“With a new chapter ahead of us, the United States is presented with incredible challenges and opportunities in the face of China’s dominance in this space,” FAS said.
A major takeaway of the recommendations include the necessity for a unified, consensus-based definition and lexicon to enhance cross-sector communication, as agencies like the DOD, USDA, and DOE struggle without a shared language. NIST’s Bioeconomy Lexicon, updated in February 2025, remains incomplete, lacking definitions for key terms like continuous fermentation. There is also a pressing need for standards, metrics, and continued investment in NIST’s initiatives to build a cohesive strategy that fully realizes the bioeconomy’s potential.
A combined top-down and bottom-up approach is essential for rapid growth. Regional programs like EDA Tech Hubs, NSF Biofoundries, and U.S. Manufacturing Institutes support localized bioeconomies. Evaluating the effectiveness of these programs is crucial to ensure they deliver tangible benefits and align with broader bioeconomy goals. Sustained investment, decisive action, and a unified strategy are vital for the U.S. bioeconomy’s success.