Bioeconomy encompasses the production of renewable biological resources and their conversion into food, feed, bio-based products and bioenergy. It includes agriculture, forestry, fisheries, food and pulp and paper production, as well as parts of chemical, biotechnological and energy industries.

Bioeconomy is currently Europe's response to key environmental challenges the world is facing today: it is meant to reduce the dependence on natural resources, transform manufacturing, promote sustainable production of renewable resources while growing new jobs and industries.

With reference to the Adriatic-Ionian area, the sub-thematic priority areas identified by the OISAIR analysts are referred in particular to the healthy and functional food. By definition, functional food is whole foods along with fortified, enriched or enhanced foods that have a potentially beneficial effect on health when consumed as part of a varied diet on regular basis at effective levels based on significant standard of evidence (The Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, 2018).

According to the analysis, 3 sub-thematic area will be taken in consideration: