Research on the Integrated Development of China’s Marine Industry Empowered by the Digital Economy: Architecture Design and Implementation Pathways

Abstract

The digital economy, as a key driver of China’s economic development and industrial structure transformation, provides a strong impetus for the integrated development of the marine industry. Building on relevant research both domestically and internationally, this study employs programmatic grounded theory coding to analyze the effective case data published on authoritative official websites. We construct a theoretical model and architectural design for the integration of digital economy and marine industry, elucidating the crucial roles of digital infrastructure, digital collaborative service platforms, and digital application scenarios in this integration. We propose the following four integration pathways: digital resource collaborative optimization based on the ‘sea–ship–shore–breeding–tourism–management’ framework, industry chain optimization led by the seed industry, industrial cluster format optimization based on ecosystems, and land–sea linkage layout optimization driven by application scenarios. These pathways provide scientific theoretical guidance and practical recommendations for the integrated development of China’s marine industry in the digital economy era.

1. Introduction

In the context of the rapid development of the digital economy, China’s marine industries are experiencing unprecedented opportunities for transformation and upgrading. The digital economy, with its unique information technology and data resources, provides strong momentum for the integrated development of the marine industry [1]. In recent years, with the rapid advancement of technologies such as big data, cloud computing, and the Internet of Things, the digital economy has become a new engine driving economic and social development [2]. In the field of marine industries, the application of digital technologies is becoming increasingly widespread [3], from the exploration and development of marine resources to the monitoring [4] and protection of the marine environment [5], as well as the optimization and management of marine transportation and logistics [6]. The application of these technologies not only improves the operational efficiency of marine industries but also offers new possibilities for their integrated and innovative development.

The Chinese government, at all levels, attaches great importance to the coordinated development of marine industries and the digital economy. To this end, a series of policy measures have been introduced, including the “China Marine Industry Development Plan”, the “China Digital Economy Development Action Plan”, and various local regulations aimed at accelerating the integration of the digital economy into marine industries. With the government’s strong guidance, efficient interdepartmental coordination, the prominent role of enterprises, the robust market drive, and widespread participation from all sectors of society, the marine industry is at a critical stage of digital transformation and upgrading [7]. This industrial upgrade encompasses not only the widespread innovation of economic entities within the industry but also the deep integration of the primary, secondary, and tertiary industry chains and the highly interconnected development of the value chain. It aims to achieve intelligent maritime services, efficient maritime governance, and the smart transformation of maritime industries.

At present, many scholars have conducted numerous valuable explorations into the integration of the digital economy and the development of marine industries, recognizing the critical role the digital economy plays in this process [8]. This includes enhancing total factor productivity, promoting industrial structure upgrades [9], and improving labor productivity [10]. However, in-depth research on how the digital economy specifically empowers the integrated development of China’s marine industry remains insufficient [11]. Existing studies often focus on the application of digital technologies in specific aspects of the marine industry, lacking a systematic analysis and architectural design for the integration of the entire marine industry chain [12,13].

The integrated development of China’s marine industry and digital economy also encounters several practical challenges. First, the existing synergy between these sectors lacks a comprehensive, strategic top-level design. The industrial integration information system remains fragmented, with no unified planning or standards in place, leading to dispersed information resources. Consequently, it is difficult to establish a cohesive industrial chain information system, and there is limited effective integration and sharing of information resources across different regions and departments. Additionally, there is an absence of a clear and actionable integration pathway. The deep integration of the marine industry with the digital economy requires coordination across multiple fields and departments. A critical issue that needs to be addressed urgently is how to align the interests of all stakeholders and integrate resources effectively to ensure the seamless advancement of this integrated development.

In conclusion, there is an urgent need for the academic community to conduct in-depth research and provide actionable insights on how to effectively leverage the digital economy to empower the integrated development of the marine industry. To facilitate this integration, it is essential to comprehensively address and optimize three key areas as follows: architecture design, platform planning, and the integration pathway. Based on a review of the relevant research findings [14], this study conducts a systematic grounded theory coding analysis of the effective case data published on official authoritative websites. It designs the basic framework for the integration of the digital economy into marine industries, identifies and summarizes the driving factors and enabling pathways for this integration, and provides scientific theoretical guidance and practical guidelines for the integrated development of China’s marine industry in the digital economy era [15,16].

2. Methods and Materials

2.1. Research Methods and Ideas

This paper aims to discuss in depth the mechanism of digital technology in the process of integrated and synergistic development of China’s marine industry. This paper takes the digital economy empowering the integrated development of China’s marine industry as the research object. Given the relative scarcity of the literature and research in this field, which is still in its nascent stages, and the insufficient multi-perspective studies on the collaborative mechanisms across different industries, the elements and pathways of this process remain largely unknown. Therefore, this study employs text analysis and grounded theory research to construct an exploratory theoretical framework.

Text analysis lies in following certain research perspectives and reducing textual complexity. The general process includes reading and interpreting the text, constructing categories, coding text fragments, analyzing, and presenting results. This method offers high flexibility and adaptability, laying a solid foundation for subsequent grounded research, ultimately leading to a more precise theoretical model. Grounded theory is an inductive research method that aims to develop primary data into theories. The essence of grounded theory lies in the iterative cycle of gradually increasing the level of abstraction of concepts and their relationships through induction, comparison, and analysis, ultimately leading to the formation of new concepts or theories.

Among the three major schools of grounded theory, the procedural grounded theory proposed by Strauss and others emphasizes human subjective cognitive abilities. This approach focuses on linking existing experiences and theoretical assumptions through causal relationships. It posits that the core of the coding process is to identify conceptual orientation. When this orientation changes, it signifies the emergence of new conceptual content. Following the research methods of this grounded theory, new theories are extracted through the data coding analysis process based on existing theoretical foundations.

