Bioeconomy as an economic area influencing the economic balance of international trade in Poland

Purpose: The main aim of the article is to characterize the concept of the bioeconomy from the theoretical point of view and to present its impact on the economic balance of international trade in Poland in 2008-2017. SWOT analysis of the bioeconomy in Poland was presented as an additional aim of the paper. Design/methodology/approach: The annual reports published by the Central Statistical Office in Poland were used to assess the impact of the bioeconomy on the results of international trade in Poland. Findings: Based on the analysis, it was found that all areas of the Polish bioeconomy have a positive impact on the level of Polish imports and exports. In the analyzed period the balance of foreign trade has significantly improved, despite the fact that employment in this area has decreased. Practical implications: Bioeconomy and its areas as a factor positively influencing the development of the whole country should be further developed and skillfully managed while maintaining appropriate means of financing its activities. Originality/value The article emphasizes the importance of the issue of the bioeconomy and outlines the directions of considerations for further analysis of the studied sector.