Bioeconomy Advisory Panel meets for the first time with the aim of creating sustainable growth from the bioeconomy

Finland is currently updating its Bioeconomy Strategy. The objective is to make use of the bioeconomy to create new products and services that support economic growth and employment while promoting the transition to a carbon neutral society. The Bioeconomy Advisory Panel, which met for the first time on 14 October 2020, will provide advice on the strategy.

The panel is chaired by Minister of Economic Affairs Mika Lintilä and Minister of Agriculture and Forestry Jari Leppä. State Secretary Kimmo Tiilikainen substituted for Minister Lintilä at the meeting. The panel includes representatives from a wide range of public authorities, labour market organisations, industrial federations, research and training institutions and counties.

“Sustainable bioeconomy promotes industrial renewal, competitiveness and growth as well as the vitality of the regions. It also modernises primary production, improves environmental protection and enhances biodiversity,” Minister Lintilä says.

“On a global scale, Finland has the fourth most renewable natural resources relative to population. Our fertile forests and fields and clean water provide a solid foundation for the value chains of the bio-based industry. At the same time, they safeguard Finland’s security of supply and enable the development of business based on ecosystem services,” Minister Leppä says.

Strategy update to highlight bioeconomy’s importance in Finland and the EU

The Bioeconomy Strategy, drawn up for the first time in 2014, will be updated during this and next year to reflect the Government Programme and changes in the operating environment. The EU’s bioeconomy strategy was updated in autumn 2018 and serves as the basis for Finland’s strategy.

“The European Commission considers Finland a pioneer in the bioeconomy in the EU and an example to other countries. However, Finland is competing for this position with larger countries. We must therefore work determinedly towards a bioeconomy policy, where the updating of the national Bioeconomy Strategy and its application across all administrative branches will be key factors,” Minister Lintilä adds.

“The updating of Finland’s Bioeconomy Strategy is particularly topical right now, because the bioeconomy can make a significant contribution to sustainable growth throughout Finland. Developing the bioeconomy will help Finland recover from the challenges posed by the epidemic for businesses and society as a whole,” Minister Leppä says.

The Bioeconomy Advisory Panel will meet regularly during the updating of the strategy. A Steering Group and a Coordination Secretariat have also been set up for the project.

Inquiries:

Petri Peltonen, Chair of the Steering Group, Under-Secretary of State, Ministry of Economic Affairs and Employment, tel. +358 29 506 3662 [email protected]
Ulla Palander, Secretary of the Bioeconomy Advisory Panel, Senior Adviser, Ministry of Economic Affairs and Employment, tel. +358 295 049 235, [email protected]
Anne Vehviläinen, Ministerial Adviser, Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry, tel. +358 295 162 236, [email protected]