Development Of Bioeconomy Research Articles

Prospects and trends in bioelectrochemical systems: Transitioning from CO2 towards a low-carbon circular bioeconomy

Resource scarcity and climate change are the most quested topics in view of environmental sustainability. CO2 sequestration through bioelectrochemical systems is an attractive option for fostering bioeconomy development upon several value-added products generation. This review details the state-of-the-art of bioelectrochemical systems for resource recovery from CO2 along with various biocatalysts capable of utilizing CO2. Two bioprocesses (photo-electrosynthesis and chemolithoelectrosynthesis) were discussed projecting their potential for biobased economy development from CO2. Significance of adopting circular strategies for efficient resource recycling, intensifying product value, integrations/interlinking of multiple process chains for the development of circular bioeconomy were discussed. Existing constrains as well as outlook for near establishment of circular bioeconomy from CO2 is presented by weighing fore-sighted plans with current actions. Need for developing CO2-based circular bioeconomy via innovative business models by analyzing social, technical, environmental and product related aspects are also discussed providing a roadmap of gaps to pursue for attaining practicality.

Towards the implementation of forest-based bioeconomy in the Basque Country

Bioeconomy has been institutionally supported in many European regions as an opportunity to provide competitiveness and sustainability to regional economies. Here, we evaluated the potential and degree of development of forest-based bioeconomy in the Basque Country (northern Spain), paying special attention to a variety of key factors related to institutional involvement, offer and demand mechanisms, and the presence of forest biomass, that can drive the forest-based bioeconomy. Given its crucial relevance for the topic under consideration, the existing vulnerability of forest stands in the Basque Country is also discussed. Moreover, based on the information available, several recommendations for the successful development of forest-based bioeconomy in the Basque Country are included. Finally, according to the objective of this Special Issue, we briefly discuss and thank the invaluable contribution and commitment of Dr. Christian Patermann to the development of forest-based bioeconomy in the Basque Country.

High Levels of Policosanols and Phytosterols from Sugar Mill Waste by Subcritical Liquefied Dimethyl Ether.

Extracting nutraceuticals with high value from bagasse, filter mud, and sugarcane leaves discarded as sugar mill by-products, is crucial for the development of a sustainable bio-economy. These by-products are important sources of policosanols and phytosterols, which have a cholesterol-lowering effect. This research focused on using a promising green technology, subcritical liquefied dimethyl ether extraction, with a low pressure of 0.8 MPa, to extract policosanols and phytosterols and on application of pretreatments to increase their contents. For direct extraction by subcritical liquefied dimethyl ether without sample pretreatment, the highest extraction yield (7.4%) and policosanol content were found in sugarcane leaves at 2888 mg/100 g, while the highest and lowest phytosterol contents were found in filter mud at 20,878.75 mg/100 g and sugarcane leaves at 10,147.75 mg/100 g, respectively. Pretreatment of filter mud by ultrasonication in hexane solution together with transesterification before the second subcritical liquefied dimethyl ether extraction successfully increased the policosanol content, with an extract purity of 60%, but failed to increase the phytosterol content.

Leaves from four different sugarcane varieties as potential renewable feedstocks for second-generation ethanol production: Pretreatments, chemical composition, physical structure, and enzymatic hydrolysis yields

Development of Bioeconomy is impossible without establishing efficient technologies of lignocellulosic biomass valorization via transformation into fermentable sugars. Sugarcane is a valuable agricultural crop in several Asian, African, and Latin American countries. Here, leaves from two sugarcane and two energy cane varieties were evaluated for sustainable production of second-generation sugars, and their enzymatic hydrolysis yields were compared. Structural, morphological, and chemical composition changes in sugar and energy cane leaves submitted to acid, and acid-alkaline pretreatments were analyzed using X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, confocal laser microscopy, high-performance liquid chromatography, and low-field solid-state NMR techniques. Enzymatic hydrolysis assays were conducted to evaluate saccharification yields of untreated and pretreated leaves. Jointly, our results revealed the significant potential of leaves from two commercial sugar cane cultivars currently bred in Argentina as possible lignocellulose substrates for the 2G ethanol industry.

