Search the EPA Research Database

Project title

Circular Bioeconomy Ireland

Primary Funding Agency

Environmental Protection Agency

Co-Funding Organisation(s)

n/a

Lead Organisation

University College Dublin (UCD)

Lead Applicant

Kevin O'Connor

Project Abstract

The UN SDGs sparked an evolution in policy development and business strategies across the globe. In Europe the bioeconomy strategy evolved from a linear replacement of the fossil economy to a complex multi-dimensional one that seeks to create a circular bioeconomy that helps to address climate change and biodiversity loss as well as drive innovation and job creation. Policy development at EU level for the bioeconomy and circular economy has taken place in parallel and without strong cohesion. Such policies are driven by the UN SDGs and to help implement climate action plans but they need now to be integrated as there is not a separate circular economy and bioeconomy. The latter is one half of the former and never should the two be separated. The circular economy is about resource efficiency, maximising and maintaining the use and value of resources, about closing production loops to avoid and reduce waste, protecting, restoring and growing nature, valuing natural capital which can provide ecosystem services. The circular bioeconomy is inherent in this circular economy. The health of the planet, humans, animals and society is dependent on building a low carbon, climate neutral inclusive circular biobased society. The circular bioeconomy has huge innovation potential and policy development is critical to promoting this potential. Business and society need a framework in order to plan and innovate. We will explore the current national and international Policy in the bioeconomy and circular economy, encompassing international best practice, and look at the innovation scenarios of the circular bioeconomy to 2030 with an outlook to 2050 for Ireland. We will look at the various tensions and sensitivities around key areas such as natural capital, renewable energy and the price of fossil products as well as the targets and need for greenhouse gas (GHG) emission reduction, the price of carbon and carbon taxes and other relevant matters. We will investigate the potential of digitalisation, internet of things and the management of big data to impact innovation in the circular bioeconomy. We will investigate the potential for existing knowledge to be deployed to improve practice and, business models that can drive innovation, product or market development. The study will also make recommendations on future research, training and education needs and policy developments which can accelerate the innovation potential of the circular bioeconomy. A report will be published which will make specific recommendations to inform policy development for the Bioeconomy Action Plan for Ireland 2022-2025, on the Island of Ireland, and support the National Grand Challenges Programme.

Grant Approved

�42,466.28

Research Hub

Green and Circular Economy

Research Theme

n/a

Start Date

12/11/2021

Initial Projected Completion Date

12/05/2022