Upstream Illinois: Strategies to Boost Illinois’ Blue Economy

Upstream Illinois, prepared for Current, lays out a roadmap for the Chicago region to grow and sustain a globally significant Inclusive Blue Economy. The report summarizes findings from an analysis of the water cluster and its related industries (the “blue economy”) and proposes cross-sector collaborative strategies to develop and manufacture water treatment and monitoring technology. Strategies emphasize launching industry-led programs, building partnerships with water technology testing and demonstration centers, growing water product/component manufacturing, and delivering tailored business scale-up support.