To ensure the systematic and scientific nature of the data analysis process, this study relies on manual coding. The Nvivo 11.0 software is used to assist in the coding and to analyze the research data through a step-by-step coding process. Manual coding leverages subjective cognitive abilities to deeply understand the connotations of the original data, ensuring the depth and accuracy of the research. NVivo assists by efficiently organizing and processing the data, providing a preliminary framework and references, facilitating retrieval and queries to enhance coding efficiency and consistency, and generating visual results that aid in understanding category relationships. The combination of these methods strongly supports the construction of theoretical models. First, initial concepts were extracted through open coding and categorized. Next, axial coding was used to delve deeper into the substantive meanings of these concepts and categories, further developing and identifying the logical relationships between them, and integrating and refining the main categories. Finally, selective coding was employed to converge on the core categories, thereby distilling a complete theoretical framework. This process aims to construct a theoretical model of the integration of China’s marine industry enabled by the digital economy based on empirical data, as well as to provide robust support for research and practice in related fields.

2.2. Data Collection and Analysis

The integration of the digital economy with the marine industry is a burgeoning research area characterized by a scarcity of comprehensive databases and relatively fragmented data. This fragmentation makes it challenging to assemble a complete dataset for research across the entire industrial chain. Moreover, the integrated development of these sectors necessitates real-time data to accurately capture emerging trends. However, the availability of dynamic data is limited, and the restricted channels for data acquisition hinder the ability to conduct in-depth research. Therefore, this study adopted data mining methods from the fields of technology management and innovation management, which rely on case news. We obtained the data for this study by mining case news on the digital economy empowering the marine industry. The integration of China’s marine industry, empowered by the digital economy, is fundamentally a cooperative relationship between organizations enabled by digital technology. Analyzing case news could help us identify the subjects, content, timing, and significant events involved. This study employed a news-based text mining analysis method to ensure the validity and reliability of the data sources. The specific process of data collection was as follows: First, news about the digital economy and marine industry from the Chinese government website was collected using information collection software, covering a time span of nearly three years. The portal website of the Central People’s Government of the People’s Republic of China (referred to as “China.gov.cn”) is hosted by the General Office of the State Council, with the Operation Center of China.gov.cn being responsible for its operation and maintenance, making the information obtained from this website highly reliable and relevant.

In addition, the research team also searched other relevant websites and news databases to further supplement and validate the collected news data. During the news collection process, the research team conducted a preliminary screening and retained only 386 news items that reflected the empowerment of China’s marine industries, enterprises, or organizations through digital means. Secondly, the news data were cleaned through a combination of computer matching and manual processing. This process involved integrating different news reports on the same cooperative matter and eliminating data that did not align with the research objectives of this paper. In the end, 67 case studies reflecting the empowerment of China’s marine industry by the digital economy were compiled as research samples. These case studies primarily focus on the areas of infrastructure, platform planning and construction, and industry applications.

3. Results

3.1. Open Coding Based on Grounded Theory

Open coding is the first step in the coding procedure of grounded theory. The main task is to compare and analyze the raw materials (raw statements) obtained from the study to generate initial concepts from them. Due to the large number of initial concepts and semantic intersections, the comparison process eliminates invalid concepts with fewer than two occurrences and contradictory concepts. Only valid concepts with three or more occurrences are retained, allowing for the refinement of higher-order conceptual categories. This process enables the conceptualization and categorization of the original data. In the process of open coding, a coding team was established to conduct repeated comparative analyses of concepts and categories by following the guidelines of collecting, analyzing, and adjusting. This approach helped avoid the influence of subjective bias on the final theoretical construction and ensured the reliability and validity of the study. This study extracted 41 concepts from 2/3 (264 entries) of the original data and categorized them into the following 13 categories: multi-source heterogeneous data, computing power, algorithms, big data sharing platforms, intelligent management platforms, technology transformation platforms, personal applications, industry applications, government management, digital resource collaborative optimization, industry chain optimization, industry cluster optimization, and land–sea linkage layout optimization. To avoid the impact of redundancy and insufficiency of original concepts, each category contained only two to four concepts or original statements. The process of dividing specific conceptual categories is illustrated in Table 1. This table presents three primary categories—data foundation, computing power resources, and algorithm models. Additional categories were derived using the same coding extraction methodology.

Table 1. The open coding of data foundation, computing power resources, and algorithm model.

