Simulation modelling in bioeconomy: Unraveling trends, gaps, and insights through bibliometric analysis

The bioeconomy, a multidisciplinary approach that utilizes biological resources and processes to produce food, energy, and materials, is crucial for achieving sustainable economic development. As we transition to new value chains and technologies, it is essential to investigate bioeconomic solutions to substitute fossil-based production. Advanced modelling techniques are necessary to address the inherent complexity of bioeconomic systems. This study explores the intersection of simulation modelling and the bioeconomy, highlighting the increasing interest in these methodologies. We identified key trends and research gaps within this domain by conducting a systematic literature review and bibliometric analysis. Our refined search strategy yielded 12 publications focusing on agent-based modelling (ABM) applications in the bioeconomy, providing insights into micro-level and macro-level analyses. The findings reveal ABM's potential to simulate complex interactions within bioeconomic systems, emphasizing its ability to integrate social, economic, and environmental dimensions. The study uncovers gaps in holistically modelling innovative biorefinery technologies. These insights can help guide future research efforts by showing the need for adaptive and interdisciplinary approaches to enhance knowledge about bioeconomic value networks and to derive measures and strategies for their long-term establishment. • Increase of bioeconomic literature on a low level in the last 20 years. • Trends and gaps identified with simulation modelling in bioeconomy literature. • More holistic simulations are recommended to support the bioeconomic transition. • Agent-based modelling is seen as promising approach to consider socio-economic factors.