ICABR 30th Conference Communiqués
Ravello, Italy | July 7-10, 2026
The International Consortium on Applied Bioeconomy Research (ICABR) held its 30th annual conference in Ravello, Italy, from July 7-10, 2026. Under the theme "The Bioeconomy Transformation in Transition: Past Successes, Current Challenges, and Future Prospects," the conference brought together leading researchers, policymakers, and industry stakeholders from around the world.
The conference resulted in three important communiqués that address critical aspects of bioeconomy development. These documents represent the collective expertise of the global bioeconomy research community and offer valuable insights for policymakers, researchers, and practitioners.
The Importance of Innovation for Improved Bioeconomy Development
Innovation is foundational for economic and societal advancement. As agriculture, biodiversity, bioeconomies, and environments grapple with changing climates, innovation is more important than ever.
Key findings include:
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Agricultural innovations often take more than 20 years to reach peak adoption
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Intellectual property rights create both opportunities and barriers, particularly regarding gene editing technologies
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Successful innovation requires downstream support and market development
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Universities are well-positioned to lead future innovation partnerships
The Importance of Innovation Investment, Efficient Regulation, and Unrestricted Trade
Investment, regulation, and trade are interconnected attributes of innovation. The more efficiently these factors are connected, the more successful the innovation pipeline will be.
Key findings include:
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Global private R&D investment is approximately US$75 billion annually, with public investment at US$50 billion
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In 30 years of GM crop production, not a single risk has been identified
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Regulatory harmonization offers the greatest potential for peak adoption
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Trade barriers result in reduced adoption rates and lower welfare benefits for society
Food System Resilience and Changing Climates
Food systems face unprecedented challenges from climate change, population growth, and urbanization. The conference identified three critical factors: resilience of current food systems, impacts of climate change, and solutions focused on the Global South.
Key findings include:
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GM crop adoption has increased yields by 10% for corn, 14% for cotton, and 8% for soybeans
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Shorter supply chains demonstrate very low rates (under 5%) of food waste
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Bioeconomy-related economic activity accounted for one-quarter of Brazil's GDP in 2023
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Only 50% of 2020 capital requirement estimates for African economies are currently being allocated
About ICABR
The International Consortium on Applied Bioeconomy Research (ICABR) is a unique, informal international consortium of scholars representing leading research institutions worldwide. Since its establishment in 1998, ICABR has served as a premier forum for North-South exchange, facilitating dialogue among the scientific community, policymakers, international organizations, NGOs, producers, and consumer groups.
Download the full communiqués:
icabr_communique_-_the_importance_of_innnovation_for_improved_bioeconomy_development.pdf
icabr_communique_-_food_system_resilience_and_changing_climates.pdf