Original Statements	Conceptualization	Categorization
In Fujian’s marine resource monitoring project, the research team at Xiamen University integrated diverse data sources, including satellite remote sensing and buoy monitoring. This approach provided critical information to support the ecological protection of the Xiamen sea area and allowed for accurate identification of the sources and diffusion trends of marine pollution.	Heterogeneous Multi-Source Data	Data Foundation.
A marine ranching enterprise in Ningbo harnessed big data to analyze marine environmental and aquaculture data, achieving precision breeding. By adjusting feed dosages and breeding densities based on data insights, the company enhanced fish growth rates and survival rates, improved overall yield and quality, and reduced operational costs.	Big Data
A marine engineering design firm in Shanghai utilized cloud computing for remote data storage and sharing. In multinational projects, design teams from different regions collaborated effectively via a cloud computing platform, which significantly shortened the design cycle.	Cloud Computing	Computing Power Resources
In the construction of an intelligent port at Yantian Port in Shenzhen, edge computing was employed to monitor and control equipment in real time. By installing edge computing nodes, data could be processed instantly, enabling immediate alarms in case of abnormalities and uploading the data to enhance safety and operational efficiency.	Edge Computing
Marine research institutions in Qingdao implemented ubiquitous computing to ensure seamless connectivity among monitoring devices. In the Yellow Sea ecological monitoring project, this technology enabled comprehensive real-time monitoring, with different sensors working in tandem to record marine organism activity accurately.	Ubiquitous Computing
A marine fishery company in Dalian utilized artificial intelligence algorithms to predict fishery resources, providing a scientific basis for fishing operations and improving overall efficiency. During one fishing season, adjustments to operational areas and times based on AI predictions led to increased catches and reduced costs.	Artificial Intelligence Algorithms	Algorithm Model
The high-tech transformation platform for the marine industry in Tianjin developed a process model that integrates resources to expedite marine biomedical projects. By clearly defining processes and responsibilities at each stage, the platform reduced the time required for new marine drug development from laboratory research to market introduction.	Process Models
The port management department in Lianyungang adopted an industry-specific large model to optimize shipping routes. By analyzing various factors, the model provided optimal routing recommendations, reduced transportation costs, and enhanced the efficiency and safety of marine transport. For example, on a particular route, the model’s optimization shortened sailing time and decreased fuel consumption.	Industry-Specific Large Models

3.2. Axial Coding Based on Grounded Theory

Axial coding is the second step in the grounded theory coding procedure. Based on the 13 categories obtained through open coding, the explicit and implicit logical relationships between these categories were continuously analyzed and mined. Categories with similar drivers were summarized and abstracted into higher-level main categories based on their analogous and correlational relationships. This process resulted in a total of four main categories—digital infrastructure, digital collaborative service platforms, digital application scenarios, and integration path optimization. The main categories and their corresponding subcategories are shown in Table 2.

Table 2. Axial Coding.

Main Category	Corresponding Category	Connotation of the Category
Digital Infrastructure	Data Foundation	By leveraging blockchain and the Internet of Things, multi-source heterogeneous monitoring data are consolidated into marine big data, providing a solid data foundation for the technological innovation system of China’s marine industry.
	Computing Power Resources	The application of technologies such as cloud computing, edge computing, and pervasive computing provides computing power resources for data processing and analysis.
	Algorithm Model	Combining process models, artificial intelligence, machine learning, and digital twin algorithms, we jointly build powerful data processing and analysis capabilities to drive the intelligent development of the marine industry.
Digital Collaborative Service Platform	Big Data Sharing of Marine Industry	Focusing on the integration of marine industry data elements, asset rights confirmation, and transaction circulation, we promote the sharing and utilization of data resources to support decision-making in the marine industry.
	Intelligent Marine Industry Resources Management	Integrating monitoring, analysis, planning, layout, production, construction, resource conservation, safety assurance, integration and collaboration, and governance, we provide comprehensive and intelligent management services for the marine industry.
	High-tech Achievement Transformation in Marine Industry	Emphasizing technological innovation, resource integration, and industrial application, we promote the rapid transformation of marine science and technology achievements into actual productivity, driving the high-quality development of the marine industry.
Digital Application Scenarios	Personal Applications (ToC)	Focusing on marine-related activities that meet individual and consumer needs, including coastal tourism, deep-sea tourism, island tourism, fishing boat experiences, and marine e-commerce shopping, this highlights the application and enjoyment of marine resources in daily life.
	Industry Applications (ToB)	Serving various enterprises in the marine industry, covering marine ranch construction, smart port operations, smart wind power development, channel management, cruise tourism services, marine engineering implementation, and marine mining, this highlights the significant role of the marine industry in economic development.
	Government Management (ToG)	Focusing on the governmental functions of marine management, including marine data management, resource planning, environmental protection, comprehensive law enforcement, and ecological security and governance, this ensures the sustainable use and protection of marine resources.
Integration Path Optimization	Collaborative Optimization of Digital Resources	Utilize digital technology innovation to rationally utilize and manage marine resources such as “sea–ship–shore–breeding–tourism–management”, and achieve information sharing and collaborative decision-making to enhance the overall operational efficiency.
	Optimization of the Industrial Integration Chain	Emphasizing the empowerment of the seed industry through digital technology, we drive industrial upgrading and achieve integrated development with deep integration of the industrial chain and strong connections within the value chain.
	Integration of Industrial Cluster Business Forms	Building a comprehensive digital marine industry ecosystem, we stimulate innovation and drive the continuous optimization and development of industrial clusters by consolidating innovative resources and adjusting industrial structures.
	Optimization of the Land-Sea Linkage Layout	Optimizing the land–sea linkage layout based on application scenarios, we promote the interaction between marine and inland areas through deep integration of land and sea regions, fully leveraging marine advantages and facilitating coordinated development between coastal and inland areas.

3.3. Selective Coding Based on Grounded Theory

Selective coding is the third step in implementing the procedural coding program of grounded theory. It involves inductively refining and summarizing the main categories to ultimately derive a core category that encompasses all categories. It establishes connections between the core category, main categories, and other categories, using a “storyline” to describe the phenomenon and its underlying driving factors thus developing into a new, comprehensive theoretical model. When identifying the core category, the following principles should be followed: (1) Core relevance: The extent to which the variable is associated as much as possible with other data and their attributes. (2) Explanatory power: The ability to explain the behavior patterns of the majority of the research subjects. (3) Frequent reproducibility: The variable appears repeatedly. (4) Ease of association and significance: The variable’s ability to be connected with other variables meaningfully.

