The European bioeconomy strategy revision: An opportunity to go against the tide and secure a sustainable future

Abstract

In today’s tense geopolitical landscape, marked by strained relations among major powers and deep-rooted dependence on fossil-based economies, the emerging modern bioeconomy can provide resource independence and resilience, in tandem with economic, social, and environmental benefits, and thus has the potential to underpin a sustainable future. The bioeconomy is a vital cross-cutting meta-sector, but it is not inherently circular or sustainable; without intentional design, it risks becoming a linear, unsustainable replacement of the fossil-based economy. Realising its full promise requires purposeful engineering to address climate change, biodiversity loss, strengthen resource independence, support food security and resilience, create jobs, promote social inclusion, boost competitiveness and autonomy, and improve human, animal, and environmental health. The potential is enormous, but so are the challenges society faces in realising the vision for a biobased, nature-positive future.