State of the Great Lakes Blue Economy 2026

Abstract

The Great Lakes is home to a $1 trillion dollar economic engine
fueled by water. This report unpacks the data-driven reality of water’s
crucial role in our region’s economic competitiveness and security,
and examines the specific strengths of each state — Illinois, Indiana,
Michigan, Minnesota, Ohio, and Wisconsin. By tracing ten years
of employment, investment, and innovation data, we highlight our
region’s innovation strengths while identifying opportunities in need of
leadership and investment, including water-energy nexus, PFAS, critical
minerals and materials recovery, and nutrient recovery technologies.
This analysis underscores a critical reality: the Great Lakes
region possesses the scale of innovation and ingenuity to
compete with the world as a water solutions provider.