Strategic Challenges for Sustainable Governance of the Bioeconomy: Preventing Conflict between SDGs

Abstract

The paper analyzes approaches to understanding the concept of the bioeconomy in highly cited journals, and bioeconomy strategies in associations of countries (the OECD and EU) and at the national level. Strategic challenges for sustainable bioeconomy governance are identified and an understanding of this concept is presented. The main aims, such as decoupling, the use of biotechnology, the use of sustainable biomass in the production process, and a high level of corporate social responsibility, are proposed for the identification of industries related to the bioeconomy. Specific goal achievement within the bioeconomy strategy and possible risks of conflict between SDGs are presented in the model. The bioeconomy should be considered a tool for achieving SDGs; the most relevant being 2, 3, 7, 9, 12, and 13–15. However, the achievement of bioeconomy goals can lead to a conflict between SDGs in practice. Therefore, this aspect must be taken into account at the stage of developing bioeconomy strategy and regulated in governance, to prevent conflicts between SDGs and to involve citizens and stakeholders in participating consciously in this process.