Russia’s Bioeconomy: Development Trajectories

The current industrial transformation and the contribution of technological innovation to this process are hot topics for discussion within Russia and beyond. The ultimate goal of this transformation is the well-being of people and sustainable development, and bioeconomic development is one essential part of this technological transformation. The bioeconomy is significant in its potential: over the next 10 years, the introduction of biotechnology in various sectors is expected to create between USD 2 and 4 trillion. A number of countries are already applying strategies and individual programmes aimed at bioeconomic development. These programmes take into account the country’s resource potential, how scientifically and technologically advanced they are, the efficiency of value chains, existing spatial distribution of production capacities, and, most importantly, mechanisms for improving the training of qualified personnel. What should a holistic policy for bioeconomic development include? What do we need to create a list of domestic bioproducts? What production capacities need to be increased? To what extent is domestic biotechnological production carried out with domestic equipment? How should we approach the development of legal and regulatory frameworks for the creation and use of biotechnologies and assess the risks involved and the quality of the production? What financial instruments are needed to ensure the functioning of the bioeconomy? What areas of scientific research are key, and what scientific achievements are ready even now to drive growth in the domestic bioeconomy? What is the most effective way for the academic community to interact with representatives of the real economy and create bioproducts? What are some things that could facilitate the development of entrepreneurial initiatives in the sector? How should advanced personnel training be planned?