Global inequalities and extractive knowledge production in the bioeconomy

Abstract

Research funding is pivotal for the implementation of the bioeconomy. Drawing on approaches inspired by world-systems theory, this chapter argues that existing bioeconomy strategies reproduce the global unequal production of knowledge: North America and Western Europe not only define the direction of the bioeconomy, but also claim to be the centres of technological knowledge production. In contrast, (semi-)peripheral countries remain raw material suppliers with less complex technologies. This strengthens the dominant form of extractive knowledge production in agriculture. By using the term 'extractive knowledge', I refer to research and development that serves agro-industrial resource extraction in (semi-)peripheral countries for export. I use Brazilian agricultural research on soybean to show that extractive knowledge exacerbates the socio-ecological problems that the bioeconomy is purported to solve. A sustainable bioeconomy requires a shift in research funding to alternative approaches such as those being developed by social movements in agroecology and food sovereignty.