Regulation of the bioeconomy: Barriers, drivers and potential for innovation in the case of Ireland

Abstract

The bioeconomy is generally understood as an economy in which sustainably-sourced renewable bio-based resources are used for the production of food, energy and other products and services. Expectations are high for its potential to support the transition away from a fossil fuel-based economy and help to address complex issues such as climate change and biodiversity depletion. However, given its cross-sectoral nature and key focus on innovation, tensions can emerge between bioeconomy goals and the need for regulation of bioeconomy activities. In particular, there is a recognition of the need for regulation to (a) support sustainability and resource efficiency, (b) manage competing interests and (c) provide coherence and innovation support. To identify how regulation may be acting as a barrier and / or driver of the bioeconomy in Ireland, interviews were conducted with a range of key stakeholder organisations. Analysis revealed four key barriers, relating to the need for financial support tools such as feedin tariffs, more flexible approaches to regulating the use of waste materials, closing the gap between regulation and innovation activity and addressing planning issues. The two drivers identified highlight a positive role for regulation in supporting and enabling bioeconomy development, especially in terms of using more flexible and innovative approaches. Associated challenges include the need to support genuine public participation and the provision of resources to support policy-makers in the design and implementation of an effective bioeconomy regulatory framework.