Exploring the nexus of bioeconomy, circular economy, and gender: A systematic literature review.

Bioeconomy and circular economy are gaining more prominence as sustainable production paradigms, but their relationship with the gender dimension has traditionally been underexplored. This article applies a Systematic Literature Network Analysis (SLNA) to examine 285 studies that address bioeconomy, circular economy, and gender with the aim of examining how gender has been addressed and integrated within bioeconomy and circular economy research, and to identify the main trends and gaps in the literature. The results show that this body of literature is expanding, with increasing network density and heterogeneity indicating growing conceptual complexity, reflected in more refined keyword interrelations and the emergence of more specific terminology. Analysing the approaches adopted in these studies over time, most studies adopt a methodological perspective, moving from predominantly descriptive and methodological approaches towards more analytical, relational, and critical perspectives. However, transformative approaches, remain marginal. Overall, the findings point to a maturing and increasingly interconnected field, while highlighting the need for further research to ensure that bioeconomy and circular economy transitions do not reproduce structural gender inequalities and instead foster more inclusive and sustainable development.