Towards a bioeconomic vision for New Zealand – Unlocking barriers to enable new pathways and trajectories

Abstract

There has been significant national interest and movement towards bioeconomic policy over the past decade. Through an examination of the current bioeconomic pathways in New Zealand, this paper outlines key barriers that transition pathways will need to overcome and factors needing development within the country’s bioeconomic environment. New Zealand’s strength in primary production, coupled with a market-led economy and recent green growth with low carbon policies, provide an excellent platform for bioeconomic development. However, the strength in established biological industries and lack of clearly defined vision or cohesive support for bioeconomic development provide sufficient inertia to realising the full potential. For a bioeconomy in New Zealand to flourish, a primary sector model that is cohesive and more integrated is needed to develop new niche industries and attract finance, while providing an overarching governance system to the primary industries.