On September 23rd, 2025, Assoc. Prof. Ing. Hynek Roubík, Ph.D., Dean of the Faculty of Tropical AgriSciences (FTZ) at CZU Prague and Director of the BRT Research Team, was invited to the Senate of the Parliament of the Czech Republic to deliver a keynote presentation on the role of bioeconomy as a strategic tool in addressing climate change.
In his address to senators and senior policymakers, Dr. Roubík emphasized that bioeconomy is not just a theoretical concept but a practical framework for transforming energy, agriculture, industry, and waste management. He highlighted that bioeconomy provides carbon-neutral alternatives to fossil fuels and plastics, creates new economic opportunities and jobs—already employing over 18 million people in the EU—and supports sustainable development, particularly in rural regions.
He also pointed out the political responsibility in this transformation, noting that countries investing in bioeconomy today will become leaders in climate action, competitiveness, and energy security.
Drawing on good practices from Europe and Africa—from bioplastics in Scandinavia and bioenergy in Germany to biochar initiatives in Africa—Dr. Roubík illustrated how bioeconomy can effectively connect climate mitigation with economic growth and social development.
He concluded with a powerful statement:
“The future will not be fossil. The future will be bioeconomical.”
His presentation inspired a lively discussion in the Senate on how the Czech Republic can accelerate its National Bioeconomy Strategy, align with the European Green Deal, and position itself as a leader in sustainable innovation.
More details about the activities of the BRT research team can be found here.
