European bioeconomy strategies could better integrate sustainability agendas

The bioeconomy is increasingly seen as a key national development strategy for sustainable economic growth, environmental restoration, and achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Numerous countries have introduced strategies to outline their bioeconomy visions, aiming to transition from fossil fuel-dependent systems to bioeconomies that address pressing environmental and socio-economic challenges. Despite this potential, the bioeconomy is not inherently sustainable nor circular, and policymakers pursue bioeconomies to different extents, facing challenges in balancing synergies and trade-offs with the SDGs. This study examined bioeconomy strategies presented in 29 policy documents from 14 European countries and the European Union. Using text analyzing techniques, we evaluate the extent to which bioeconomy strategies determine the salience of sustainability. Our analysis shows that most bioeconomy strategies emphasize opportunities aligned with SDGs 6 and 12-15, focusing on environmental objectives within the planet pillar of the 2030 Agenda. However, these strategies often neglect the principles of "equitable" and "fair & inclusive" transition and fail to consider potential unintended consequences or trade-offs for sustainability. This disconnection is further reflected by a significant divide between evidence on bioeconomy-SDG interactions and the narratives presented in policy documents. The concepts of sustainability and circularity are theoretically integrated into bioeconomy strategies but often remain lethargic, focusing on narratives rather than evidence on existing trade-offs at the expense of human needs and ecosystems. To prevent the risk of unsustainable transitions, bioeconomy strategies should evolve toward systemic approaches that emphasize resilience, equity, and ecological regeneration. Future research should explore practical mechanisms for aligning bioeconomy development with global sustainability goals.

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s11625-025-01752-1.