Romanian Farmers’ Markets: Understanding the Environmental Attitudes of Farmers as an Instrument for Bioeconomy Development

Farmers’ markets are vital income sources for many farmers. Farmers’ markets are a direct-to-consumer marketing approach that has existed for centuries, enabling urban dwellers to interact with farmers while shopping for produce and products. In Romania, the piaţa is their version of a farmers’ market. The focus on environmental sustainability within the European Union provides an opportunity for Romanian farmers using sustainable approaches to sell their products. Therefore, understanding the attitudes of farmers selling at farmers’ markets is important to the development of the agricultural sector and the bioeconomy. Furthermore, having knowledge of farmer attitudes enables policy to be developed to encourage the development of sustainable agricultural techniques. The results of this paper indicate that there is a disconnect between the beliefs and attitudes farmers have about the environment and their agricultural practices under various scenarios. Additionally, agricultural training that includes sustainable agricultural techniques and education on the economic benefits of using them would be beneficial. Lastly, the results suggest that a farmer that feels part of the community is more likely to be a steward of the environment.

Current Trends in Biological Valorization of Waste-Derived Biomass: The Critical Role of VFAs to Fuel A Biorefinery

The looming climate and energy crises, exacerbated by increased waste generation, are driving research and development of sustainable resource management systems. Research suggests that organic materials, such as food waste, grass, and manure, have potential for biotransformation into a range of products, including: high-value volatile fatty acids (VFAs); various carboxylic acids; bioenergy; and bioplastics. Valorizing these organic residues would additionally reduce the increasing burden on waste management systems. Here, we review the valorization potential of various sustainably sourced feedstocks, particularly food wastes and agricultural and animal residues. Such feedstocks are often micro-organism-rich and well-suited to mixed culture fermentations. Additionally, we touch on the technologies, mainly biological systems including anaerobic digestion, that are being developed for this purpose. In particular, we provide a synthesis of VFA recovery techniques, which remain a significant technological barrier. Furthermore, we highlight a range of challenges and opportunities which will continue to drive research and discovery within the field. Analysis of the literature reveals growing interest in the development of a circular bioeconomy, built upon a biorefinery framework, which utilizes biogenic VFAs for chemical, material, and energy applications.

An interview with Ryan Morhard: On biosecurity and pandemic preparedness

MIT Science Policy Review spoke with Mr. Ryan Morhard about the ties between bioeconomy development and pandemic preparedness. Mr. Morhard is the Director of Policy and Partnerships at Ginkgo Bioworks, a Boston-based synthetic biology company. He obtained a J.D. at the Washington University in St. Louis School of Law. Formerly, Mr. Morhard has served as the Head of COVID Action Platform and Lead of Global Health Security at the World Economic Forum. From 2014 to 2016, he was the Branch Chief of International Partnerships at the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, where he engaged with international partners to improve collective capacities and handle public health emergencies. We spoke with Mr. Morhard’s about his professional experience in biosecurity, insights in capacity building, and outlooks about leveraging advancements in biotechnology and the growing bioeconomy to address future pandemics and other significant societal and environmental challenges.

From Biotechnology to Bioeconomy: A Review of Development Dynamics and Pathways

Based on the logistic growth model, the relationship between technology innovation and the evolution of economic forms was analyzed, and the main characteristics and basic laws of the five economic forms of hunter–gatherer, agriculture, industry, information, and bioeconomy were summarized. Based on a comprehensive and intensive scan of the latest bioeconomy development strategies of various countries, we summarized their two main driving forces from the technological supply side and economic and social demand side, as well as their four distinctive features, namely the comprehensiveness of science and technology innovation, the aggregation of industrial development, the globalization of development goals, and strong policy dependence. Finally, we proposed countermeasures to design the implementation path of the bioeconomy and improve the quality of the bioeconomy factor supply in terms of the development and application of biotechnology, the upgradation of bioindustry clusters, the positive policy environment, and the theorization of the bioeconomy.

