The Bioeconomy and Food Systems Transformation

Abstract

The most widely recognized definition of bioeconomy was proposed in the Global Bioeconomy Summit 2018 framework: “bioeconomy is the production, utilization and conservation of biological resources, including related knowledge, science, technology, and innovation, to provide information, products, processes and services across all economic sectors aiming toward a sustainable economy”. Bioeconomy policy frameworks and devel-opment approaches make use of materials and energy found in biodiversity, biomass, and genetic resources. The knowledge generated about biological principles and processes can be replicated in new product designs. New developments in the biological sciences allow countries to address the many challenges society is facing. This brief has summarized the many opportunities the biological sciences have to offer. The translation of these opportunities into practice will not be trivial. There are a number of institutional factors that delay or even prevent full exploitation of the opportunities the bioeconomy has on offer.