Bioeconomy in a changing word

There is a wide consensus that bioeconomy must be sustainable, circular, respect the ecological boundaries of the planet and be economically viable. These concepts have been mostly generated by the European Union in the early years of this century. This article outlines some of the critical stages that allowed the bioeconomy concept to evolve in the European Union (EU), led by the inspiring personality and leadership of Christian Patermann. In the second part, the authors put forward some challenges, triggered by the Covid-19 pandemic and by the increasing geopolitical instability, that bioeconomy should take on board and discuss among stakeholders. These discussions are expected to develop evolving strategies able to adapt to the changing needs and circumstances of our word.