategies, challenges, and opportunities of these innovative ventures, this research will contribute to a deeper understanding of how to foster a thriving Blue Economy, described as “the sustainable use of ocean resources for economic growth, improved livelihoods, and jobs while preserving the health of ocean ecosystem” (Vierros and De Fontaubert, 2017, p. 6).

Research Questions:

  1. What are the key characteristics and business models of ocean impact start-ups?
  2. How do ocean impact start-ups contribute to ocean health and sustainable economic and social development?
  3. What are the major challenges faced by ocean impact start-ups, and how can these challenges be addressed?
  4. What are the policy and regulatory frameworks that support or hinder the growth of ocean impact start-ups?

Research Methodology:

To explore the mechanisms and underlying dynamics of impact entrepreneurship in the nascent Blue Economy, a qualitative approach may be recommended. This approach could encompass, but is not limited to, in-depth case studies of selected ocean impact start-ups to explore their business models, strategies, and impact, and interview-based research. Primary data could be complemented with archival research, drawing on the analysis of publicly available data and statistics on ocean-related industries, investments, and policy frameworks.

The findings of this proposed research may have significant implications for:

• Academic community: Contributing to the growing body of knowledge on sustainable business, innovation, and ocean conservation.

• Ocean impact start-ups: Providing valuable insights into effective business strategies, financing options, and policy support.

• Policymakers: Informing the development of policies and regulations that promote sustainable ocean industries and innovation.

References:Jarvis, R.M., Young, T. 2023. Pressing questions for science, policy, and governance in the high seas. Environmental Science & Policy, 139, 177-184. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.envsci.2022.11.001Mallin, F., Barbesgaard, M. 2020. Awash with contradiction: Capital, ocean space and the logics of the Blue Economy paradigm. Geoforum, 113, 121-132. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.geoforum.2020.04.021Pakseresht, A., Kermani, A., Decker-Lange, C. 2025. Towards a sustainable and circular blue bioeconomy: A scoping review. Technological Forecasting and Social Change, 216, 124157. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.techfore.2025.124157Vierros, M., De Fontaubert, C. 2017. The potential of the Blue Economy: Increasing long-term benefits of the sustainable use of marine resources for Small Island Developing States and Coastal Least Developed Countries. Washington: World Bank https://coilink.org/20.500.12592/pzzwzx (accessed 23 March 2025).Zhu, B., Liang, C., Mirza, N., Umar, M. 2023. What drives gearing in early-stage firms? Evidence from blue economy startups. Journal of Business Research, 161, 113840. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jbusres.2023.113840

How to apply

If you are interested in applying for the above PhD topic please follow the steps below:

  1. Contact the supervisor by email or phone to discuss your interest and find out if you would be suitable. Supervisor details can be found on this topic page. The supervisor will guide you in developing the topic-specific research proposal, which will form part of your application.
  2. Click on the 'Apply here' button on this page and you will be taken to the relevant PhD course page, where you can apply using an online application.
  3. Complete the online application indicating your selected supervisor and include the research proposal for the topic you have selected.

Good luck!

This is a self funded topic

Brunel offers a number of funding options to research students that help cover the cost of their tuition fees, contribute to living expenses or both. See more information here: https://www.brunel.ac.uk/research/Research-degrees/Research-degree-funding. The UK Government is also offering Doctoral Student Loans for eligible students, and there is some funding available through the Research Councils. Many of our international students benefit from funding provided by their governments or employers. Brunel alumni enjoy tuition fee discounts of 15%.

Meet the Supervisor(s)

Carolin Decker-Lange - I am a Senior Lecturer in Strategy and Entrepreneurship at Brunel Business School (BBS) that I joined in February 2023. Previously, I held academic positions at The Open University, UWE Bristol Business School, the University of Bremen (Germany), and WHU – Otto Beisheim School of Management (Germany). I passed a PhD in Management and a post-doctoral lecture qualification (“Habilitation”) at Freie Universität Berlin (Germany). My interests in research and teaching are at the intersection of strategy and entrepreneurship, including corporate restructuring, interorganisational relationships, family business governance, innovation in SMEs, and entrepreneurship education. I am a Visiting Research Fellow at the German Maritime Museum – Leibniz Institute for Maritime History in Bremerhaven (Germany). This fellowship allows me to explore the Blue Economy from a multidisciplinary perspective.