Speaker Insights

Ahead of the WEX Global Bioeconomy Summit, we asked our speakers to share their perspectives on the opportunities, challenges and innovations shaping the global bioeconomy.

1. Why is now such an important moment for the water and bioeconomy sectors?

For a number of years we have been speaking about climate and water quality targets, and the ambitions, challenges and opportunities which relate to those. While these continue to frame discussions, there appears to be a greater focus on addressing two urgent factors, the first is resilience in the face of extreme geopolitical and supply chain instability and the impact of climate change through extreme weather events. In tandem we also have a renewed EU Bioeconomy Strategy since 2025 which places greater emphasis on commercialising opportunities whilst addressing our challenges and targets. I think this is what makes the current climate so important for the water and bioeconomy sectors.

2. What is the biggest opportunity in wastewater and resource recovery?

Coming from the agri-food sector my perspective might be a little different to those who work more directly on wastewater, in that I see lots of research and innovation on nutrient recovery from wastewater treatment which could be processed into valuable bio fertilisers, displacing fossil-derived chemical fertilisers. I also see greater opportunity for collaboration, and perhaps co-ownership, co-location or joint venture project development with stakeholders from different sectors or industries. I think we are now entering an era of not just environmental circularity but also what I would call ‘economic circularity’, a true industrial symbiosis.

3. Who are you hoping to connect with at the WEX Global Bioeconomy Summit?

I am interested in hearing from those who see opportunity in collaborating with the co-operative and agri-food sectors, be that in research and innovation, project development or project finance and especially those interested in truly collaborative biorefinery business models.