The bioeconomy is a complex interdisciplinary subject with economic, social and ecological dimensions. Accordingly, research in this country is diversified. In the natural sciences, academic disciplines range from agricultural science, biotechnology, materials science and environmental technology to nutritional science. There are also research activities in the humanities such as the social sciences, economics, politics and law that are relevant to the bioeconomy.
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Deciphering neural networks
A dragonfly unfolds its wings and whirrs off. A little further on, a butterfly spreads its wings and glides through the air. Both animals have learned to fly through evolution, but with different techniques. "This fascinated me even as a child," Harald Luksch remembers. "When I was a boy, I was outdoors a lot. At that time there was a desire to understand more about nature".
Deciphering complex relationships
"Bio-based" sounds like a good thing to most people. However, regarding biofuels this has been the topic of heated discussions for many years now. Environmental economist Ruth Delzeit has been involved in this topic in one way or another since the beginning of her research career - and it has been a transformative experience, especially once she recognized how some politicians and journalists deal with research findings.
Bioplastic degrades very slowly
Environmental pollution caused by plastic waste is a hot-button issue right now - whether it's waste islands in the oceans or microplastics in the fields which eventually end up in the intestines of humans. However, plastic packaging cannot be dispensed off everywhere. Thus, more and more biodegradable plastics are being produced, which are supposed to have less impact on the environment.
Iceland
Iceland takes the leading role in the "Nordic Bioeconomy Initiative". A strategic paper entitled "Future Opportunities for Bioeconomy in the Western Nordic Countries" has already been drawn up and was published in 2014. In 2015, a "Nordic Bioeconomy Panel" was set up. The goal: the development of a "Nordic bioeconomy strategy". The main areas of focus are biotechnology and the blue bioeconomy – the aim of which is to tap and exploit marine bioresources.
China
Bio-based polymers are a key area in the production of chemicals.Understandably, the five-year plan also includes agricultural innovations, such as the "12th Five-Year Plan for National Agriculture and Rural Economic Development".
Understanding and protecting the groundwater ecosystem
We drink from it, water the fields with it, or use it as a coolant or solvent: groundwater. This vast reservoir of water under our feet is essential for human and animal life, but for the majority of the time we take it entirely for granted. For groundwater ecologist Christian Griebler, this invisible water is far more than just a commodity. “The groundwater is so clean only because of the biology that it contains, which ultimately has a purifying function.
Italy
Italy is the second most important industrial country in the EU after Germany. The north is mainly industrialised, the south predominantly agricultural. The food sector, with its typical offerings such as olive oil, wine and pasta, is regarded as a supporting pillar of the country's economy. However, chemical exports contribute much toward its economic power. Therefore, future opportunities for the bioeconomy exist in the chemical industry in particular. To this end, the companies already modify former petrochemical plants.
Circular economy: digitalisation could close loops
Circular or closed-loop economy is the holy grail of any sustainable economy. The idea is that no materials are being wasted and lost during production, and instead everything can and will be reused and recycled. However, although Germany has one of the most advanced waste management systems in the world, only about 14% of the raw materials used in the German industry are derived from recycling processes.
Biomimetic coating prevents mussel sticking
Mussels have mastered the art of sticking to wet surfaces and cause a lot of damage because of it. They stick to boats, pipes, piers, and many more underwater surfaces. In fact, mussels are one of the worst perpetrators of biofouling, meaning the unwanted accumulation of organisms on underwater structures.