The Critical Role of the Bioeconomy in U.S. National Policy

The World Bioeconomy Association (WBA) and the World BioEconomy Forum (WBF) call on candidates in the upcoming U.S. elections to prioritize the bioeconomy as a central policy issue. The bioeconomy - centered around biotechnology, sustainable manufacturing, and renewable resources - holds immense potential for job creation, economic revitalization, and energy independence. By fostering innovation in bio-based industries, the U.S. can secure its global leadership in biotech while addressing critical challenges such as food security, energy self-reliance, agriculture, climate stewardship, and supply chain resilience.

To achieve this, the WBA and WBF recommend that the U.S. enhance and implement its national bioeconomy strategy that includes investments in infrastructure, workforce development, and technology research, development and deployment. Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in the bioeconomy should be supported with greater access to capital and regulatory ease, while international cooperation must be encouraged to promote global sustainability. The bioeconomy offers a clear pathway to a green, more resilient future, and must be a top priority in U.S. policy discussions.

Issued by: World Bioeconomy Association (WBA) and World BioEconomy Forum (WBF)
Date: October 1, 2024
Subject:  The Critical Role of the Bioeconomy in U.S. National Policy

Introduction

As the United States prepares for the upcoming presidential election, the World Bioeconomy Association (WBA) and World BioEconomy Forum (WBF) call on candidates and political leaders to recognize the vital importance of the bioeconomy in addressing national and global challenges. The bioeconomy, which leverages biological resources and biotechnology to drive sustainable development, offers a pathway to innovation, economic growth, environmental stewardship, and energy independence. In this position paper, the WBA/WBF outlines key areas where U.S. policy can — and must — embrace the bioeconomy as a cornerstone of the nation’s future.

Why the Bioeconomy Matters for the U.S.

1. Economic competitiveness and job creation
   The bioeconomy is poised to become a significant driver of economic growth in the coming decade. From agriculture and biomanufacturing to health care and renewable energy, the bioeconomy has the potential to generate millions of jobs across sectors. Investment in bio-based industries can help revitalize rural areas, modernize manufacturing, and create a resilient workforce equipped for the future. It is essential that U.S. policymakers seize this opportunity by fostering an innovation ecosystem that supports startups, research institutions, and established companies working in the bio-based sector.
2. National security and energy independence
   As the world faces growing geopolitical instability and supply chain disruptions, the U.S. must prioritize energy independence and resource security. The bioeconomy offers a sustainable alternative to reliance on foreign fossil fuels and critical materials, leveraging domestic agricultural and biological resources to produce biofuels, bioplastics, and bio-based chemicals. By investing in bioenergy and bio-based manufacturing, the U.S. can strengthen its energy independence and reduce its vulnerability to global market fluctuations.
3. Climate resiliency and environmental sustainability
   The urgency of deploying climate-resilient infrastructure is undisputed, and the bioeconomy is at the forefront of providing solutions. Bio-based technologies have the potential to reduce carbon emissions, enhance soil health, promote biodiversity, and replace harmful industrial processes with sustainable alternatives. U.S. policies that incentivize carbon-neutral production, circular economy models, and regenerative agriculture will accelerate the transition to a greener economy, while positioning the nation as a global leader in climate innovation.
4. Global leadership in innovation and biotechnology
   Biotechnology is a critical pillar of the bioeconomy, and the U.S. has long been a global leader in this field. However, to maintain its competitive edge, the nation must continue to support cutting-edge research and development in biotech. This includes everything from synthetic biology to innovations in sustainable agriculture and pharmaceutical production. U.S. leadership in the bioeconomy not only strengthens its own economic position but also reinforces its role as a global leader in science and technology diplomacy.

