Teagasc has launched a bioeconomy explainer series, aimed at highlighting the relevance of the bioeconomy to stakeholders across a range of sectors.

A series of maps will be released each day from Monday 19 to Friday 23 October as part of Irish Bioeconomy Week, addressing challenges ranging from climate change to regional development.

The bioeconomy concerns and links together environmental, agricultural, and industrial activities. This includes nature, farmers, industrial processes, new value-added bio-based products, and services such as energy and waste.

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Relevance

Monday focuses on the relevance of the bioeconomy to Ireland. The first map shows that Ireland is among the European countries that have developed a strategy at national level to proactively support its development.

A second map shows the significance of the bioeconomy to different regions across Ireland as indicated by share of the overall labour force working in the bioeconomy.

Opportunities

The maps on Tuesday look at opportunities in the bioeconomy by focusing on available feedstock.

It highlights that some feedstocks may be purposely grown, however many arise from streams that may be currently under-utilised or even considered waste.

Climate challenges

On Wednesday the map highlights that the bioeconomy is positioned to address the challenges of climate change and biodiversity loss.

It has been suggested the bioeconomy benefits from and improves the provision of ecosystem services.

Investments

The map on Thursday is titled ‘Investments in the bioeconomy’, showing a significant flow towards novel projects in Ireland but also within Europe funded by the EU and industry.

Players

The map on Friday identifies some of the players in the bioeconomy. The map displays social networks, which identifies key players in Ireland and how they are connected to each other.

To view the maps throughout the week, click here.

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