Ireland’s bioeconomy is moving from research and innovation towards practical, commercial deployment. The latest gov.ie publication on the Irish Bioeconomy Forum 2.0 outlines how Government, researchers, industry and other stakeholders are working together to support a national bioeconomy strategy.
Published by the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine, the forum material covers its renewed structure, working papers, a Danish study tour and its report to Government. The programme supports the implementation of Ireland’s first Bioeconomy Action Plan, published in October 2023.
gov.ie outlines renewed Irish Bioeconomy Forum
Action 1.3 of the Bioeconomy Action Plan called for the renewal of the Irish Bioeconomy Forum through the lifetime of the plan, up to 2025, alongside an annual operational work programme.
The Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine and the Department of the Environment, Climate and Communications worked to re-establish the forum during the first quarter of 2024. Previous members and members of the Expert Advisory Group were invited to return, while new participants were sought through an expression-of-interest process launched in February 2024.
The renewed forum held its first meeting at the Backweston Laboratory Campus on 4 March 2024. It comprises 52 members, supported by a 19-member Expert Advisory Group, a chairperson, two vice-chairs and a steering group.
Bioeconomy strategy focuses on scaling Irish innovation
The Irish Bioeconomy Forum 2.0 prepared a final report to Government in the context of Ireland’s first National Bioeconomy Strategy. The report reviews the forum’s activities and discussions across 2024 and 2025 and proposes actions to help move biobased innovation into scaled deployment.
Three working areas
The forum’s annual work programme established three key areas:
- Developing a stronger bio-industrial network in Ireland
- Supporting bioeconomy demonstration initiatives
- Examining the relationship between the bioeconomy and climate action
A scoping paper found that Ireland has many elements of a bioeconomy entrepreneurial ecosystem, but that these remain fragmented. It recommends a more coordinated, impact-focused system capable of responding more quickly to emerging opportunities.
Demonstration projects are also identified as essential for testing concepts in real-world settings and supporting commercialisation. Potential opportunities span agri-food, marine activities, construction, plastics and bioplastics, pharmaceuticals, waste valorisation and bioenergy.
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Climate action and lessons from Denmark
The forum’s climate action work considers how bioeconomy development can contribute to Ireland’s legally binding climate targets. It also examines solutions for hard-to-abate sectors, including agriculture, construction, transport and industry, as well as carbon sequestration through soils, forests, marine ecosystems and bio-based products.
In June 2024, forum members and invited organisations took part in a three-day study tour of Denmark. The visit explored anaerobic digestion, biomethane, biorefineries, biochar, applied research, pilot-scale activity, commercial operations, innovation policy and cooperative models.
The tour was intended to raise awareness, strengthen knowledge-sharing and identify opportunities and barriers to long-term collaboration. It offered examples of how bioeconomy concepts can connect research with investment, production and regional development.
Explore more: Irish sustainability and innovation coverage
What the forum means for Ireland
The publication shows that Ireland’s bioeconomy agenda is focused not only on scientific research, but also on coordination, demonstration and market readiness. Its proposed direction brings together agriculture, marine resources, climate policy, industry and regional enterprise.
The forum’s papers and meeting minutes provide a record of how stakeholders are shaping the next phase of national policy. They also underline the importance of investment, collaboration and practical pilot projects in turning bio-based ideas into viable solutions.
Key takeaway: The Irish Bioeconomy Forum 2.0 is helping create a clearer route from innovation to implementation, with the potential to support climate action, sustainable enterprise and Ireland’s first National Bioeconomy Strategy.
Article/Image Courtesy: gov.ie