MONOGRAPH: Circular bioeconomy, the key to sustainable territorial development

Abstract

The circular bioeconomy is an opportunity for territorial development and requires a participatory and transversal approach, involving all actors, policies and regional strategies. In this context, the Circular Bioeconomy Forum was held on 21 November in Seville, Andalusia. This event brought together representatives of public administrations, institutional leaders, business and academic institutions, as well as representatives of civil society and those responsible for projects of interest to the bioeconomy at regional, national, European and Central American levels. With more than three hundred and fifty participants, the event facilitated discussions and presentations on the progress, current situation and prospects of the circular bioeconomy in rural areas. This article covers the main aspects analysed, such as bioeconomy policies and strategies of the participating regions; the weaknesses, threats, strengths and opportunities of the circular bioeconomy; success stories and practices from different entities; the challenges facing the circular bioeconomy; markets and business and consumption models; the importance of cooperation between the various actors of the quadruple helix (public sector, private sector, academic and scientific sector and civil society) with a territorial approach; the awareness of society in terms of demand and awareness of a model based on the circular bioeconomy; the importance of education and training in the circular bioeconomy and the role of R&D&I.