The bioeconomy has several related concepts (e.g. bio-based economy, green economy and circular economy) and there are clear synergies between these concepts, especially between the bioeconomy and circular economy concepts. Analysing the driving factors provides important information for monitoring activities. We first derive the scope of the bioeconomy framework in terms of bioeconomy sectors and products to be involved, the needed geographical coverage and resolution, and the time period. Furthermore, we outline a set of indicators linked to the objectives of the EU’s bioeconomy strategy. In our framework, measuring developments will focus on the bio-based sectors within the bioeconomy as biomass and food production is already monitored. The selected indicators commit to the EU bioeconomy strategy objectives and conform with findings from previous studies and stakeholder consultation. Additionally, several new indicators have been suggested and they are related to measuring the impact of changes in supply, demand drivers, resource availability and policies on sustainability goals.

This paper discusses the driving forces and relations within the bioeconomy, how bioeconomy can be defined and how to monitor and measure the bioeconomy with indicators. The development of the bioeconomy is driven by forces such as technology and innovation, market organisation, policies, strategies and legislation. The identified drivers help to provide indicators to monitor and measure bioeconomy. The proposed indicators are divided into categories, e.g. food and nutrition security, sustainable natural resource management, and employment and economic competitiveness. The identified drivers and indicators can be used by public authorities to steer the developments in the bio-based sectors, to manage their investment plans, and to monitor and evaluate a Circular Systemic Solution in bioeconomy.