The objectives of this study were to identify the innovation-oriented challenges as well as areas with high growth potential within the Nordic bioeconomy. The study produced background data concerning the volume and constituents of bioeconomy in the Nordic countries using NACE codes. According to the estimate, the total turnover of the key bioeconomy sectors in Nordic countries is roughly 184 000 M€, this is 10% of the total economy. Key findings from the business ecosystem analysis show that market access is the key step to successful bioeconomy innovation, along with end user involvement and utilization of existing infrastructure. Areas within bio-based chemicals, biomaterials, biofules and bioenergy, biorefineries, resource-efficiency and industrial symbiosis and services based on ecosystem services havehigh innovation and growth potential of bioeconomy.

The obstacles of innovation in Nordic bioeconomy are lack of capital and funding, unstable operating environment due to changing regulation, market access and lack of number of actors involved in the ecosystems. Areas for further development to better tackle the identified obstacles include networking and developing a common understanding of the roles of different stakeholders, making processes for seeking support and financing easier for SMEs and promoting cross-sector transfer of existing or new applications for existing processes. Venture capitalists should be included in the networks to ensure they are better able to recognize the potential of commercial viable bioeconomy concepts. More focus may also be needed to link the support to finding commercially viable applications with the markets and customers.