The new concept of bioeconomy in the European Union

Abstract

The aim of the paper is the presentation of the bioeconomy concept and the state of the implementation at EU level. Based on data available at the level of the European Commission (EC), the European Parliament and other European bodies with responsibilities in this field, we offer a broad image of the concept and its evolution. The term as such has been used since the 90s by geneticists Cabot J.E. and Martinez R., but their work has referred to their research in genetics (Birner, 2018). Earlier in the 60s, the economist Zeman used the term "bioeconomics". The American economist of Romanian origin Roegen N.G. also wrote about bioeconomics /bioeconomy in an article from the 70s, in which he concluded from personal professional experience that “unlimited growth would not be compatible with the basic laws of nature”.