Policy Recommendations

1. Comprehensive bioeconomy strategy
   The WBA/WBF urge the next U.S. administration to develop a national bioeconomy strategy that coordinates federal, state, and local efforts to support bio-based industries. This strategy should include clear targets for reducing carbon emissions through bio-based solutions, expanding biomanufacturing capacity, and investing in R&D for emerging biotechnologies. It should also focus on creating a favorable regulatory environment for bio-based products, making it easier for innovative companies to bring sustainable solutions to market.
2. Investments in infrastructure and education
   For the U.S. bioeconomy to reach its full potential, significant investment is needed in infrastructure and workforce development. The federal government should prioritize funding for bio-based industrial parks, biorefineries, and research hubs, particularly in regions that have been economically marginalized. At the same time, educational programs should be developed to prepare the next generation of workers for careers in biotechnology, bioengineering, and sustainable manufacturing.
3. Support for small and medium enterprises (SMEs)
   Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) are the backbone of innovation in the bioeconomy. The WBA/WBF calls for enhanced access to capital, tax incentives, and grants for bio-based SMEs, allowing them to scale their operations and compete on the global stage. Special attention should be given to removing regulatory barriers that disproportionately affect smaller businesses, ensuring they can thrive alongside larger corporations.
4. Demand-side mechanism
   To drive the bioeconomy, demand-side mechanisms are crucial. Government procurement policies prioritizing bio-based products can create consistent demand, fostering growth in industries like energy, healthcare, and construction. Incentives such as tax breaks, subsidies, and certifications for companies using bio-based materials will accelerate market adoption. Public campaigns to raise awareness of bio-based products' benefits will also boost consumer demand. These measures will enhance the U.S.'s global competitiveness in sustainable markets, support climate goals, and reduce reliance on fossil-based resources.
5. International collaboration
   The bioeconomy is a global endeavor, and the U.S. must actively engage in international partnerships to share best practices, collaborate on research, and align regulatory frameworks. By leading multilateral initiatives on bioeconomy standards, the U.S. can foster global cooperation and lead within the G20 to take advantage of the multi-trillion-dollar economic opportunity in biomanufacturing.

Conclusion

The World Bioeconomy Association and the World BioEconomy Forum urge all candidates in the upcoming U.S. election to prioritize the bioeconomy as a key component of their policy platforms. The bioeconomy offers solutions to some of the most pressing challenges facing the U.S. today, from economic revitalization and job creation to climate resiliency and national security. By committing to a strong bioeconomy, the U.S. can ensure a sustainable and prosperous future for generations to come.

The WBA and the WBF remain committed to supporting U.S. policymakers, industry leaders, and citizens as they work together to unlock the full potential of the bioeconomy. We look forward to engaging in ongoing discussions and offering our expertise to help shape a policy framework that aligns with global bioeconomic goals.

Thank you for your attention to these critical matters.

On behalf of the World Bioeconomy Association and the World BioEconomy Forum

Jukka Kantola
Chair at the World Bioeconomy Association Founder and CEO of the World BioEconomy Forum

The World Bioeconomy Association unites the global bioeconomy community to foster sustainable economic growth and advance the transition to a bioeconomy. Our partners and members include a diverse range of stakeholders, public organizations, business leaders, academics, government officials, NGOs, or other civil society representatives, all committed to pursuing progress in the bioeconomy.

The bioeconomy is a multisectoral concept, embraced by three visions of the bioeconomy (bioresource, biotechnology and bioecology) in the Association strategy and communication.

The Association promotes circularity of the bioeconomy, while recognizing that all bioeconomy principles cannot be always circular. In the bioeconomy, resources are produced responsibly and sustainably, generating raw materials, intermediate and end products to replace materials exiting the cycle, thereby complementing the circular economy balance without reliance on a fossil-based economy.

More on: bioeconomyassociation.org

The World Bioeconomy Forum functions as a pivotal global platform, uniting stakeholders for in-depth discussions on the circular bioeconomy. Established in 2018 by Jukka Kantola and co-founders, the Forum has undergone significant evolution, hosting events in various pivotal locations related to the bioeconomy.

Guided by a Four-Pillar Structure encompassing I) The Bioeconomy: People, Planet, Policies, II) Corporate Leaders, III) Bioproducts around us, and IV) Looking to the Future, the Forum takes a comprehensive approach. By engaging diverse bioeconomy stakeholders in meaningful roundtable discussions and an annual conference, it actively contributes to shaping Annual Declarations and influences the progress of the circular bioeconomy.

The Advisory Board, composed of experts from all continents, ensures that the Forum maintains high standards of content and fosters insightful dialogue. With a diverse target audience, including policymakers, bio-related industries, associations, and institutes, the Forum is dedicated to fostering collaboration and sustainability.

More on: wcbef.com