Analysing the drivers of a sustainable bioeconomy paradigm

We are at a crucial moment in which major global challenges such as climate change mitigation, the energy transition, food security, and biodiversity conservation have become increasingly urgent. In this context of transformation, the bioeconomy emerges as a strategic opportunity to promote a more resilient and innovative economy. However, the bioeconomy is not risk-free and does not in itself guarantee sustainability. In this regard, the main objective of this study is to identify and systematise the key drivers shaping the implementation of a sustainable bioeconomy and consolidating it as a truly transformative model. Six interrelated drivers that form the basis of a sustainable bioeconomy are identified: just transition; a (re)productive bioeconomy grounded in ecological limits; the integration of the environmental, social and governance (ESG) criteria into corporate decision-making; collaborative strategies; territorial rootedness; and state support. The results show that the different drivers act interdependently and complementarily and that their interactions can bring about significant trade-offs. This interplay between factors highlights that the sustainable bioeconomy cannot be reduced to a set of technological innovations or the simple replacement of fossil resources with biomass. Neither can it be assumed that the deployment of new bioeconomy sectors will automatically generate social or ecological benefits. Its success depends on a systemic approach that can integrate social justice, ecological regeneration, territorial rootedness, democratic governance and institutional coherence.