This article has been reviewed according to Science X's editorial process and policies. Editors have highlighted the following attributes while ensuring the content's credibility: Oil and natural gas still account for the vast majority of the world's energy and raw materials, with all the associated environmental and biodiversity consequences. The bioeconomy is an approach to overcoming this dependence: Instead of using fossil fuels, it uses renewable resources such as plants, microorganisms and organic waste.
The goal is for economic growth to go hand in hand with protecting species, the climate and soils. The updated edition of the Global Bioeconomy Policy Report 2026, produced by the International Advisory Council on Global Bioeconomy (IACGB), was launched in Dublin on Oct. 20. Researchers from the Center for Development Research (ZEF) and the Institute for Food and Resource Economics (ILR) at the University of Bonn served as lead authors on the global analysis of bioeconomy strategies.
The report shows how countries and regions are driving economic transformation toward a bio-based economy that benefits both people and the environment. A key finding is that the development of bioeconomy strategies is progressing rapidly, with 63 countries and regions now having adopted such measures. The Global South, in particular, is increasingly recognizing the bioeconomy as a sustainable and equitable economic model.
New national strategies in Namibia, Ethiopia and Kenya demonstrate Africa's growing leadership role. Latin America has also strengthened its position through the strategies adopted by Brazil, Uruguay and Ecuador. Alongside these national measures, international cooperation has evolved too, as evidenced by the first multilateral document on the bioeconomy.
During Brazil's G20 presidency, countries agreed upon the "10 High-Level Principles on the Bioeconomy." The strategies set out different priorities for achieving a sustainable bioeconomy, ranging from bioresources (34%) and biotechnology (32%) to bioecology (20%) and biosocial goals (14%). The growing share of biosocial approaches signals an increased focus on social inclusion and community benefits. Geoeconomic competition and the new multipolar world order are driving the strategic development of the bioeconomy.
Alongside sustainability and equity, security and competition are becoming increasingly important, including biotechnology-based defense. The report calls for policy measures that reconcile economic opportunities with the protection of biodiversity, the sustainable use of resources and inclusive development. Despite growing political ambition, implementation gaps persist.
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