Circular utilization of urban tree waste contributes to the mitigation of climate change and eutrophication

Circular utilization of urban tree waste contributes to the mitigation of climate change and eutrophication

An agent-based modeling tool supporting bioenergy and bio-product community communication regarding cellulosic bioeconomy development

The emergence of the cellulosic bioeconomy requires not only adequate technological, economic, and policy advances, but also effective communication and coordination among the multiple stakeholders in the bioeconomy community. Aiming to facilitate stakeholder communication and collaboration for cellulosic bioeconomy growth, an agent-based model is developed as a community communication tool in this study. The tool simulates the behaviors and interactions of key stakeholders, as well as the responses and interactions between the stakeholders and biophysical, socioeconomic, and environmental conditions. The agent behavior rules are developed and validated based on behavior and economic theories and information attained from a stakeholder focus group study and a land use survey. A pilot study in a Central Illinois watershed shows stakeholder synergies, i.e., positive feedback loops across multiple stakeholders. The modeling tool's role in facilitating community communication is demonstrated via the focus group study. A comparison of policy scenarios suggests that the cellulosic bioeconomy development is fastest under a portfolio of policies combining the views of the multiple stakeholders. Critically, subsidy for small-scale bio-facilities is essential as it rapidly initializes an early market for cellulosic feedstocks and the adoption of Miscanthus. The communication tool is applied to bringing stakeholders and researchers together to develop shared visions, assess barriers, and explore solution portfolios to initialize and speed up the regional cellulosic bioeconomy.

What does an inclusive bioeconomy mean for primary producers? An analysis of European bioeconomy strategies

ABSTRACT Agriculture, forestry, fisheries, and aquaculture are activities in the primary sectors that are core sectors of the European bioeconomy. However, they have not been considered sufficiently in the bioeconomy policy framework, and neglecting the needs of actors in these sectors could have serious implications for sustainability. Against the background that the updated EU bioeconomy strategy underlines the deployment of inclusive bioeconomies, this paper examines different meanings of inclusive bioeconomies for primary producers by combining a topic modeling of European bioeconomy strategies and a storyline analysis regarding their inclusion in the EU and German bioeconomy strategies. Our analysis reveals four storylines for the inclusion of primary producers, including yield improving technologies, involvement in rural bioeconomy development, support for ecosystem-based practices, and international development. The storylines underscore the distribution of resources, and the inclusion of primary producers is considered a minor goal of the bioeconomy. While the EU strategy seeks to support local value chain development and environment-friendly practices over time, the German strategy gives importance to yield improving technologies. Ensuring consistency between and across strategies at EU and national levels is necessary for reaching the goal of an inclusive bioeconomy with primary producers in consideration.

A financial and environmental sustainability of circular bioeconomy: A case study of short rotation coppice, biochar and greenhouse production in southern Finland

Business opportunities of circular bioeconomy have been proposed to lessen the socio-economic challenges of rural areas and to conserve diminishing natural resources. Recently, the financial and environmental sustainability of circular bioeconomy has gained considerable research interest. This study examines three promising operational models for circular bioeconomy development in southern Finland: willow cultivation on marginal lands, wood-based biochar production and wood chip heated greenhouse production. The feasibility of these models is assessed by analysing their financial and environmental sustainability using a multi-methodological approach. Financial sustainability is analysed using net present value and internal rate of return indicators via cash flow analysis. Environmental sustainability is examined using carbon footprint indicator in a life cycle assessment and a closed loop analysis. The results reveal correlations between both types of indicators, suggesting that a circular bioeconomy may lead to win–win situations. Potential closed loops are identified, and a circular bioeconomy model is suggested for improving security of supply and the flexibility of raw materials. Imbalanced revenue allocations between primary and secondary production are recognised as a potential threat to financial feasibility. Understanding financial and environmental sustainability of divergent operational models supports decision making and the legitimacy of change.

THE ROLE OF BIOLOGICAL KNOWLEDGE IN THE DEVELOPMENT OF SUSTAINABLE BIOECONOMY – CASE OF POTATO AND ITS BENEFICIAL MICROORGANISMS INTERACTIONS

The primary objective of this paper was threefold. Firstly, the importance and impact of knowledge factors in the economy were reviewed. Secondly, the role of innovations in biological sciences was identified and the role of biological knowledge in the development of bioeconomy was assessed. Finally, the case of potato (Solanum tuberosum) and its beneficial microorganisms interactions, as an example of the knowledge-based innovations in agricultural production in Poland, was presented. Based on the systematic literature review high importance of knowledge factor, considered as the main resource, in the development of economic systems was identified. It is argued that knowledge is a specific resource, not subject to the same laws as the other production factors (land, labor, and capital). Unlike other resources, which are exhausted when used, knowledge can be shared and thrive through its use. From the inception of the bioeconomy concept the knowledge, a part of technology, and renewable biological resources was considered as primary driver. As bioeconomy is assuming the development of an economic system that is sustainable and climate-neutral, especially biological knowledge is crucial in its growth. The diffusion of biological knowledge-based innovations in agricultural production can be achieved by using beneficial microorganisms and their interactions with arable crops. Their interactions with potatoes show positive effects and the diffusion of such innovations in Poland is mostly conditioned by the experiences of farmers, which should be strengthened through network facilitation.

