Conference article

The purpose of this paper is to identify; analyse and discuss the key governance challenges for the emerging Knowledge-Based Bio-Economy (KBBE) in Europe focusing on bioenergy; particularly biofuels for transport and the biorefinery concept. This paper is based on a literature review; discussions with European researchers and practitioners; and questionnaires of bioenergy industry associations. The growing bio-economy and bioenergy in Europe face a host of socio-technical issues that comprise a mix of technological; economic; social; political; environmental; regulatory and cultural aspects. More specifically; this research work highlights three key governance challenges of increasing relevance for the bio-economy; including: the important role of public-private networks; city-regions as drivers for the KBBE; especially through climate governance; and consumer-citizens and NGOs as key players in the development of the bio-economy.

Bio-economy; Bioenergy; Governance; Socio-technical; Sustainability