📋 Group Discussion Analysis Guide

🌊 Should We Prioritize the Exploration of Oceans Over Space Exploration?

🌐 Introduction to the Topic

Opening Context: Oceans cover over 70% of the Earth’s surface, yet only about 20% has been explored, leaving vast ecosystems, resources, and mysteries untapped.
In contrast, space exploration garners global attention and massive funding, pushing the boundaries of what humanity can achieve beyond our planet.

Topic Background: The debate of oceans vs. space dates back to the 20th century’s technological advancements. The ongoing race to explore Mars or establish lunar bases often overshadows pressing concerns about ocean health, biodiversity, and resource extraction.

📊 Quick Facts and Key Statistics

• Ocean Exploration: Only 20% of the world’s oceans have been mapped and studied (NOAA, 2023).
• Economic Potential: The “blue economy” is estimated at $3 trillion annually (World Bank, 2023).
• Funding Gap: NASA’s budget is $25.4 billion (FY 2023), compared to NOAA’s $6.8 billion.
• Resource Crisis: Oceans hold 97% of Earth’s water and generate 50% of the oxygen we breathe.

👥 Stakeholders and Their Roles

• Governments: Allocate funding, drive policy, and promote research initiatives.
• Private Sector: Invest in oceanic resource extraction or space exploration projects.
• Academia and Scientists: Conduct research and innovate technologies.
• Citizens: Advocate for funding priorities and benefit from discoveries.

🏆 Achievements and Challenges

Achievements

• Ocean Exploration: Autonomous underwater vehicles (AUVs) like the WHOI’s “Nereid” have reached unexplored oceanic trenches.
• Space Exploration: Landmark achievements like the James Webb Space Telescope and Mars rovers demonstrate advanced capabilities.

Challenges

• Ocean Exploration: Limited funding, technological hurdles, and environmental risks.
• Space Exploration: High costs and uncertain ROI for human missions.

📌 Structured Arguments for Discussion

• Supporting Prioritizing Oceans: “With oceans providing critical ecosystem services, securing their health is vital for human survival.”
• Supporting Prioritizing Space: “Exploring space addresses humanity’s long-term survival by seeking alternatives to Earth’s resources.”
• Balanced Perspective: “Both endeavors are critical, but resource allocation should reflect immediate global needs, such as ocean conservation, while pursuing space exploration for the future.”

💬 Effective Discussion Approaches

• Opening Approaches:
• “We’ve mapped more of Mars than we have of our oceans—doesn’t this imbalance call for a re-evaluation of priorities?”
• “Space exploration excites the imagination, but should we not first understand the oceans that sustain us?”
• Counter-Argument Handling:
• Space exploration complements ocean exploration, as both drive technological innovation.
• Oceans offer immediate economic and ecological benefits, whereas space yields long-term possibilities.

⚖️ Strategic Analysis of Strengths and Weaknesses

• Strengths: Immediate ecological and economic benefits (oceans); long-term survival potential (space).
• Weaknesses: Difficult terrain, lack of interest (oceans); enormous costs, uncertain tangible benefits (space).
• Opportunities: Innovations in renewable energy (oceans); potential for extraterrestrial colonization (space).
• Threats: Climate change (oceans); space debris and geopolitical tensions (space).

🎓 Connecting with B-School Applications

• Real-World Applications: Discuss strategies in resource allocation, technological innovation, and sustainability policies.
• Sample Interview Questions:
• “How can governments balance funding between oceans and space exploration?”
• “What are the business opportunities in ocean and space industries?”
• Insights for B-School Students: Explore sustainability, innovation management, and public policy intersections.