Through the earlier processes of open coding and axial coding, the following four main categories were refined: digital infrastructure, digital collaborative service platforms, digital application scenarios, and integration path optimization. Further refinement led to the core category of “digital technology empowering the integration of the marine industry”. The storyline around this core category can be described as follows: Digital infrastructure, serving as the foundation, provides stable data storage, powerful computing resources and advanced algorithm models, supporting the operation of the entire framework. The digital collaborative service platform facilitates data flow, resource allocation, and the transformation of technological achievements within the industry through the sharing of marine industry big data, intelligent resource management, and the conversion of high-tech results. In terms of digital application scenarios, it provides personalized services to individual consumers, customized solutions for businesses, and effective tools for efficient government management. Together, these three components form the design of the digital support architecture, ensuring the system’s stability, scalability, and security. Furthermore, the entire framework adheres to the following four major optimization pathways: the optimization of digital resource collaboration based on the “sea–ship–shore–breeding–tourism–management” framework, the optimization of the industry integration chain led by the seed industry, the optimization of industrial cluster business forms based on ecosystem, and the optimization of land–sea linkage layout driven by application scenarios. These components and pathways are closely interconnected, collectively advancing the deep integration and development of the digital economy within the marine industry and facilitating the digital transformation and upgrading of the marine sector. Based on the “storyline”, a framework model for the integration and development of the marine industry empowered by the digital economy has been constructed, as illustrated in Figure 1.

Figure 1. Theoretical model of digital economy empowering the integrated development of China’s marine industry.

3.4. Theoretical Saturation Test

In the final step of the procedural rooted theory coding procedure, this study utilized an additional 1/3 (122) of the case data to test for theory saturation. A total of 26 concepts were obtained through the open coding analysis, and the six newly refined categories (big data sharing, marine resource management, modeling, intelligence, industry chain synergy, and land-sea integration) found by the categorization overlapped with the 13 subcategories obtained from the study, indicating that the individual categories in the model have been fully developed. For the four main categories (digital infrastructure, digital collaborative service platform, digital application scenarios, and optimization of integration paths) of the digital economy enabled integration and development of China’s marine industry, no new concepts, categories, or relationships have emerged, and no additional constitutive factors have been identified within these categories. Therefore, the model exhibits strong theoretical saturation.

4. Discussion 1: Architectural Design for the Integrated Development of China’s Marine Industry Facilitated by the Digital Economy

In the development of China’s marine industry, the architectural design of the digital economy plays a crucial role. Architectural design not only provides a clear technical framework and implementation path for digital empowerment but also ensures the efficient and stable progression of the entire empowerment process. Through well-designed architecture, China’s marine industry can achieve the effective integration and utilization of data resources, establish an intelligent and efficient management platform, and subsequently promote industrial upgrading and efficiency improvement. Figure 2 illustrates the architectural design of the digital economy empowering the integrated development of China’s marine industry.

Figure 2. Architectural design of digital economy empowering the integrated development of China’s marine industry.

4.1. Digital Infrastructure—Foundation Layer

To achieve the integrated development of the marine industry empowered by the digital economy, we need to establish the corresponding infrastructure in three key areas, namely data, computation, and algorithms. By constructing infrastructure in these three areas, we can facilitate the accumulation of data assets in the marine industry and generate a digital intelligence driving effect. This will enhance the competitiveness and development of China’s marine industry and promote the deep integration of the digital economy with the real economy.

First, in terms of data foundation, technologies such as the Internet of Things, cloud computing, and big data were used to aggregate marine environmental data and marine pasture monitoring data from multiple heterogeneous sources into a comprehensive marine big data platform. This platform collects, stores, and manages various types of data related to China’s marine industry, including marine environmental monitoring data and marine resource utilization data [17]. Additionally, by utilizing the immutability and transparency of blockchain technology, the authenticity and credibility of the data were ensured.

Second, in terms of computing power resources, a platform based on cloud computing, edge computing, and ubiquitous computing was established. This platform provides robust computing power and storage capacity to support data processing and analysis in the marine industry. Through cloud computing technology, centralized management and sharing of data was achieved; edge computing technology allowed computing tasks to be distributed closer to the data source, improving data processing efficiency; and ubiquitous computing technology involved various devices and sensors in data processing, enabling real-time data collection and analysis [18,19].

Finally, in terms of the algorithmic model, an algorithmic modeling platform based on process modeling, artificial intelligence, machine learning and digital twins was established. This platform provides a variety of advanced algorithms and methods for data analysis and mining in the marine industry. Through process modeling, complex data processing was abstracted and standardized; artificial intelligence and machine learning technologies enabled the automatic discovery of patterns and trends in the data; and digital twin technology mapped physical objects from the real world into a virtual digital space [20], allowing for the simulation and optimization of China’s marine industry [21].

4.2. Digital Collaborative Services Platform—Platform Layer

The digital collaborative service platform is the core component of the platform layer, encompassing the marine industry’s big data sharing platform, intelligent management platform, and high-tech achievement transformation platform. The development and operation of these three platforms are crucial for advancing the digital transformation of China’s marine industry, enhancing management efficiency and service quality, facilitating the application and commercialization of high-tech achievements, and fostering collaborative innovation.

4.2.1. Marine Industry Big Data Sharing Platform

The platform is responsible for aggregating various types of data related to China’s marine industry, including remote sensing data, low-quality data, physical data, biological data, and chemical data [22]. By integrating these data, it enables the comprehensive management of the entire data lifecycle, from data elements and assets to data rights and transactions. The Marine Industry Big Data Sharing Platform serves as the foundation for the two other platforms. By aggregating and integrating various types of marine industry related data, it enhances data utilization efficiency and value, promotes data sharing and circulation, and provides comprehensive and accurate data support for decision-making and development in marine industry, thereby driving data-driven innovation and growth [23,24].

