Future of Bioeconomy in Central Ostrobothnia by 2031

The Biovalley Finland Living Lab scenario workshop explores the future of the bioeconomy in Central Ostrobothnia by 2031, focusing on digitalisation, circular economy, energy transition, and RDI. Two scenarios are presented: a 'better' future promoting distance work and rural-urban integration, and a 'worse' scenario highlighting rapid energy transition challenges. Sustainable energy, diverse housing-working models, and balanced automation with human creativity in rural areas are projected. The research, conducted in October 2021 via workshops, examines green and digital technology adoption, including photocatalysis and hydrogen production. Policy options emphasize education, job creation, multi-local living, dairy farming automation pilots, and stakeholder-driven regional innovation. Multinational firms in Kokkela Industrial Park support circular economy goals. The brief, authored by Jouni Kaipainen (University of Jyväskylä), aligns with the DESIRA project (Grant No. 818194).