The Bioeconomy to 2030

Abstract

The concept of a "bioeconomy" invites the reader to think about the global challenges of the future and how the biological sciences may contribute to solving these complex problems. There is a growing strategic interest in the concept of the bioeconomy in the OECD and non-OECD countries, not least because it addresses the potential for significant global economic, social and environmental benefits in an integrated framework. But for the bioeconomy to succeed, considerable uncertainties facing both public and private actors in our economies will need to be addressed. A large part of the task of addressing global challenges will involve the biological sciences, from the contributions of industrial biotechnology through environmental applications to climate change issues, improved health outcomes, and feeding global populations with better yielding crops and better delivery of nutrients and vitamins in foods. Changing population demographics will mean more creative healthcare solutions for every generation of citizens. With the evolving consumer appetite for individualised medical care and medicines, biotechnology can make significant contributions to economic productivity and wellbeing in the health sector. Agricultural biotechnology can contribute to a more sustainable and productive agriculture sector.