Executive summary

The bioeconomy concept has emerged from niche interest to political mainstream with over 50 countries publishing bioeconomy policies and intentions. It has also grown from a biotechnology-centric vision to an economic activity that spreads across several key sectors and policy families: agriculture and forestry, fisheries, food, trade, waste management and industry. As a result, the bioeconomy policy environment is much more complex than before. One intention of this book is to reflect that changing environment. It sets out what a bioeconomy policy framework might look like based on the familiar innovation divisions of supply- and demand-side policies. It brings up to date the science and technology implications for policy makers.