Chapter 14 - Education and training in agriculture and the Bioeconomy: Learning from each other

Abstract

Education is of paramount importance in Bioeconomy, especially in triggering innovation and enhancing resilience. Despite this, education in Bioeconomy is often regarded to be insufficient in meeting the needs of the sectors, and is often addressed in isolation from the more traditional components of Bioeconomy, in particular agriculture. The aim of this chapter is to discuss issues of agriculture education in the framework of Bioeconomy and to identify conceptual pathways to overcome the current lack of integration between these two sectors. The methodology of the chapter relies on an analysis of the literature on agricultural and Bioeconomy education, as well as the transformation of Agricultural Knowledge and Innovation Systems (AKIS) toward enhancing Bioeconomy education. The chapter draws attention to the need to reconsider education in the wider perspective of innovation and knowledge exchange and the need to emphasize multi- and interdisciplinary approaches, social coordination, building of skills and competences and the role of science in the society.