INTERVIEW WITH ELEFTHERIA MORAITI – CLUBE
“By involving the public, CluBE fosters a sense of ownership and responsibility towards sustainable development among community members which we consider as a priority and a first step towards a more sustainable future.” Eleftheria Moraiti, Project Manager at Cluster of Bioeconomy and Environment of Western Macedonia – CluBE explains in this interview how to enhance collaboration and increase knowledge by promoting innovation and synergies between regional stakeholders in bioeconomy.
Q: What specific strategies does CluBE employ to foster collaboration among regional stakeholders in the bioeconomy and sustainability sectors within the BEAMING project? Could you provide examples of how CluBE will enhance knowledge transfer within the BEAMING project and engage stakeholders effectively to promote innovation in the bioeconomy?
A: First of all, CluBE actively engages the quintuple helix model, which includes academia, industry, government, civil society, and the environment, in every phase of the BEAMING project. This strategy involves organizing joint workshops, brainstorming sessions, and collaborative research initiatives that leverage the diverse perspectives and expertise of all quantile helix components. Nevertheless, CluBE prioritizes communication and dissemination activities to raise awareness and share knowledge about the BEAMING project. This involves organizing and participating in bioeconomy-related events such as conferences, seminars, and webinars. These events serve as platforms for stakeholders to exchange ideas, showcase innovations, and discuss best practices. CluBE also utilizes various media channels, including social media, to reach a wider audience and foster a culture of knowledge sharing. To maximize exposure and attract diverse stakeholders, CluBE pitches the BEAMING project at numerous events, including industry expos, academic conferences, and governmental forums. These pitches highlight the project’s objectives, achievements, and opportunities for collaboration. In any case, by presenting the project at different venues, CluBE not only raises the project’s profile but also engages potential partners and supporters from various sectors, encouraging them to contribute their expertise and resources. Most importantly, CluBE partners with universities, research institutions, and industry players to develop collaborative R&D programs focused on bioeconomy and sustainability challenges. These programs aim to combine academic research with practical applications, ensuring that innovative solutions are both scientifically sound and commercially viable. CluBE facilitates the formation of interdisciplinary research teams and provides support for grant applications and project management. Finally, CluBE promotes community engagement and citizen participation to ensure that local communities are actively involved in the bioeconomy transition. This involves organizing public consultations, community workshops, and awareness campaigns to gather input from citizens and address their concerns. By involving the public, CluBE fosters a sense of ownership and responsibility towards sustainable development among community members which we consider as a priority and a first step towards a more sustainable future.
Q: How does CluBE ensure the sustainability and long-term impact of its initiatives within the BEAMING project, particularly in the bioeconomy and sustainability sectors?
A: CluBE integrates core sustainability principles into every aspect of the BEAMING project. This includes prioritizing renewable resources, promoting circular economy practices, and minimizing environmental footprints in all initiatives. We should highlight that, by setting a strong foundation of sustainability, CluBE ensures that its activities contribute positively to long-term ecological balance. More specifically, CluBE emphasizes the importance of capacity building and education to empower stakeholders with the knowledge and skills needed for sustainable practices. Through workshops, training programs, and educational materials, CluBE ensures that participants are well-equipped to continue sustainable initiatives beyond the project’s duration. This creates a legacy of informed and capable stakeholders who can drive ongoing impact. Also, CluBE cultivates strong partnerships and networks among academia, industry, government, and civil society. By fostering collaboration and knowledge exchange, CluBE builds a resilient ecosystem of stakeholders committed to the project’s goals. These relationships extend beyond the project’s lifespan, ensuring continued cooperation and collective action towards sustainability. CluBE designs its initiatives to be scalable and replicable, allowing successful models to be adapted and implemented in other regions and contexts. By documenting best practices and lessons learned, CluBE provides a blueprint for others to follow, amplifying the project’s impact and fostering widespread adoption of sustainable bioeconomy practices.
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