Rural Development 2025

on. We are united by a common purpose and a shared vision: to explore, discuss, and strategize on how bioeconomy businesses and rural communities can adapt, thrive, and lead in an era characterized by rapid and often unpredictable changes. The challenges facing agriculture and other bioeconomy businesses globally are multifaceted. Climate change, economic shifts, technological advancements, and social transformations are reshaping bioeconomy business models, rural landscapes, and the livelihoods of rural populations. These changes, while posing significant challenges, also present unprecedented opportunities for innovation, sustainability, and inclusive growth. Our topic, "Resilience to Global Change," underscores the need for robust strategies and collaborative efforts to enhance the adaptability and sustainability of rural regions and bioeconomy businesses. Resilience is not merely about survival; it is about embracing change, leveraging strengths, and forging pathways to a prosperous and sustainable future. In this conference, we will hear from experts across various fields - agriculture, food, forestry, IT, ecology, technology, economics, and management sciences - who will share their insights and experiences. We will engage in discussions and workshops that will challenge our thinking and inspire new approaches. Together, we will explore solutions that can empower bioeconomy businesses and rural communities to overcome adversities and harness the potential of global changes. I encourage each of you to actively participate, share your perspectives, and collaborate with fellow attendees. It is through our collective effort and shared knowledge that we can build resilient bioeconomy businesses and rural communities capable of facing the challenges of today and tomorrow. dr. Astrida Miceikienė
Chancellor of Vytautas Magnus University Agriculture Academy,
Chairperson of Scientific Committee