Education and awareness in the bioeconomy

Abstract: The potential of the bioeconomy to contribute to sustainable development rests on three pillars: scientific discovery, productive adaptation, and societal change. These three require the creation, dissemination, and use of new knowledge, skills, and practices. Because of its knowledge-based character, bioeconomy must find its way into curricula from primary to tertiary education and research, into vocational training as well as into information campaigns outside formal education. In this chapter, the authors substantiate the significance of education and awareness for the successful transformation to a sustainable circular bioeconomy. They provide an overview of the various dimensions to be considered in bioeconomy education and present examples of formal and informal education initiatives in the field of bioeconomy. The case of academic bioeconomy education is illustrated by examples from universities around Europe. Finally, the authors outline possible and desirable future developments in bioeconomy education and awareness-building.