Release of the updated European Bioeconomy Strategy

By Mimi Saville
12th October 2018
On 11th October the European Commission released the updated European Bioeconomy Strategy – an action plan to develop a sustainable and circular bioeconomy that serves Europe’s society, environment and economy. As announced by President Juncker and First Vice-President Timmermans in their letter of intent accompanying President Juncker‘s 2018 State of the Union Address, the new bioeconomy strategy is part of the Commission’s drive to boost jobs, growth and investment in the EU. It aims to improve and scale up the sustainable use of renewable resources to address global and local challenges such as climate change and sustainable development.
Minerva’s Director, Rhonda Smith, said: “As Coordinator of the recently completed CommBeBiz Project, helping bioeconomy researchers communicate their research, Minerva welcomes the publication of this new bioeconomy strategy and we look forward to helping deliver important aspects of it through our ongoing work as the UK partner in BIOVOICES – a 3-year  EU-funded project to engage with stakeholder groups to identify and address the challenges related to increasing the use of bio-based products.” In a world of finite biological resources and ecosystems, an innovation effort is needed to feed people, and provide them with clean water and energy. The bioeconomy can turn algae into fuel, recycle plastic, convert waste into new furniture or clothing or transform industrial by-products into bio-based fertilisers. It has the potential to generate 1 million new green jobs by 2030. Delivering a sustainable circular bioeconomy requires a concerted effort by public authorities and industry. To drive this collective effort, and based on three key objectives, the Commission will launch 14 concrete measures during 2019, including:
  1. Scaling up and strengthening the bio-based sectors
  2. Rapidly deploying regional bioeconomies across Europe
  3. Protecting the ecosystem and understanding the ecological limitations of the bioeconomy
The updated European Bioeconomy Strategy and all supporting documents can be viewed here: European Bioeconomy Strategy   A flagship meeting and exhibition is being held in Brussels on Monday 22nd October – full details here: Sustainable and circular Bioeconomy, the European way    

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