Building a Forest-Based Bioeconomy in a Spanish Region: Assessment of a Fragmented Proto-Entrepreneurial Ecosystem

The forest-based bioeconomy is increasingly recognized as a key pillar of European bioeconomy strategies, with potential to drive sustainable innovation, rural development, and climate action. However, regional disparities persist, particularly in Southern Europe. This study assesses the development of a forest-based entrepreneurial ecosystem located in the Spanish region of Castilla-La Mancha, using an adapted multidimensional framework that considers institutional, supply, and demand-side drivers. Fifteen interviews were conducted with key players in the forestry sector. Results indicate an incipient and fragmented ecosystem: while initiatives such as UFIL Cuenca foster entrepreneurship and innovation, the region lacks three main and different aspects: (i) a coherent strategic vision, (ii) cluster development, and (iii) presents coordination failures. Coordination structures as sectoral roundtables are viewed as critical for the forestry value chain but currently underutilized. The study emphasizes the importance of aligning forest-based resources with supportive entrepreneurial environments—where networks, infrastructure, and institutional mechanisms interact—to enable systemic innovation and sustainable regional development. The findings highlight the need for integrated regional strategies, strengthened governance mechanisms, stable financial resources for regional structures and expanded entrepreneurship support to advance the forest-based entrepreneurial ecosystems in Spain.