Towards a Bioeconomy in Europe: National, Regional and Industrial Strategies

Matteo De Besi,Kes Mccormick

doi:10.3390/su70810461

Matteo De Besi, Kes Mccormick

Open Access

https://doi.org/10.3390/su70810461

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Abstract

Establishing an advanced European bioeconomy is an important step in achieving the transition towards sustainable development and away from fossil fuels. The bioeconomy can be defined as an economy based on the sustainable production and conversion of renewable biomass into a range of bio-based products, chemicals, and energy. Several strategies have been produced in Europe from different perspectives that outline visions, intentions, and recommendations for the transition to a bioeconomy. An analysis of twelve of these strategies was conducted using a meta-analytical framework. This paper outlines the results of this study covering national, regional, and industrial perspectives on the bio-based economy in Europe. The analysis shows that a common direction for the bioeconomy, based on research and technological innovation in the various applications of biotechnology, is developing in Europe. It highlights the important role that the regional level will play in facilitating collaborations between industries and research institutions needed to foster innovation and optimize the use of biomass. The analysis also identifies that the development of European bio-based product markets are needed for bioeconomy expansion. However, the transition needs to have a lifecycle perspective in order to ensure that an economy founded on biomass is sustainable and equitable.

Highlights

Introduction and BackgroundIn order to address societal challenges, such as climate change, natural resource scarcity, and unsustainable consumption patterns, a transformative change is needed that involves long-term approaches and interactions at all levels of society
The aim of this paper is to provide a better understanding of how the bioeconomy is developing in Europe by analysing twelve strategies produced by national governments, regional agencies and industry groups
It is important to note that the strategies differed in how much detail they provided; the analysis sought to gain a broad overview of the assumptions and priorities made by these strategies, rather than focus on technical details

Summary

Introduction

Recent policy strategies established by the European Commission (EC) and the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) highlight the priority that the bioeconomy and the transition away from a fossil resource-dependent society has taken on the European and international political and economic stage [2,3]. These initiatives have prompted a number of European countries, regions, and industries to create strategies and declare their intentions and visions for the development of a bioeconomy in Europe. What assumptions are made regarding research and innovation in Research and Innovation the transition to the bioeconomy?

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