Bioeconomy perception by students of different study programs – study from Slovakia

Abstract The paper builds on previous international research done by Masiero et al. (2020). It applies on Slovak national level and expands the previous study with different study programs. The societal transformation towards bioeconomy provides an opportunity for changing current economy and societies into more sustainable ones with mitigation of the environmental pressures at hearts. Such societal transition requires involvement of all stakeholders in bio-economy discussion and decision-making process and studying their perceptions of bioeconomy. Amongst all the stakeholders, future generation is particularly important, as it is important to understand bioeconomy perception by the generation of stakeholders that will manage this area in the near future. For that reason, we focus our attention on students of three bioeconomy related areas at the Technical University in Zvolen (forestry studies, wood processing studies and natural resources management studies). We were able to identify significant differences in bioeconomy perception between analyzed categories. The familiarity with the concept is quite high, as more then two thirds have heard about bioeconomy before the survey was conducted. As the main information sources were selected news, university courses and social media. The study program had a greater impact on perceived importance of forests within bioeconomy than the type of study. Overall, students perceive development of forest-based bioeconomy as favouring sustainable forest management.

Towards a participatory systems approach to managing complex bioeconomy interventions in the agrarian sector

Calls for a “sustainable bioeconomy” have recently begun to proliferate in academic and political circles as an answer to global challenges such as the rapidly increasing world population and changing environmental conditions due to climate change. To build economies that rely on various sources of biomass rather than on fossil-based resources, bioeconomy policies highlight a need to explore ways in which productivity in agriculture can be increased. While the focus on productivity growth has largely been inspired by technology optimism and modernisation thinking, the local knowledge of farmers and other rural stakeholders – as a means of contributing to socially and ecologically more sustainable bioeconomy pathways – has frequently been sidelined. This perspective article proposes and discusses a participatory approach to strategy formulation and evaluation in agricultural transformation and bioeconomy development that is based on the methodological toolbox MARISCO (Adaptive MAnagement of vulnerability and RISk at COnservation sites). By offering a means of developing a comprehensive knowledge map, bringing together both insights and perspectives from diverse local stakeholders, this approach enables a systemic evaluation of the social and ecological effects of intervention strategies on the ground. The article outlines the benefits – and challenges – of such a systemic and participatory approach and briefly sketches how the results can be utilised in more sustainable governance processes in the development of bioeconomy strategies. We conclude that our adapted MARISCO methodology offers a viable tool to make more visible the perspectives and knowledge of biomass producers for policymakers and to contribute to a much-needed discursive shift in bioeconomy debates towards more holistic and inclusive perspectives.

Directions of bioeconomy development in the perspective of postwar recovery of Ukraine

The problems of food shortages through population growth, depletion of minerals, raw materials, mineral and energy resources, climate change, environmental pollution, etc. are solved by the bioeconomy, the narrative of which is the use of natural resources on a renewable basis in achieving sustainable development goals. Ukraine has significant knowledge, agro-industrial, forest, land and water potential for the introduction of biotechnology and sustainable bioeconomy, which includesthe production, exploitation and use of biological resources, processes and systems to provide products, processes and services across all economic sectors. The purpose of the article is to determine the directions of bioeconomy development taking into account the global and macroeconomic crisis caused by military actions on the territory of Ukraine. The research methodology involves the use of general scientific and specific methods used in economics, ecology and biotechnology, and is based on an interdisciplinary approach. The scientific novelty of the obtained results is to determine the directions of development of Ukrainian bioeconomy based on the use of biotechnology in food, agricultural, medical, pharmaceutical, industrial, environmental sphere, green energy, water management and forestry. Conclusions. The study found that Ukraine can create a sustainable, innovative, resource-efficient economy integrated into the world, which combines food security with the sustainable use of renewable energy sources and resources for industry. Biomass can replace fossil fuel products, and residues and waste, agricultural and forestry raw materials can be used to ensure environmentally friendly production. In the post-war period, the bioeconomy should be a priority to support Ukrainian economic recovery, as a sustainable bioeconomy returns resources to the real sector, creates jobs, promotes environmental production and consumption, and makes optimal use of limited resources on a circular basis. Keywords: bioeconomy, sustainable bioeconomy, biotechnology, biomass, postwar economic recovery

