The bioeconomy will utilise renewable natural resources with advanced technologies, life science, digitisation, AI and prevision systems to produce food and fibre, and to recycle and reduce waste. The bioeconomy will unfold in any case – but the major challenge will be who will take the lead and how places and governments maintain prosperity and societal wellbeing whilst supporting the development of a sustainable bioeconomy.
This CEPS Explainer, specially prepared in advance of a wider discussion at the 2025 CEPS Ideas Lab, aims to offer some answers to this conundrum and does so by first discussing the bioeconomy in a historical context. It addresses the techno-economic and political challenges in the transition to the bioeconomy. By analysing case studies from diverse countries such as Denmark, Israel and Japan, it provides insights into how local communities can leverage their unique capabilities to build a successful bioeconomy.
Analytically, this CEPS Explainer aims to develop a general framework and practical strategies for fostering innovation, economic development and sustainability in specific locations, focusing on California’s rural communities. To develop a bioeconomy globally in California, the case studies discussed should be integrated by identifying categories of developments required for transitioning to the bioeconomy and for innovative approaches in institutional arrangements and development collaborations. The lessons learnt will be just as crucial to Europe as to California in the years to come.
