Page 12: of Marine Technology Magazine (October 2017)

Opinion

A Uni? ed Voice for Ocean Science and Technology Companies in Washington, DC

By Richard Lawson

IOSTIA

It is well established that associations play a vital role in the (IOSTIA)” was launched in Washington, D.C.

success and growth of companies in a particular industry. As- Until now, companies in the ocean science and technology sociations are an industry’s public relations arm; providing space; those “blue tech” sectors whose companies explore, advertising, education, conferences, lobbying, publishing and, and commercially and sustainably utilize the Earth’s oceans, ultimately, fostering collaboration between companies and en- did not have an industry association to call home. These com- hancing business opportunities. An association is a collection panies were scattered among various other industry associa- of companies, many of which may be competitors, but work tions, if they found an af