Published: 15 January 2026
In 2026, Russia launched bioeconomy strategy, the key objectives of which are technological sovereignty, food security and country's leadership. The development of bioeconomic strategy is based on the rational use of renewable biological resources and introduction of biotechnologies in leading industries, including agro-industrial industry. The current state and conditions of agricultural sector on bioeconomic development agenda depend not only on national challenges, but also on the resource and technological potential of a particular region. In this regard, it became necessary to study the current state of agro-industrial complex of the country as a whole, as well as to take regional aspect into account. The purpose of the study is to evaluate conditions on bioeconomy development agenda in the region based on the analysis of the key indicators characterizing actual state of agro-industrial complex (on the example of Orel region). It was revealed that, according to a number of indicators, the development dynamics of agro-industrial sector of the country and the region is positive. The problems associated with insufficient use of modernization mechanisms, breakthrough technologies and digital transformation in agricultural production are highlighted. In 2025, Orel region ranked 40th and 35th, respectively, according to the final rating indicators of digital transformation and innovation. The analysis of these data made it possible to identify growth areas and assess the potential of agricultural sector development in bioeconomical aspect in the region. It is proved that field of crop production is the most promising area in the region, and the conditions for its development were assessed as favorable. Taking into account the competitive advantages in this segment, directions are proposed to overcome the low level of technological modernization by combining agro-biotechnological production processes with innovative scientific developments and digital tools. The authors consider successful innovation policy as one of the favorable conditions for growth of agro-industrial complex of the region in bioeconomic agenda.