Determining the Priority Research Areas in Food Security and Bioeconomy of Ukraine by Expert Survey

Abstract

The research uses the Delphi method to identify the priority research areas for Ukraineʼs scientific and technological (S&T) development. Conducted in three stages from July to December 2024, the research engages 543 experts across nine thematic blocks, including ‘Food security, sustainable agricultural development and related technologies, bioeconomy’. The study aims to update the priority research areas established in 2021, identify potential priority research areas of Ukrainian agriculture in 2024 considering the influence of the Russian military invasion, and explore innovative approaches to Ukrainian S&T policy. Experts evaluate the potential research areas based on relevance, personnel, equipment, achievements, and international cooperation of the research area. The study shows the significant gaps in Ukraine’s current science policy framework. Key outcomes include refining priority research areas, confirmed by over 50% of experts, and developing recommendations for strengthening Ukrainian S&T policy. The research identifies new high-priority research areas in Ukraine (percentage of highest relevance ratings among responses) under the thematic block ‘Food security, sustainable agricultural development and related technologies, bioeconomy’: ‘Nanotechnology, biotechnology for efficient processing of agricultural raw materials into food and technical products, green energy’ (82%), ‘Energy and resource-saving technologies and technical means of agro-industrial production’ (68%), ‘Institutional support for national security and sustainable development through the development of comprehensive programs for the development of the national economy, defence capability and the well-being of the populationʼ (66%).