From Policy to Practice Actionable Recommendations for a Commercial Bioeconomy 2025

Recommendation 7 Government-supported programmes for large corporations to beta test and scale bio-innovation What if large corporations were provided with targeted government support to integrate bio-innovations into their value chains? Description Government-supported programmes that enable large corporations to beta test and scale bio-innovation will future-proof value chains. Example Sunbird Bioenergy’s ethanol project in Zambia has received government support through a blended ethanol programme and other incentives, aiming to produce 120 million litres of fuel-grade ethanol annually.36Recommendation 7In regions throughout the world, more governments are supporting the commercialization of bio- innovation by incentivizing companies to beta test and scale emerging technologies. More meaningful government incentives to future-proof value chains will increasingly motivate the private sector to commercially adopt and scale bio-innovation. As a result, more companies and investors will view bio-innovation as a viable and preferred option across various applications, rather than only considering it when few alternatives exist.In some regions, governments are already supporting the commercialization of bio-innovation by incentivizing companies to beta test and scale these technologies. In particular, fiscal incentives awarded to private sector players that adopt and scale bio- innovation across their value chains can significantly encourage broader industry participation. Such programmes play a critical role in breaking the cycle of low adoption, weak demand and the technology push – helping to establish stronger market pull and accelerating the path to commercialization. The Zambian government supported a project to scale bioethanol production to 120 million litres annually. By scaling production of renewable bioethanol together with Sunbird Bioenergy, Zambia’s fuel import bill can be lowered by up to 20%, potentially saving nearly $100 million annually.37 Overall, Sunbird Bioenergy’s ethanol project exemplifies a successful collaboration between the private sector and the Zambian government to drive scaling, economic growth and energy independence. By involving industry leaders and established companies in the scaling of bio-innovation, similar programmes can drive broader adoption and market transformation. 18 From Policy to Practice: Actionable Recommendations for a Commercial Bioeconomy