Adaptive policy framework for national strategies FIGURE 1 Domestic, infrastructure, supplies and capabilityPolicy framework Financing IncentivesRegulation Access and educationNational securitySupply chain resilience Domestic manufacturing capacityRobust innovation ecosystemBio-innovation driven competitiveness National strategies and trade agreements Note: The recommendations within this policy framework span interrelated and synergistic categories set in the context of national strategies and capability. As such, individual recommendations may not be applicable in every regional context but can be selected as needed. Countries that lead in bio-innovation gain a competitive advantage in global markets (Figure 1). The US, for example, demonstrates this through the international success of biotech companies like Regeneron and Eli Lilly. Investing in biotechnology, biomanufacturing and bio-based materials stimulates the growth of new industries, creates jobs, and expands trade opportunities, driving economic growth and national resilience. Nations with strong bioeconomies also benefit strategically in food production through innovations such as more self-sufficient crops, cultivated meat and precision fermentation. These outputs and approaches improve efficiency, enhance nutritional value and increase crop resilience – critical advantages in the face of climate change. Investing in bio-innovation domestically strengthens supply chains and enhances local food security. Additionally, the bioeconomy offers significant potential for generating value by converting biowaste into valuable products, promoting the trade of bio-refined goods (Box 1). These processes reduce post-harvest losses, improve environmental sustainability, and boost income for households and businesses, particularly in urban and peri-urban areas. Transforming biological resources into valuable products BOX 1 BioInnovate Africa is a programme under the International Centre of Insect Physiology and Ecology (icipe) that supports the development of a bioeconomy in Eastern Africa. It funds and mentors innovators working on R&D projects to transform biological resources into valuable products, promoting regional integration and sustainable development.6 From Policy to Practice: Actionable Recommendations for a Commercial Bioeconomy 6

From Policy to Practice Actionable Recommendations for a Commercial Bioeconomy 2025