Unlocking Romania’s Forest-Based Bioeconomy Potential: Knowledge-Action-Gaps and the Way Forward

Alexandru Giurca (), Liviu Nichiforel, Petru Tudor Stăncioiu, Marian Drăgoi and Daniel-Paul Dima
Additional contact information
Alexandru Giurca: Heidelberg Center for the Environment (HCE), Heidelberg University, Im Neuenheimer Feld 130.1, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
Liviu Nichiforel: Faculty of Forestry, Stefan cel Mare University, Universitatii Streat 13, 720229 Suceava, Romania
Petru Tudor Stăncioiu: Department of Silviculture, Faculty of Silviculture and Forest Engineering, Transilvania University of Brasov, Sirul Beethoven 1, 500123 Brasov, Romania
Marian Drăgoi: Faculty of Forestry, Stefan cel Mare University, Universitatii Streat 13, 720229 Suceava, Romania
Daniel-Paul Dima: Porini Log Oy., Kyösti Kallion tie 4 A8, 00570 Helsinki, Finland

Land, 2022, vol. 11, issue 11, 1-24

Abstract: As national governments continue developing bioeconomy strategies, the forest-based sector becomes increasingly important. Romania’s forest sector can be at the heart of a sustainable circular-bioeconomy transition. However, despite recently launching its national forest strategy, the country has yet to produce a comprehensive bioeconomy strategy where the forest sector is properly acknowledged and integrated. Here, we discuss the potential opportunities and challenges for developing a national circular–bioeconomy strategy that builds around the forest-based sector. Methodologically, we build on qualitative insights from two foresight workshops conducted with 16 international experts. Conceptually, we draw on recent forest-based circular-bioeconomy literature, which we synthesize and use to complement the insights provided by workshop participants. Three main key findings emerged from this analysis: (i) Several knowledge gaps related to biomass availability, carbon storage, biodiversity status, ecosystem services, or governance arrangements persist. (ii) A circular forest bioeconomy must focus on regional and rural development, including both traditional wood use, as well as new wood-based products. Finally, (iii) the transition to a forest-based bioeconomy requires substantial investments in areas such as forest infrastructure, education, and labor force. Forward-looking policies can address these challenges by fostering new ways of thinking, collaborating and researching the bioeconomy. We anticipate our article to be a starting point for more informed discussions around the role of forests and the forest-based sector in Romania’s future bioeconomy strategy. Furthermore, as work around the implementation of the national forest strategy has recently commenced, the ideas discussed here could help decision-makers better integrate and coordinate national and European forest policies with bioeconomy ambitions.

Keywords: bioeconomy strategy; forest-based sector; national forest strategy; foresight workshops; qualitative data analysis; Romania (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: Q15 Q2 Q24 Q28 Q5 R14 R52 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2022
References: View references in EconPapers View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (1)

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