Bioeconomy as a driver of innovation capacity in agricultural regions: international experience and adaptation in Russian regions

The relevance of this study is determined by the need to increase the innovative potential of Russia's agricultural regions amid climate risks and technological limitations. The aim of the article is to systematize foreign bioeconomic models in the agricultural sector and substantiate transferable policy modules for Russian regions using the Republic of Buryatia as an example. The research methodology includes a comparative analysis of bioeconomy strategies in different countries and regions (EU, USA, China, Latin America), content analysis of priorities, multi-criteria adaptability assessment (MCDA), and scenario modeling of effects (2026-2035, 2025=100). The results of the study indicate that the most sustainable combinations include an institutional-cluster core and cooperation, digitalization and agricultural technologies (AgTech), which act as catalysts for the diffusion of innovations, as well as low-waste processing and bioenergy, given the demand and infrastructure for them. For Buryatia, the MCDA ranking reflects the high adaptability of the European institutional framework (score of 0.720) and East Asian digital practices (score of 0.715). Furthermore, the scenario forecast predicts an increase in the productivity index to 105-130 and employment to 98-108, while environmental intensity decreases to 95-70, depending on the scenario. Based on a typology of models (biotechnological, circular biomass, and socio-ecological), a portfolio approach to adapting tools to the region's resource profile is proposed. Based on a comparative analysis, key model elements (strategies and institutions, R&D and implementation support tools, priority areas, and measurable effects) are identified, as well as barriers and conditions for transferring practices to Russian regions. A framework for adapting bioeconomic solutions to Russian regional types and a system of indicators for monitoring the impact of the bioeconomy on the innovation potential of agricultural territories are proposed. The article concludes by noting that the bioeconomy can be considered a practical mechanism for increasing the innovative potential of regions through a portfolio of pilot projects, KPI monitoring, and the integration of measures from the agro-industrial complex, science, and the environment.