As part of our final project outputs, BIOMODEL4REGIONS has launched three informative posters designed to support regions in advancing sustainable, place-based bioeconomy strategies. These concise visual tools capture key learnings and best practices from the project and are now available in 24 European languages.

Each poster highlights a critical aspect of building strong and resilient regional bioeconomies:

Enabling Effective Governance for Regional Bioeconomy Blueprints

Effective governance is the foundation of successful bioeconomy strategies. This poster highlights the importance of coordinated, transparent, and inclusive management to ensure stakeholder alignment, accountability, and strategic direction. Download here!

Developing Sustainable Bio-Based Business Models

Robust business models are essential for bioeconomy development. This poster outlines how regions can build models that reflect local strengths and needs while supporting innovation, funding access, and market integration. Download here!

Developing Bio-Based Economy Blueprints: From Vision to Action

Blueprints are more than plans—they are actionable roadmaps. This poster emphasizes the importance of inclusive processes, trust-building, and concrete steps to move from strategy to impact. Download here!

These materials are designed for policymakers, regional planners, industry stakeholders, and anyone working to advance the bioeconomy at a local or regional level.

To access the full collection in your preferred language, sign up to the BIOMODEL4REGIONS Management Tool here:
👉 https://www.biomodel4regions.eu/signup/

We invite you to explore, download, and apply these insights to shape the future of your region’s bioeconomy.

On 11–13 June 2025, BIOMODEL4REGIONS was showcased at the European Bioeconomy Scientific Forum (EBSF2025) held in Joensuu, Finland. This biennial flagship event, organised by the European Bioeconomy University (EBU) and chaired by the University of Eastern Finland, focused on “Boosting regional and international bioeconomy collaboration and skills.” The forum brought together scientists, policymakers, industry representatives, youth, and other stakeholders to explore multi‑scalar collaboration in the bioeconomy.

At the event, APRE presented a joint paper on behalf of BIOMODEL4REGIONS and RuralBioUp titled “Bridging Regional Bioeconomy Gaps.” This session highlighted our contributions to shaping sustainable regional policies, engaging directly with the wider bioeconomy research community.

Learn more about the forum here.

Program highlights from the forum included:

• Keynotes and thematic sessions on collaborative skills and regional bioeconomy governance

• Workshops such as “Horizon Scanning for Bioeconomy: Exploring Future Signals”

• Innovation showcases, youth engagement activities, poster exhibitions, and an excursion to Koli Hill

BIOMODEL4REGIONS is proud to have contributed to this gathering of leading European bioeconomy experts and looks forward to continuing efforts in strengthening regional collaborations and governance frameworks.

The BIOMODEL4REGIONS replication webinar (27 June, 09-30 – 11:30 CET) will present the project results to regional and other local governments interrested in building a territorial bioeconomy, with the aim to enable the uptake, use and replication of BIOMODEL4REGIONS outputs.

This replication webinar is the last online event of the BIOMODEL4REGIONS project, an EU funded Coordination and Support Action aimed at improving bioeconomy governance in six European pilot regions, developing and testing innovative approaches for policy & governance analysis and monitoring, bio-based business models and bioeconomy strategy development. The event will gather around participants from local and regional governments, EU policy makers, bio-based industry clusters, academia, associations and other interested groups.

Register here for the event or join directly via the join link

Programme

09:30-09:35 Welcome

09:35-09:45 Setting the scene – the BIOMODELS4REGIONS project

09:45-09:55 Governance Self-Assessment Tool (G-SAT)

09:55-10:05 Bioeconomy business models – challenges and opportunities

10:05-10:15 How to develop a bioeconomy strategy?

10:15-11:00 Implementation experience from pilot regions

11:00-11:10 EU bioeconomy policy – what can we learn from the B4R experience?

11:10-11:25 Open discussion

11:25-11:30 Reflections & wrap-up

11:30 End of event

On May 13–14, Biomodel4Regions marked the conclusion of three years of collaboration by participating in the European Rural Circular Bioeconomy Conference in Brussels. The event, hosted by the ROBIN project in cooperation with five Horizon Europe projects, served as the final conference for Biomodel4Regions – highlighting the project’s contributions to shaping a regional, inclusive, and sustainable bioeconomy across Europe.

The two-day conference brought together researchers, policymakers, businesses, and regional actors to share insights, tools, and success stories. Keynote speakers included Michael Losch from the European Commission, offering perspectives on the evolving EU Bioeconomy Strategy, and Marco Rupp from the Bio-based Industries Consortium, who emphasized emerging business and funding opportunities.

