BIOECONOMY RESEARCH ACTION PLAN WORKSHOP HELD AT THE UNIVERSITY OF BANJA LUKA

A workshop dedicated to the development of an Action Plan for Bioeconomy Research was held on February 12, 2026, at the Rectorate of the University of Banja Luka, as part of the BEAMING project.

The workshop successfully bridged the gap between theory and practice by gathering a diverse group of stakeholders, including members of the academic community, public institution representatives, industry leaders, and civil society organizations. The primary focus was to strengthen collaborative bonds and define the strategic priorities that will drive the bioeconomy sector forward.

The workshop was led by Prof. Željko Vaško (Faculty of Agriculture) and Prof. Dragan Čomić, (Faculty of Forestry). They guided participants through an analytical process, utilizing SWOT and TOWS matrices to identify internal strengths and external opportunities. This analytical foundation allowed the group to transition into the practical phase of defining SMART goals, resulting in a set of concrete, measurable activities designed to enhance cooperation across the “quadruple helix” of innovation.

The workshop concluded with a presentation by Asst. Prof. Nemanja Jalić, PhD from the Faculty of Agriculture. Dr. Jalić introduced the criteria and alternative inputs for AHP (Analytic Hierarchy Process) analysis. This methodological step is crucial for the BEAMING project, as it provides a structured framework for determining institutional priorities and making decisions in bioeconomy development.