The Theoretical Logic and Pathways of Industrial Security Empowering High-Quality Development of the Marine Economy

Abstract

As a pivotal “blue engine” sustaining national economic growth, the marine economy cannot operate securely without robust, system‑wide safeguards derived from the domestic industrial base. Drawing on interdisciplinary insights from industrial security studies and marine economics, this paper unpacks the theoretical distinction between industrial security and the broader concept of industry security. It defines industrial security as a security form centred on manufacturing and underpinned by self‑reliant, controllable foundational industrial capacities, before articulating what it means for such industrial security to empower marine economic development. Built upon a three‑dimensional analytical framework covering foundational industrial capacity, industrial governance capacity and industrial innovation capacity, this paper identifies four interrelated transmission mechanisms: technology spillovers, industrial linkages, standard‑oriented governance, and institutional transfer. Through these mechanisms, industrial security capacities diffuse into marine‑related economic sectors. The paper further pinpoints practical bottlenecks across four dimensions, and grounds its discussion in real‑world cases. Targeted policy responses are proposed. This analysis suggests that industrial‑security‑driven empowerment of the marine economy constitutes a systematic strategic endeavour, one defined by capacity diffusion, institutional adaptation and systemic restructuring. The findings offer theoretical reference points for marine‑economic security governance and ongoing efforts to build China into a maritime power.