RELATED INITIATIVES
BIOLOC
BIOLOC, a project spanning thirteen European countries, seeks to address challenges in transitioning to a circular bioeconomy (CBE) while prioritizing socially disadvantaged groups. Focused on revitalizing local communities, BIOLOC aims to enhance the impact of CBE and social innovation. Through coordinated quadruple helix decision-making approaches, the project targets regions such as Plodiv, Baden-Württenberg, and Aragon, proposing innovative governance solutions. BIOLOC plans to develop recommendations for a widespread socio-economic impact of CBE, fostering resilience in marginalized communities. Notably, it will establish BIOLOC Hubs, multi-stakeholder working tables fostering dialogue on inclusive CBE. The project, led by ZSI, emphasizes awareness-raising and outreach activities for informed stakeholder engagement, aligning with the broader context of the New Green Deal.
GenB
GenB aims to inform and educate young people about sustainable behaviors and choices, aligning with the 2018 EU Bioeconomy Strategy and European Green Deal. It supports climate-neutral Europe by 2050 and Sustainable Development Goals. Collaborating with EU-funded projects, school networks, and experts, GenB seeks to create an environmentally aware Generation Bioeconomy (GenB). Through social innovation, it co-creates educational approaches, inspiring and informing youth about sustainable bioeconomy. GenB educates young people, teachers, and multipliers to accelerate the transition to sustainable behaviors. The project engages Bioeconomy Youth Ambassadors, empowering them to drive change and influence peers. GenB focuses on communication, synergy with projects, education model consolidation, and policy recommendations for widespread impact.
P2GreeN
P2GreeN aims to shift from a linear resource and nutrient system in the agri-food supply chain to a circular material flow between urban and rural areas, restoring the water-agri-food system with a 3R principle: Reduce, Reuse, Recover. It will develop circular governance solutions to eliminate N & P pollution by connecting urban and rural infrastructures. Innovative recovery solutions will convert urban human waste into bio-based fertilizers, tested in three pilot regions and expanded to four more. This will close nutrient cycles, support sustainable food systems, and reduce mineral fertilizer use across Europe.
TALLHEDA
Widening countries lag in Research & Innovation, particularly in Digital Agriculture (DA). HEIs in these regions, like Greece and Serbia, can address this but need support. Belgium’s HEIs excel through collaboration and advanced digital technology use. TALLHEDA will create an alliance between HEIs in widening and non-widening countries, enhancing research, education, and innovation. The initiative aims to improve the skills and capacities of HEIs, fostering digital transition in agriculture across Europe.
Engage4BIO
Engage4BIO aims to strengthen regional bio-based systems through a quadruple helix approach in five European hubs. Aligned with the European Bioeconomy strategy, it emphasizes local bioeconomy deployment and societal transformation. Focusing on circular textiles, agro-food, wood, sustainable packaging, and blue bioeconomy, the project incorporates art and design to enhance governance, training, and communication. Outcomes will be shared openly as educational resources, fostering informed decision-making and innovation. Regionally adapted measures, involving bioeconomy clusters and networks, aim to promote socially and environmentally responsible behavior. The approach includes innovative governance models, engagement through design thinking, social innovation, and upscaling through effective communication.
RURALBIOUP
RuralBioUp aims to empower EU rural regions by scaling up inclusive, small-scale bio-based solutions, fostering a sustainable, regenerative, and just circular bioeconomy. The project establishes 9 Regional Hubs across 6 EU countries, implementing 9 Action Plans covering 18 value chains. Over 1,000 innovators will be supported, fostering 50 collaborations within and between value chains. Each region will host a collaborative “platform” (RuralBioUp Regional Hub) involving farmers, policymakers, companies, NGOs, and more. ZSI’s role includes training on stakeholder mapping, engagement, and implementing social innovation approaches. The project aims to create a favorable ecosystem in empowered regions, contributing to Europe’s transition to a circular bioeconomy.
EuBioNet
The European Bioeconomy Network (EuBioNet) is an alliance of 150 EU-funded projects promoting bioeconomy through communication and support. Its goal is to enhance knowledge sharing, networking, mutual learning, and coordinated activities. EuBioNet collaborates with the European Commission and CBE JU to ensure effective communication and implementation of Bioeconomy Strategy objectives. It maximizes the impact of projects, increases bioeconomy awareness in Europe, and fosters new partnerships. EuBioNet now offers a bi-monthly newsletter on upcoming events. Encourage colleagues to subscribe for updates on community events.