4.2.2. Intelligent Management Platform for Marine Industry

Driven by marine big data and centered on intelligent management, the platform establishes a comprehensive digital intelligence service ecosystem. It encompasses the entire process of description, diagnosis, prediction, and decision-making, covering areas such as monitoring and assessment, analysis and mining, layout planning, habitat creation, resource conservation, safety and security, integrated development, and collaborative governance. The Intelligent Management Platform for the Marine Industry was built and operated on the foundation of the Marine Industry Big Data Sharing Platform. Driven by marine big data, it provides comprehensive management and services for marine industry through intelligentization. By establishing a comprehensive eco-chain digital intelligence service system, the platform enables end-to-end management from monitoring and assessment to collaborative governance, thereby enhancing the management efficiency and service quality of marine industry [25]. Additionally, it can leverage data-driven decision support systems to facilitate resource integration and collaborative innovation among enterprises, universities, research institutes, government agencies, and industry organizations.

4.2.3. High-Tech Achievement Transformation Platform for Marine Industry

The High-Tech Achievement Transformation Platform for the Marine Industry aims to promote the commercialization and application of scientific and technological advancements, fostering the industrialization of high-tech achievements in the marine sector. By establishing a collaborative innovation mechanism and platform among industry, academia, research, and government, the platform can facilitate effective technology transfer and the transformation of scientific and technological achievements, thereby improving the transformation rate and application effectiveness of these advancements [26]. This will not only accelerate technological innovation and development in marine industry but also enhance its competitiveness and sustainable development [27]. The High-Tech Achievement Transformation Platform for the marine industry is built and operated on the foundation of the first two platforms. It aims to promote collaborative innovation and resource integration among enterprises, universities, research institutes, government agencies, and industrial organizations, thereby fostering the industrialization of high-tech achievements in marine industry. Through synergistic cooperation with the first two platforms, it can accelerate the transformation and application of scientific and technological achievements, thereby enhancing the innovation capacity and competitiveness of marine industry.

Therefore, the Marine Industry Big Data Sharing Platform serves as the foundation, providing essential data support and reference for the other two platforms. The Intelligent Management Platform for the Marine Industry, built and operated on this foundation, uses data to drive comprehensive management and services for the marine industry. The High-Tech Achievement Transformation Platform, established on the basis of the first two platforms, focuses on promoting the transformation and application of scientific and technological achievements to enhance innovation capacity and competitiveness in the marine industry. The synergy among these three platforms facilitates the digital transformation and innovative development of marine industry.

4.3. Digital Application Scenarios—Application Layer

Considering China’s leading marine industries—such as the marine fishery, marine aquatic product processing, marine mining, marine salt, marine chemical, marine power, and marine transportation industries—as well as emerging marine industries like seawater desalination and comprehensive utilization, marine medicine and biological products, and marine engineering equipment manufacturing, the application scenarios for the digital economy enabling the integrated development of marine industry are diverse. These scenarios broadly fall into three major categories—personal applications, industry applications, and government management.

4.3.1. Personal Applications (ToC)

In the context of the digital economy driving the integrated development of the marine industry, personal applications have achieved unprecedented levels of convenience and intelligence. Digital technologies are extensively utilized in coastal, mid-sea, and deep-sea tourism, fishing vessel operations, and marine e-commerce. These technologies enable users to easily book services online, access real-time navigation, and receive personalized recommendations, resulting in a richer and more tailored tourism experience. Additionally, the application of big data, AI, and machine learning technologies further improves the accuracy and personalization of services. Through joint marketing and social media interaction, it not only enriches users’ access to preferential privileges but also enhances their sense of participation and feedback mechanisms. Specific application scenarios are detailed in Table 3.

Table 3. Description of Personal Application Scenarios and Potential Industrial Opportunities.

Application	Description	Potential Industrial Opportunities
Coastal Tourism	Through digital technology, users can easily book tourism services online, receive real-time navigation guidance, and get recommendations for scenic spots, thereby enhancing their overall tourism experience.	Utilize AI and machine learning technologies to deliver more personalized services; collaborate with partners such as scenic spots and restaurants for joint marketing to offer additional discounts and privileges; and boost user engagement and gather more feedback by sharing travel experiences on social media.
Mid-and-Long Distance Sea Tourism	Through the digital platform, users can easily access a range of marine tourism services, including itinerary planning, vessel rentals, and booking marine activities.	Utilize big data and predictive analytics to deliver more accurate itinerary planning and forecasts; partner with vessel rental companies and activity providers to offer additional discounts and privileges; and enhance user engagement and collect more feedback by sharing travel experiences on social media.
Island Tourism	Through digital platforms, users can easily access information about island tourism and obtain services such as transportation navigation and accommodation reservations.	Utilize AI and machine learning technologies to deliver more precise information queries and navigation services; collaborate with accommodation providers to offer additional discounts and privileges; and enhance user engagement and gather more feedback by sharing travel experiences on social media.
Fishing Boat Fishing	Utilize Internet of Things (IoT) and big data analytics to monitor the real-time positions, sailing trajectories, and fishing conditions of fishing boats, and to predict the locations and quantities of fish schools.	Utilize AI and machine learning technologies to enhance the accuracy of fish school predictions; collaborate with fishery companies and research institutions to offer expert knowledge and technical support; develop specialized equipment and applications to advance the informatization of the fishing process; and conduct publicity and education initiatives on marine ecological protection.
Marine E-commerce	Establish an e-commerce platform to enable users to easily purchase a variety of marine products.	Integrate social media and content marketing to boost brand awareness; partner with high-quality suppliers to offer additional discounts and privileges; engage in cross-border e-commerce; and enhance user engagement and collect more feedback by sharing shopping experiences on social media.

