Biotechnologies and Bioeconomics: How to Increase Resource Efficiency, Reduce Emissions, and Strengthen Energy Security (Comparing the United States, China, and the EU)

The objective of the research is the national models of bioeconomics development in the three largest economies of the world. The subject of the study is the quantitative relationship between the level of biotechnology development, resource efficiency, dynamics of greenhouse gas emissions reduction, and the degree of energy independence of regions. The aim of this study is an empirical assessment of progress in the development of bioeconomics over the period 2020-2030 and the identification of regional leaders for each of the key indicators. However, bioengineering has become not only a technical field but also one of the key drivers of sustainable technological progress, with which we move towards a bio- circular economy. Microorganisms and genetically modified bacteria have reshaped and revolutionized the modern energy sector. Some key features of bioengineering make it even more valuable for the traditional energy sector: it is available now, applicable in all energy sectors (electricity, direct heat, transport), readily integrated with existing infrastructure, storable, and can support the expansion of intermittent renewables. One of the most important features is that it is capable of delivering negative emissions when linked to Carbon Capture & Storage (CCS). The methodological basis of the study is economic modeling based on OECD data presented in the Bioeconomy to 2030 report through the construction of three-dimensional regression surfaces, radar diagrams, and change matrices. China demonstrated the highest growth rates of all indicators of the bioeconomy (resource efficiency +86.2%, investment +125.8%, and bioenergy +204.2% over the decade). The United States remains the leader in terms of absolute resource efficiency−3.83% of GDP and investments −36.47 billion dollars. The European Union is the undisputed leader in environmental efficiency, with emissions of 2.90 billion tons, a 25.7% reduction, and a 14.0% share of bioenergy in the energy mix. In this study, we aimed to examine bioengineering technologies, their contribution to the transformation of global energy systems and development of a sustainable economy, and the economic and political barriers, using a multidisciplinary approach that integrates biological sciences, bioengineering, and economics.