Seminar discusses ways to boost value added of the innovative bioeconomy
Boosting the value added of the bioeconomy in general and from the perspective of different sectors was the focus of a seminar held in Helsinki on 6 June 2023, where the main guest was Magda Kopczynska, Deputy Director General of the European Commission’s Directorate-General for Agriculture and Rural Development. More than 130 invited guests followed the event on location and online. The seminar was organised by the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry and the Ministry of Economic Affairs and Employment.
The English-language portion of the seminar was opened by Permanent Secretary Jaana Husu-Kallio (Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry), followed by Magda Kopczynska’s speech on the potential of the bioeconomy as a diversifier of rural business. Other speakers in this portion included Permanent Under-Secretary Petri Peltonen (Ministry of Economic Affairs and Employment), who discussed the current state of the implementation of Finland’s bioeconomy strategy; Jussi Manninen, Head of Solutions for Natural Resources and Environment at VTT Technical Research Centre of Finland talking about the outlook for the European Green Deal and bioeconomy; as well as Antti Asikainen, Chair of the Finnish Forest Bioeconomy Science Panel.
The Finnish-language portion of the seminar discussed ways to increase the value added in regions and different sectors and the role of the regional bioeconomy implementation plan as a creator of the value added. After the introduction and speeches from the regions, a business panel discussed the aim of the bioeconomy strategy to increase the value added of the bioeconomy from EUR 26 billion to EUR 50 billion by 2035.
Husu-Kallio: Bioeconomy policy of the future is closely linked to industrial policy
Husu-Kallio estimates that the bioeconomy and its operating environment are now developing at a rapid pace. For example, the introduction of biogenic carbon capture by the 2030s will have an impact on the climate policy. She stressed the need to formulate sustainable policies that do not prevent such technological development in the future.
“In the future, there will be a closer link between bioeconomy policy and industrial policy, and we hope that the EU can also recognise this. I am convinced that this is necessary to generate more sustainable value added in the European bioeconomy,” Husu-Kallio said.
She also emphasised the importance of the Finnish Forest Bioeconomy Science Panel, which was established at the beginning of the year, for science-based decision-making and development of innovations in the forest sector. According to Husu-Kallio, it is important to have an independent scientific body that evaluates the latest knowledge and seeks to find the most sustainable solutions.
Regional bioeconomy action plans are also an important tool guiding Finland towards higher value added in the bioeconomy. With their help, regions can focus on activities based on their local strengths. Husu-Kallio thanked the European Commission for its willingness to promote regional innovation valleys and improve their networking, as well as for its work to develop the innovation valley in the bioeconomy and food sector. She hopes that some regions in Finland will be interested in joining this innovation network.
Peltonen: Government to increase RDI investments – Bioeconomy RDI Roadmap prepared in close cooperation
In his introduction, Peltonen discussed the current situation concerning the implementation of the new bioeconomy strategy, which was adopted in 2022. The strategy aims to double the value added of the bioeconomy by 2035. This requires increased investments in research and development in all sectors of the bioeconomy. The future looks promising, because the government is increasing RDI funding along the growth path outlined in the recent RDI funding act and the Government Programme. Finnish business and industry have also announced their readiness to increase RDI investments correspondingly.
In line with the expected growth in resources, a bioeconomy research, development and innovation roadmap will be prepared in close cooperation with companies, universities and research institutes, Business Finland and the Academy of Finland.
Peltonen also stressed the growing importance of the bioeconomy in the EU’s green transition industrial policy. Brussels should also consider new bio-based products with high value added as sustainable and climate-friendly solutions. They can reduce Europe’s strategic dependence on imported materials and replace the use of non-renewable natural resources.
Packalen: Bioeconomy strategies of Sweden and Estonia offer opportunities for exerting influence in the EU
Director General Tuula Packalen from the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry concluded the seminar. She said Finland was very pleased about the bioeconomy strategies and roadmaps that Estonia and Sweden are drafting.
“The development cooperation of regional bioeconomies also offers new opportunities for exerting influence in the EU,” Packalen said.
A recording of the webinar will be available at https://vimeo.com/event/3400410/79b1ac615cLink to an external website
Presentation material from the event will be available online at biotalous.fi: Seminar 6 June 2023, Innovatiivisen biotalouden arvonlisän vauhdittaminen https://www.biotalous.fi/suomi-kehittaa/suomen-biotalousstrategia/biotalousstrategian-toimeenpano/seminaari-6-6-2023-innovatiivisen-biotalouden-arvonlisan-vauhdittaminen/Link to an external website
Inquiries:
Ulla Palander, Senior Specialist, Ministry of Economic Affairs and Employment, tel. +358 295 049 235
Anne Vehviläinen, Senior Ministerial Adviser, Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry, tel. +358 295 162 236