4.3.2. Industry Applications (ToB)

In the context of the digital economy driving the integrated development of the marine industry, enterprise applications have showcased significant intelligent upgrades. Areas such as marine ranches, smart ports, and smart wind power have achieved goals like optimizing breeding environments, enhancing port operation efficiency, and improving the operation and maintenance of wind farms through technologies such as the Internet of Things, big data, and AI, thereby promoting industrial informatization and sustainable development. Channel coverage and cruise tourism have enhanced navigation safety and the tourism experience through digital services, boosting user participation and feedback mechanisms. Marine engineering and marine mining have improved engineering design and construction efficiency, as well as mineral mining safety, through the use of virtual reality, simulation technology, and big data analysis, thereby promoting industrial upgrading and risk management. These enterprise applications not only enhance operational efficiency but also offer professional knowledge, technical support, and preferential privileges for partners, collaboratively promoting the digital transformation and high-quality development of China’s marine industries. Specific application scenarios are shown in Table 4.

Table 4. Description of Industry Application Scenarios and Potential Industrial Opportunities.

Application	Description	Potential Industrial Opportunities
Marine Ranch	Utilize Internet of Things (IoT) and sensor technologies to monitor and manage the marine aquaculture environment.	Deeply analyze monitoring data using AI and machine learning technologies; collaborate with scientific research institutions and agricultural enterprises to offer professional knowledge and technical support; develop specialized equipment and applications to enhance the informatization of the breeding process; and conduct publicity and education on marine ecological protection.
Smart Port	Enhance port operational efficiency through digital technology, enabling cargo tracking and intelligent scheduling.	Utilize big data and predictive analytics to enable precise cargo scheduling and logistics planning; collaborate with shipping companies and logistics enterprises to offer additional discounts and privileges; and boost user engagement and gather more feedback by sharing logistics and transportation experiences on social media.
Smart Wind Power	Utilize big data analysis and remote monitoring technologies to optimize the operation and maintenance of wind farms.	Utilize AI and machine learning technologies to deeply analyze monitoring data; collaborate with energy enterprises and scientific research institutions to provide professional knowledge and technical support; develop specialized equipment and applications to enhance the informatization of operation and maintenance; and promote publicity and education on energy management and sustainable development.
Channel Coverage	Offer services such as channel information inquiry and navigation safety alerts.	Use AI and machine learning technologies to analyze and predict channel information and meteorological data; partner with shipping companies and ship management enterprises to offer additional discounts and privileges; enhance user engagement and gather more feedback by sharing navigation experiences on social media; and explore collaborations with insurance companies to develop navigation safety insurance products.
Cruise Tourism	Utilize the digital platform to offer services such as cruise route planning and booking of onboard entertainment facilities.	Use AI and machine learning technologies to analyze and predict tourism demands; collaborate with travel agencies and scenic spots to provide additional discounts and privileges; enhance user engagement and collect more feedback by sharing travel experiences on social media; and develop specialized equipment and applications to advance the informatization of tourism services.
Marine Engineering	Utilize virtual reality and simulation technologies for marine engineering design and simulations.	Employ AI and machine learning technologies to analyze and predict engineering design and construction data; collaborate with engineering and construction firms to offer additional discounts and privileges; enhance user engagement and gather feedback by sharing engineering experiences on social media; and explore partnerships with insurance companies to develop specialized engineering insurance products.
Marine Mining	Achieve intelligent management of the exploration, mining, and transportation processes of mineral resources through digital technology.	Leverage big data and predictive analytics technologies to thoroughly analyze and forecast mineral resource data; partner with mining enterprises and investors to offer additional discounts and privileges; enhance user engagement and gather feedback by sharing mineral resource development experiences on social media; and explore collaborations with insurance companies to create specialized mining insurance products.

4.3.3. Government Administration (ToG)

In the context of the digital economy facilitating the integrated development of China’s marine industry, government applications have played a crucial role across various fields, including marine data management, resource management, environmental protection, comprehensive law enforcement, and ecological governance through digital technologies. These applications not only improve the efficiency and accuracy of marine governance but also promote the sustainable use of marine resources and support ecological protection. By establishing a unified data platform, advanced resource management systems, real-time environmental monitoring networks, and intelligent law enforcement and supervision tools, the government effectively tackles the complex challenges in marine governance and supports the sustainable development of the marine industry. Simultaneously, these applications have created new industrial opportunities, fostering the growth of related sectors such as marine data services, environmental protection technologies, and ecological governance, thereby driving the transformation and upgrading of the marine economy. Specific application scenarios are detailed in Table 5.

Table 5. Description of Government Management Application Scenarios and Potential Industrial Opportunities.

