Enabling a transformation to a bioeconomy in New Zealand

The 2009 OECD call for a global transition towards a bioeconomy has resulted in a number of nations adopting national or regional strategies to develop their bioeconomies. We develop a bioeconomy framework, and use it to analyse where New Zealand is currently positioned. We identify several critical elements of a bioeconomy that are lacking, most notably finance and governance. We suggest a more integrated and cohesive primary sector model that goes beyond tweaking the existing (livestock and primary production based) regime towards supporting and developing new niche production sectors, based on a clear vision jointly conceived with wider society.