The bioeconomist

Abstract

The transition towards a bioeconomy in a challenging and complex environment requires substantial interaction and collaboration between different players on various levels. In this chapter, the concept of a bioeconomy professional is discussed. This actor provides an integrative and connecting role for which the development of basic and key competences is required. The concept of T-shaped profiles, built up from disciplinary expertise and the ability to integrate different disciplines and players holistically, is considered an outstanding feature of bioeconomists. To achieve such profiles, interdisciplinary approaches and new learning environments are required during education process. Bioeconomists have relevant roles in all different stages of the value chain as well as in initially setting them up. Finally, various opinions of experts in bioeconomy fields are presented to get an overview of the potential career opportunities for such professionals.