Assessment of the Development of Forest-Based Bioeconomy in European Regions

In recent years, the potential of the forest-based bioeconomy to provide competitiveness, differentiation, and sustainability to the European economy has often been claimed. Interestingly, regions, as territorial units with their own political and socioeconomic strategies, have been highlighted as the most suitable targets for the development of the European forest-based bioeconomy. Here, using the case method, we evaluated the development of the forest-based bioeconomy in three European regions (i.e., North Karelia in Finland, North Rhine-Westphalia in Germany, the Basque Country in Spain), by appraising the status of 10 previously identified key drivers through primary (interviews with experts) and secondary (literature review) sources of information. In our analysis, North Karelia and the Basque Country obtained the highest and lowest score, respectively, with regard to forest-based bioeconomy development. In any case, for the successful development of the forest-based bioeconomy in a European region, it is essential to accept the unnegotiable, critically, of the long-term sustainability of forest bioresources and production processes, as well as the need to foster the required changes in consumption patterns.

THE ROLE OF ENVIRONMENTAL TAXES IN BIOECONOMY DEVELOPMENT: CASES OF LITHUANIA AND GEORGIA

The bioeconomy development is an important strategy for increasing sustainability and to achieve European Green deal. Environmental taxes are one of the most important tools for the development of the bioeconomy. The research aim is to compare the role of environmental taxes in countries with different levels of economic development: Lithuania and Georgia. The authors explore the following question: whether the policy of environmental taxes can contribute to the development of bioeconomy. Research results show that aims of bioeconomy and environmental taxes are the same and contribute to solving several societal challenges. Environmental taxes in Lithuania are more important and help to development bioeconomy. Lithuania does not yet levy a carbon tax, although it participates in the EU emissions trading system. Having started to implement the Green Deal, Lithuania will have to apply carbon taxes and other environmental taxes. Environmental tax burden in Georgia is very low, but this country has the potential to develop the bioeconomy.

Regional analysis of the energy potential of woody agrobiomass for sustainable rural development

The paper presents estimation of biomass energy potential from the annual pruning of vines and fruit trees in the orchards of the Kabardino-Balkarian Republic. The calculations were carried out with the authors methodology, based on the international experience in this area. The results are presented with the use of geoinformational technologies as a part of geoinformational system «Renewable Energy Sources of Russia». It is shown that the energy content and technical electrical and heat energy potential of the perennial agricultural plantations cultivation wastes of grapes and fruits have a significant value for a number of territories of the Kabardino-Balkarian Republic. The authors propose, that this potential is a significant base for the development of bioenergy and bioeconomy in the region.

Public engagement and education can support the transition towards sustainable bioeconomy

In August 2021, the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change approved a new contribution to its latest report emphasizing the urgency of addressing human-made climate change. One mechanism for this is through the transition towards a fair and sustainable bioeconomy. This transition can build resilience to climate change and other environmental, social and economic challenges of our time but requires the support of public engagement and education activities. The transition must consider communication and educational needs in the implementation and design of current and future European public policies for the development of a sustainable bioeconomy. Stakeholders need to better understand what the bioeconomy is and what benefits it can bring, while also acquiring newly required skills. Therefore, it is necessary to exchange information clearly and transparently, involving key stakeholders at each level. To bridge the skills gap in the European bioeconomy, it is pivotal to offer transdisciplinary education to new generations, while promoting school projects, vocational training, life-long learning programs and informal STEM education. Adequate levels of public funding and commitment will be required to implement such policies. Furthermore, meeting the needs of stakeholders both as audiences and as learners will ensure that no one is left behind. Relevant EU and local policies should support public engagement and education for a sustainable bioeconomy, exploiting the results of EU-funded projects.