The cross-sectoral, transformative character of bioeconomy makes coordination of bioeconomy policy across different policy fields and ministries mandatory, but extraordinary challenging. To shed light on the topic, we invited a group of policymakers from across Europe for a digital workshop on 19 November 2024 on "Good Practice in Bioeconomy Policy Coordination”.

The overall goal of the workshop was to learn more about how bioeconomy policy is coordinated in EU member states and on regional levels, and to share good coordination practices.

Key Topics and Discussions

The workshop provided a platform for policymakers to exchange insights and experiences regarding bioeconomy policy coordination. The participants assessed different national approaches, identifying both strengths and challenges in governance structures. Case studies from Germany, Italy, and Estonia were complemented by contributions from Ireland, Finland, France, and Poland. They showcased a variety of coordination mechanisms, from interministerial working groups to advisory panels and regional hubs.

One of the central challenges discussed was the inherently cross-sectoral nature of bioeconomy policy, which requires seamless coordination among diverse ministries and stakeholders. The discussion also emphasised the importance of balancing formal institutional coordination with flexible, informal networks that can foster trust and cooperation.

Approaches to Bioeconomy Coordination

Different governance structures and coordination strategies were explored during the workshop. Some approaches rely on dedicated coordination bodies that bring together policymakers, industry representatives, regions, and experts to ensure continuity and knowledge retention. Others focus on interministerial collaboration, where government departments work together to align policies and strategies. In some cases, national coordination efforts are complemented by regional and stakeholder-driven initiatives that promote bottom-up engagement and adaptation to local needs.

Irrespective of the chosen organisational structure for policy coordination, it matters a lot how the coordination is done. Participants agreed that an open, constructive, trustful working climate, and a mindset to find solutions and compromises is very effective, but also requires significant time and effort. Such negotiations should play a larger role than unidirectional consultations and collecting comments to position papers. The latter may be more efficient in the short term, but are unlikely to result in a truly transformative bioeconomy policy which goes beyond sectoral policies.

Among the key takeaways was the recognition of the need for both formal governance structures and adaptable, trust-based collaboration mechanisms. Additionally, the importance of supranational coordination, including exchanges with the European Commission and participation in initiatives such as the G7 and G20, was highlighted.

Policy Recommendations and Next Steps

During the workshop, the participants were presented draft recommendations developed by the ShapingBio consortium based on their analysis of bioeconomy policy coordination. The workshop participants supported the ShapingBio policy recommendations, which they found to be both relevant and important. These recommendations will be fed into the ongoing revision process of the EU bioeconomy strategy.

You can read more about the outcomes from the workshop in the report here.

For more insights on strengthening the bioeconomy innovation system through policy and governance, you can also read this ShapingBio article and this ShapingBio report on the topic.