Domain	Application Scenarios	Description	Potential Industrial Opportunities
Marine Data Management	Marine Big Data Platform	Establish a unified marine big data platform to integrate multi-source marine observation data, enabling centralized storage, integration, processing, and analysis of the data.	Foster the marine data service industry by offering customized value-added services such as marine data cleaning, integration, and analysis.
	Intelligent Data Sharing Mechanism	Utilize blockchain technologies to establish a secure and reliable data-sharing mechanism, facilitating data circulation and utilization across departments and fields.	Develop secure and reliable data-sharing technologies and solutions, offer design and consulting services for data-sharing mechanisms, promote the establishment of a data trading market, and maximize the value of data resources.
Marine Resource Management	Intelligent Monitoring of Marine Resources	Utilize technologies such as remote sensing and unmanned aircraft for real-time monitoring of marine resources, enhancing the accuracy of resource exploration and management.	Develop advanced equipment and technologies for marine resource exploration and provide real-time monitoring and assessment services for marine resources.
	Decision Support for Optimal Allocation of Resources	Utilize big data analysis to forecast the distribution and evolving trends of marine resources, thereby providing scientific support for their development and conservation.	Develop marine resource assessment and management systems, provide decision-making consultation services for optimal allocation of resources; promote the digital reform of the protection and allocation mechanism of marine resource rights and interests, thereby enhancing fairness and efficiency.
Marine Environmental Protection	Intelligent Monitoring of Marine Environment	Deploy devices such as intelligent buoys and underwater robots to conduct real-time monitoring of marine water quality, substrate, and ecosystem conditions.	Promote the research, development, and production of marine environment monitoring equipment, and provide comprehensive marine environment monitoring and data analysis services.
	Pollution Warning and Emergency Response	Utilize big data and artificial intelligence technologies to develop early warning models for marine pollution, enabling rapid response to pollution incidents.	Develop pollution early warning and emergency response systems and offer design and consulting services for pollution control strategies.
Marine Comprehensive Law Enforcement	Intelligent Marine Supervision System	Develop an integrated intelligent marine supervision system encompassing monitoring, early warning, and command functionalities to improve the efficiency and precision of marine law enforcement.	Develop intelligent marine supervision technologies and equipment and establish a comprehensive marine law enforcement command and dispatch platform. Integrate diverse monitoring data and law enforcement resources to offer visual and intelligent command and dispatch functionalities.
	Case Handling and Public Supervision	Establish a comprehensive marine law enforcement evidence management and information disclosure platform to release law enforcement information in real time, thereby enhancing the fairness and transparency of case handling.	Develop applications of blockchain technology for the secure fixation of marine law enforcement evidence to ensure its authenticity and immutability. Additionally, establish diverse information dissemination channels, including mobile applications and social media, to expand public engagement in marine law enforcement activities.
Marine Ecological Security and Governance	Health Assessment of Ecosystem	Utilize big data and artificial intelligence technologies to evaluate the health status of marine ecosystems and identify areas of ecological risk.	Develop advanced technologies for marine ecosystem health assessment and early warning, providing ecological risk evaluations and mitigation strategies. Offer consulting services for ecosystem health assessments and management.
	Ecosystem Restoration and Conservation Planning	Based on the results of ecosystem assessments, formulate and implement ecological restoration and protection plans, ensuring the application of scientific and effective measures for ecological conservation.	Develop ecological restoration and protection technologies, incorporating digital twin and bioremediation methods to execute marine ecological governance projects, and restore and enhance ecosystem functions.

5. Discussion 2: The Paths of the Integrated Development of China’s Marine Industry Promoted by the Digital Economy

Based on an analysis of exemplary cases where the digital economy has facilitated the integrated development of the marine industry both domestically and internationally, the following four key pathways for integrated development have been identified:

5.1. The Optimization of Digital Resource Collaboration Based on “Sea–Ship–Shore–Breeding–Tourism–Management”

Utilize digital innovation technologies, such as the Internet and cloud computing, to optimize the utilization and collaborative management of marine resources. Accelerate the digital transformation of comprehensive marine resource management, enhance the impact of digital innovation, and significantly improve the intelligence of marine resource management systems. Achieve digital resource collaboration optimization across the ‘sea–ship–shore–breeding–tourism–management’ framework by developing a comprehensive digital application system that integrates maritime communication, intelligent ships, shore-based management, marine breeding, tourism development, and overall management.

This system primarily relies on the establishment of a maritime internet industrial ecosystem, leveraging advanced technologies such as big data, blockchain, and 5G satellite communication to facilitate digital connectivity and information sharing among various marine components. Efficient maritime communication enables real-time data transmission between ships, shore-based facilities, and among ships. Subsequently, big data technology is employed for in-depth analysis to optimize resource allocation. Simultaneously, digital transformation is implemented on ships to enhance navigation safety and efficiency, optimizing navigation routes through intelligent algorithms to promote green navigation. On the shore-based side, a comprehensive monitoring and dispatch system is established to deliver integrated shore services and ensure seamless navigation. Additionally, digital technologies are employed in marine breeding to provide scientific data support, enhancing output and quality. Leveraging abundant marine tourism resources, personalized maritime tourism projects are developed to enhance and diversify the tourism experience. Finally, by establishing a comprehensive maritime management platform and enhancing relevant policies and regulations, information sharing and collaborative governance across various departments are achieved, providing a robust legal and management framework for optimizing digital resource collaboration. These measures collectively advance the digital transformation of China’s marine industries, enhance overall efficiency and competitiveness, and contribute to the sustainable development of the marine economy.

5.2. The Optimization of Industry Integration Chain Led by Seed Industry

This path focuses on the seed industry as a breakthrough point, driving the digital transformation and upgrading of China’s entire marine industry chain through the extensive application of digital technologies. By integrating digital technologies across various segments of the marine industry—such as the seed industry, breeding industry, processing industry, and service industry—this approach aims to achieve a highly correlated and integrated development of the industrial value chain. The optimization of the marine industry value chain, led by the seed industry, necessitates a systematic approach to promoting integration and development across multiple aspects.

Firstly, it is essential to enhance the integrated development of the seed industry, focusing on the areas of ‘protection, breeding, testing, reproduction, and promotion’. By safeguarding and preserving valuable germplasm resources, conducting scientific research and breeding, performing rigorous quality inspections and evaluations, and advancing reproductive technologies, the foundation of the seed industry is strengthened. Secondly, utilize digital technologies such as the Internet of Things (IoT) and big data to improve the operational efficiency and management of marine pastures. Establish a cohesive collaboration and linkage development mechanism that spans the entire value chain, from seed industry to breeding, processing, logistics, sales, and tourism services. This approach will foster the deep integration of primary, secondary, and tertiary industrial chains, comprehensively optimize the marine industry connection chain led by the seed industry, as well as enhance the competitiveness and sustainable development capacity of China’s marine industry as a whole.

