This book offers an interdisciplinary, historically grounded analysis of competing visions of the bioeconomy and argues for their reconciliation through the concept of oikos : responsible yet adaptive economic stewardship under conditions of ecological constraint and uncertainty. Drawing on political economy, economic history, and anthropology, it proposes a holistic policy perspective that moves beyond the antagonistic imperatives often implicit in the terms bio and economy. By reframing the bioeconomy as a socioecological project rather than a narrowly technocratic one, the book highlights the need to align economic activity with longterm ecological sustainability and social responsibility.

Placing biotechnology at the centre of this discussion, the volume shows how biotechnological practices have long contributed to the sustainable use of biological resources, well before the molecular biology revolution of the 1970s. It examines contemporary strategies that integrate New Genomic Techniques (NGTs) and AI into national and supranational bioeconomy agendas addressing climate change, resource scarcity, and food insecurity. Increased confidence in the precautionary use of NGTs is linked to their continuity with classical mutagenesis and to growing biosafety knowledge and practical experience. Engaging debates on precaution, innovation, and sustainability, the book surveys enabling policy frameworks that support the safe use of biotechnology in pursuit of the UN Sustainable Development Goals. It will be a valuable resource for scholars, policymakers, regulators, and professionals working at the interface of science, technology, and sustainability governance.

Proposes a holistic policy approach designed to overcome current antagonisms in the public bioeconomy debate Presents a historical understanding of the role of biotechnology in enabling a sustainable bioeconomy Illustrates how the safe use of modern biotechnology can contribute to the UN Sustainable Development Goals

Autorentext

Philipp Aerni is Professor at the School of Management Fribourg (HEG-FR) and Director of the Center for Corporate Responsibility and Sustainability (CCRS) in Switzerland. In addition, he is an affiliate at the Institute for Plant Microbial Biology (IPMB) at the University of Zurich and teaches courses on sustainability and agriculture at the University of Zurich as well as ETH Zurich.

Ursula Jenal is the Founder and Executive Manager of Jenal & Partners Biosafety Consulting GmbH based in Switzerland, which advises industry, academia and authorities on all issues related to biosafety and biosecurity significant for the safe use of biotechnology. She is a visiting lecturer at the University of Zurich and the Center for Corporate Responsibility and Sustainability (CCRS) and holds a PhD in Natural Sciences Microbial Ecology from ETH Zurich.

Inhalt

1. Introduction.- 2. A brief history of the bioeconomy from an anthropological perspective.- 3. A knowledge-based bioeconomy (KBBE) for the 21st century?.- 4. A Brief Assessment of International and National Bioeconomy Strategies.- 5. Understanding the philosophical underpinnings of dogmatic bioeconomy visions.- 6. Ensuring the safe use of biotechnology for a sustainable bioeconomy.- 7. Concluding remarks.