The Potential for Bioeconomy and Biotechnology Transfer and Collaboration Between Colombia and China

Oscar Fajardo (), Francisco Dorado and Alejandro Lora
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Oscar Fajardo: Department of Environmental Engineering, Faculty of Engineering and Basic Sciences, Universidad Central, Bogotá 110911, Colombia
Francisco Dorado: Research School for Southeast Asian Studies, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361005, China
Alejandro Lora: Department of Chinese Language and Literature, Peking University, Beijing 100871, China

Sustainability, 2025, vol. 17, issue 11, 1-24

Abstract: The bioeconomy and biotechnology sectors present transformative opportunities for sustainable development by harnessing biological resources and promoting innovation. This study investigates the potential for bilateral collaboration between Colombia and China, highlighting their complementary strengths: Colombia’s remarkable biodiversity and China’s advanced technological capabilities and policy frameworks. This article aimed to analyze the current landscape of bioeconomy and biotechnology in both countries, identify key areas for cooperation, evaluate regulatory frameworks, and propose strategies to strengthen bilateral efforts. This paper combines a qualitative approach with an extensive literature review, secondary data analysis, and case studies. The findings indicate that Colombia’s rich biodiversity offers significant opportunities in bioprospecting, biofuels, and agricultural biotechnology. Meanwhile, China’s expertise in bioeconomic innovation can facilitate technological advancements and capacity building. However, these opportunities remain despite challenges such as trade imbalances, regulatory gaps, and cultural differences. Collaborative initiatives focused on bioplastics, bioenergy, and circular economy principles have the potential to diversify Colombia’s exports and enhance its global competitiveness. This study emphasizes that integrating Colombia’s natural resources with China’s technological advancements has the potential to drive innovation, improve participation in global value chains, and foster sustainability. Effective governance, inclusive policies, and strategic investments are crucial to fully realizing this partnership’s transformative potential in tackling global challenges like climate change and food security.

Keywords: bioeconomy; biotechnology; Colombia–China collaboration; biodiversity; sustainable development; technology transfer; circular economy (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: O13 Q Q0 Q2 Q3 Q5 Q56 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2025
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