Economics, Ecology, and Policy for the Bioeconomy : A Holistic Approach

"This book demonstrates that a holistic approach to the bioeconomy is essential if it is to achieve its full potential in driving economic growth while simultaneously providing ecological, social and technological benefits. Definitions of the 'bioeconomy' vary but in general it incorporates the ways in which societies manage and distribute their primary or secondary biological resources for further use in everyday life (e.g. food, materials, and energy). The classical sectors related to the bioeconomy have therefore been agriculture, forestry and aquaculture, now extended to include bioenergy, biofuels, biochemicals, and other processing and service industries. There are also related new concepts such us the blue economy, the green economy, and the circular economy. This book integrates these definitions, sectoral analyses and new concepts into a fully rounded study of the bioeconomy. It is argued that the key aims in the coming years have to be the harmonization of public policies between different sectors, regulation of legislative framework for the bioeconomy, and clear communication of these issues. In particular, the book argues that a strengthening of the monitoring and evaluation of the impacts of the bioeconomy on society is an essential starting point. For this to be effective, appropriate indicators need to be established and defined for the monitoring of the effects of these resilient policies related to bioeconomy and their impact on local and regional development and quality of life. This book will be essential reading for anyone interested in the bioeconomy including students and scholars of ecological economics, environmental economics, sustainability, innovation, and regional development"-- Provided by publisher Cover Half Title Series Title Copyright Table of Contents List of Figures List of Abbreviations Introduction 1 Concepts of bioeconomy What is the bioeconomy Emergence of the bioeconomy Importance of bioeconomy for social development Bioeconomy in relation to other sciences Linear and circular bioeconomy Bioeconomy sectors Global trends in the field of bioeconomy, revenues/expenditures, impact on GDP, impact on employment Future trends 2 Bioeconomy policies across the globe Introduction Core elements of bioeconomy policy strategies Bioeconomy strategy goals Prioritisation and specialisation in policy strategies Policy measures in policy strategies Emerging policy trends: stakeholder- and industry-driven initiatives Multilateral policy dialogue Macro-regional actors and policy initiatives Conclusions 3 Green and blue economy Introduction Forest-based bioeconomy Agri-based bioeconomy Blue bioeconomy Conclusion 4 New emerging sectors Introduction The bioenergy sector The bio-based chemistry sector The biochemistry and biopharmaceutical sector Conclusion 5 Holistic approach to bioeconomy monitoring and evaluation Introduction Indicators for monitoring the bioeconomy development Models for monitoring and evaluating the bioeconomy Conclusion – future trends 6 Conclusion Index This book calls for a holistic approach to the bioeconomy to achieve its potential in driving economic growth while simultaneously providing ecological, social and technological benefits. Essential reading for students and scholars of ecological economics, environmental economics, sustainability, innovation, and regional development.