Bioeconomy research and education in Slovakia: What does Slovak society have to say about the needed transformation?

We are witnessing an increasing emphasis on sustainable economic models, with the bioeconomy as a key tool in the transition towards a more sustainable future. Its significance is growing not only on a global scale but also at national levels, where it plays a crucial role in various economic sectors. One such sector is forestry, which in Slovakia holds great potential to become a fundamental pillar of the bioeconomy. This has led to the recognition of a more specific concept—the forest-based bioeconomy—tailored to reflect national characteristics, available resources, and the structure of the forestry sector. As a specialized educational and research institution, the Technical University in Zvolen (TUZVO) actively contributes to both the study and the teaching of bioeconomy. Research has been aimed at identifying shifts in the perception of bioeconomy within Slovak society, with a particular focus on the urban public and TUZVO students. The objective is to examine how public discourse on bioeconomy has evolved over the past five years, how knowledge and attitudes among different groups have changed, and what role education plays in shaping these perspectives. We believe that the findings of the research will contribute to a deeper understanding of this issue and will help further the development of the bioeconomy, not only in academia but also in practice.