Pôle B4C & Alcimed Position Paper – Bioeconomy: what opportunities for local authorities?

In this unprecedented sanitary, climatic and economic situation, we have to radically rethink our models. Among the possible futures, bioeconomy is ambiguous. Are those innovations a resilience factor, a new growth driver or just common sense? This position paper aims to provide local authorities with information about the bioeconomy concept, through concrete illustrations of public and private territorial development projects: building biorefineries, managing bio-waste, relocating employment, producing renewable energy, structuring biobased sectors.

The bioeconomy in our production ecosystem for sustainable development, more responsible industries and increased local employment

Bioeconomy encompasses all activities involved in the production and transformation of forestry, agriculture and aquaculture biomass, to produce food, materials and energy. Biorefineries transform millions of tons of biomass each year for more responsible food and industrial production. They employ 1.9 million people among researchers, farmers, industrials, while generating 3 to 4 times more indirect jobs.

The results are conclusive: local start-ups, SMEs and large corporations generate more than 300 billion euros annually. France also benefits from a strong expertise and thus ranks 2nd in Europe in terms of patent publication in industrial biotechnologies.

In an agricultural country like France, it is realistic to significantly increase the share of bioeconomy in our production system, while enabling sustainable development along with more responsible industries and increased local employment. However, many questions must be addressed before deploying a new territorial organization scheme.

• Should all farmlands be organic?
• How long can a bioeconomy system survive in autonomy when facing shortages?
• Does paying for ecosystem services call for a carbon stock exchange?
• What strategy should local authorities adopt to implement a bioeconomy policy, and not be accused of greenwashing?

Public policies based on bioeconomy: which key success factors for local authorities?

Throughout this position paper resulting from a rich collaboration between the Pôle B4C and Alcimed, we will highlight key success factors for leaders to develop public policies based on bioeconomy. With practical examples, we will help you gain insights on the concepts behind bioeconomy.

In this position paper, you will explore:

• To what extent do bio-based solutions contribute to carbon neutrality?
• How can bioeconomy create value through territorial development?
• What role can bioeconomy solutions play in stimulating local areas currently facing a slowing activity?
• As a local authority, how can bioeconomy solutions be implemented?