5.3. The Optimization of Industrial Cluster Business Forms Based on Ecosystem

Leverage the regions within the province that are endowed with abundant marine resources and industrial foundation advantages to guide the development of scientific and technological innovation infrastructure. This includes establishing R&D technology platforms and clusters for high-tech enterprises and fostering the growth of headquarters for such enterprises. Utilize digital technology to integrate marine industry resources and market information, creating a comprehensive digital marine industry ecosystem that encompasses various functions, including R&D and design, production and manufacturing, logistics and distribution, financial services, and talent development.

For regions with distinctive marine industry characteristics, strategically plan the development of marine industry clusters, by aligning with local marine resources and environmental attributes, and foster industrial clusters with core competitiveness. By combining market-driven approaches with policy guidance, promote the adjustment and optimization of the industrial structure towards efficiency, sustainability, and innovation. Establish a new model of multidimensional cluster development, enhance the integration of the marine industry with related sectors, stimulate innovation and market potential, and advance China’s marine industry clusters to a higher level.

5.4. The Optimization of Land–Sea Linkage Layout Driven by Application Scenarios

This path achieves optimal resource allocation by precisely identifying and positioning land–sea application scenarios. It further leverages the ocean’s open advantages, enhancing its leading and driving effects on inland areas, and ultimately fosters a new paradigm of coordinated development and mutual progress between coastal and inland regions. Promote the interconnection of land–sea infrastructure to enable the free flow and efficient allocation of resources, information, technology, and talent, thereby creating a new paradigm of integrated land–sea economic development.

Establish a land–sea linkage development mechanism to encourage marine industries to expand inland. Simultaneously, guide inland enterprises to participate in the development of the marine economy. This approach will create a cooperative model that leverages complementary advantages and achieves mutual benefits and win-win outcomes. Leverage the ocean’s unique advantages as an open frontier to attract foreign capital, technology, and advanced management practices. This will enhance the level of openness in inland areas and foster their development. Through policy guidance and market mechanisms, facilitate the coordinated opening up of coastal and inland areas across various fields such as industry, trade, and investment. This collaborative approach will contribute to the development of a new, open economic system.

These four paths address various scenarios and have distinct focuses. However, they are interdependent and achieve a synergy of points and areas, promoting the integrated development of spatial, structural, functional, and business aspects. Based on its development status, resource endowment, and other conditions, the marine industry should strategically select implementation paths to achieve sustainable development in China.

6. Conclusions

The integration and development of the digital economy in China’s marine industry is a complex and systematic process. By constructing a comprehensive digital infrastructure, establishing a digital collaborative service platform, and expanding digital application scenarios, a solid foundation can be laid for the digital transformation and integrated development of the marine industry. This architecture comprehensively addresses key aspects such as data accumulation, intelligent management, and technological achievement transformation, encompassing everything from infrastructure construction and collaborative service platforms to the selection of application scenarios. By integrating advanced technologies such as blockchain, the Internet of Things (IoT), and cloud computing, a platform is established that encompasses data sharing, intelligent management, and the transformation of high-tech achievements, thereby facilitating the digital transformation and upgrading of the marine industry. This architectural design not only enhances the efficiency of the marine industry but also offers diverse digital marine application scenarios for individuals, government, and industry thus inaugurating a new chapter in the integrated development of the marine industry and the digital economy. By leveraging integration paths, such as the optimization of digital resource collaboration based on the “sea–ship–shore–breeding–tourism–management” framework, the optimization of the industry integration chain led by the seed industry, the optimization of industrial cluster business forms based on ecosystem, and the optimization of land–sea linkage layout driven by application scenarios, a digital technology platform can facilitate the comprehensive monitoring, analysis, and management of the marine industry. This approach integrates upstream and downstream resources across the marine industry chain, establishes a robust industrial collaboration network, and fosters industrial collaborative innovation, thereby enhancing the industry’s intelligence and achieving efficient, green, and sustainable development of China’s marine industry.

Based on the current status of the integrated development of China’s marine industry and digital economy, this study proposes countermeasure recommendations from the perspectives of government, enterprises, and third-party service platforms.

The government should promptly develop a specialized plan for the integrated development of China’s marine industry and digital economy. This plan should clearly define development goals, key tasks, and protective measures, and provide a comprehensive roadmap for integration. Additionally, advanced planning for the digital architecture is essential, with a focus on top-level design and systematic planning to ensure its scientific basis, foresight, and operational feasibility. Efforts should be made to continuously promote the openness and sharing of data resources within China’s marine industry. Strengthening the development of a modern industrial system for integrated innovation and building an innovative ecosystem for China’s digital marine industry should be prioritized. By concentrating resources and offering strategic policy guidance, China can advance towards becoming a leader in digital marine industry innovation.

Enterprises should thoroughly understand the current state of digital innovation and development within the marine industry and address the challenges associated with industrial integration, innovation, and upgrading. They should actively assume a leading role, remain market-oriented, and align with evolving user consumption needs. Accelerating the implementation of digital economy initiatives across various marine industry sectors is crucial.

Third-party platforms should standardize the operational and service practices of platform enterprises and enhance the digital platform service support system for the marine industry. They should leverage the unique strengths of platform enterprises and improve the collaborative innovation mechanism involving “government, industry, academia, research, finance, service, and application” to provide robust support for the collaborative innovation of the marine industry chain.