The European Knowledge Based Bio-Economy: Call for the evolution of innovation systems

Abstract

The socio-economic global challenges we are facing have pushed European policy makers to take action driving Europe towards a more sustainable, long-term growth. This can be achieved by embracing the bioeconomy path. Starting from an introduction of the concept of knowledge based bio-economy, the study shows that new knowledge and innovation are at the base of this imperative transformation. An analysis of National Innovation Systems, which represent the tool for creating new knowledge and innovation, leads to the acknowledgment of a techno-institutional complex and carbon lock-in. Path dependence has affected our systems and radical innovations are required for disrupting firmly established, but unsustainable technological trajectories. An open innovation approach is illustrated as a possible way to go to facilitate the shift towards the bioeconomy and to this end, the role of policy makers is stressed. European initiatives aiming at a knowledge based bio-economy are introduced.