On July 2, 2025, at 10:00 AM, the Agricultural University – Plovdiv hosted a highly engaging seminar “Bioeconomy as a Driver of Green Growth: Conceptual Foundations, Policy Strategies, and Long-Term Development Pathways.” The event occurred in person and primarily targeted PhD students, offering them valuable insights into one of the most dynamic and transformative areas.
Assoc. Prof. Rositsa Beluhova-Uzunova, PhD, a member of the Department of Economics, led the seminar. With a background in agricultural economics and research interests focused on bioeconomy, rural development, and agricultural policy, she provided an in-depth and accessible overview of the bioeconomy’s strategic role in shaping a more sustainable future.
The seminar explored the evolution of the bioeconomy concept, tracing its theoretical roots. It also addressed the key drivers behind the development of the bioeconomy, such as climate change, biodiversity, resource efficiency, and the need for fossil fuel alternatives. Attention was given to the limitations and challenges, including policy fragmentation, technological barriers, and sustainability trade-offs.
Assoc. Prof. Beluhova-Uzunova discussed the conceptual frameworks, strategic visions, and key policy strategies at the global and European Union levels in detail. Particular emphasis was placed on the EU Bioeconomy Strategy and the European Green Deal, as guiding instruments for integrating bio-based innovation across sectors such as agriculture, energy, biotechnology, and food systems.
The seminar was not only informative and inspiring, but also closely aligned with the UNIgreen Alliance priorities for green education, reinforcing its commitment to equipping young researchers with the tools and knowledge needed for sustainable transformation.
