METHODOLOGY FOR RESEARCH ON SUSTAINABLE BIOECONOMY IN THE EUROPEAN UNION

Abstract

The article is devoted to the methodology and tools for studying the sustainable bioeconomy of the European Union. To analyze the state of the European Union's bioeconomy and its potential impact on socio-economic development, the methodology of sustainable bioeconomy research is considered. Due to the complexity of measuring biological processes and processes in ecosystems, which are the basis of the bioeconomy, describing the level of development of the bioeconomy is quite a challenge. The European Commission monitors the development of the bioeconomy through the EU Bioeconomy Knowledge Center and the Bioeconomy Monitoring System. The methodology for studying the sustainable bioeconomy in the European Union involves a multifaceted approach that combines economic, environmental and social aspects. The European Union Bioeconomy Monitoring System offers a comprehensive overview of European trends in indicators related to the EU bioeconomy. The set of indicators is systematized according to a conceptual framework that allows for full coverage of the EU bioeconomy: stages of the value chain, sustainability aspects, and primary production sectors. Indicators can be selected in accordance with the objectives of the EU Bioeconomy Strategy, the Sustainable Development Goals or the priorities of the European Green Deal. Research on the sustainable bioeconomy of the European Union member states focuses on promoting sustainable resource management, developing bioinnovation and ensuring a circular sustainable bioeconomy through policy coordination, stakeholder engagement and investment in research and innovation.Processed indicators include the estimation of intensive variables for comparison across countries or regions. This requires not only identifying the appropriate data sources for the main (extensive) variable used in the numerator, but also choosing the denominator depending on the message the indicator is intended to convey. For example, the number of people employed in a country's bio-sectors can be divided by the total number of people employed or by the total active population. This harmonization of data implies harmonization of the concepts used and their measurement in the different parts of the bioeconomic system to be monitored. The EU's comprehensive bioeconomy research methodology uses research data to achieve sustainable development goals, create new economic opportunities, and improve the well-being of citizens. Researching the achievements of the sustainable bioeconomy is an important step towards making decisions on changing the development paradigm and implementing systemic changes. Thus, it is obvious that it is important to closely monitor the progress of the sustainable bioeconomy to enable the transformation of socio-ecological systems towards sustainable development.