Biomodel4Regions contributed actively to the “fire pitching” session, where each project presented its scope and achievements. The project showcased:

• Tailor-made bioeconomy models based on regional strengths

• Governance frameworks and decision-support tools for public authorities

• Stakeholder engagement strategies to enhance collaboration and inclusivity

In the panel “Tools for Advancing the EU’s Bioeconomy”, Biomodel4Regions shared its practical outcomes and innovative resources designed to empower regional actors and bridge the gap between policy and implementation.

Another highlight was the final panel session, “Inspiring Change Through Success Stories”, where regional representatives presented real-world cases demonstrating how bioeconomy solutions can foster local development and resilience.

The conference concluded with the signing of a Memorandum of Collaboration between five European regions – a symbolic yet concrete step toward continued cooperation in advancing rural bioeconomy initiatives.

Biomodel4Regions’ final project meeting was held on May 15th in parallel with the conference, hosted by APRE (Agenzia per la Promozione della Ricerca Europea). It served as an opportunity to reflect on achievements and future opportunities beyond the project’s formal end.

After three years of cooperation, Biomodel4Regions leaves behind a strong legacy of regionally rooted innovation, tools, and partnerships – all contributing to the green transition and a sustainable future for Europe’s rural areas.

Today, the Mutual Learning Workshop took place in Brussels, bringing together the Biomodel4Regions consortium and external stakeholders for an important milestone event.

As the project moves towards its final stages, this workshop provided a strategic opportunity to exchange insights, share results, and highlight best practices aimed at supporting the development and replication of sustainable, region-specific bioeconomy models.

🎙️ A key moment of the day was the governance session, moderated by Patrizia Circelli, Senior Innovation Consultant at CiaoTech – Gruppo PNO and project coordinator. The discussion focused on tools, decision-making frameworks, and participatory approaches for effective governance in the bioeconomy sector.

Through collaboration and knowledge-sharing, Biomodel4Regions continues to strengthen connections between regions, industries, institutions, and citizens – driving long-term impact for a resilient bio-based future.

📍We’re here in Brussels, for the European Rural Circular Bioeconomy Conference, an event that bring together six innovative 🇪🇺-funded projects: Biomodel4Regions, ROBIN, MainstreamBIO, SCALE-UP, RuralBioUp, and BioRural – and what a great start it’s been!

🎤 Today, our project coordinator Patrizia Circelli took the stage to talk about BIOMODEL4REGIONS and share what we’re all about, and its mission to support regional bioeconomy models across Europe.. It’s been great conversations, inspiring ideas, and plenty of enthusiasm for building a more sustainable, circular bioeconomy across Europe.

We’re excited for what’s to come over the next few days, stay tuned for more updates from us on the ground!

Biomodel4Regions is proud to be part of the upcoming European Rural Circular Bioeconomy Conference, taking place on May 13–14, 2025, in Brussels, Belgium.

This joint event will bring together six innovative EU-funded projects: Biomodel4Regions, ROBIN, MainstreamBIO, SCALE-UP, RuralBioUp, and BioRural – all working to advance rural circular bioeconomy across Europe.

• May 13: The main conference day will feature keynote speakers, panel discussions, and project presentations focused on findings, policy recommendations, and innovative solutions for a more sustainable and circular rural economy.

• May 14: The second day will offer practical engagement through workshops, Train-the-Trainer sessions, and a marketplace, providing tools and knowledge-sharing opportunities for stakeholders and practitioners.

Biomodel4Regions will showcase its work on developing and implementing regional bioeconomy models tailored to local needs and potentials, supporting regions in their transition towards more sustainable bio-based systems.

📍 Venue: Comet Louise, Place Stéphanie 20, Brussels, Belgium
For more information and the full agenda, please click here!

On April 15, an appreciated webinar was held as part of Biomodel4Regions, focusing on the experiences and insights from six pilot regions in Europe that have developed their own blueprints for a sustainable bioeconomy. 

During the webinar, participants were introduced to each region’s journey, from challenges to key success factors. With a particular emphasis on how their work can inspire and be transferred to other regions with similar geographical, climatic, and socio-economic conditions. The six pilot regions that presented were:

• Normandy in France
• The Delta Region in Southwest Netherlands
• Nitra Region in Slovakia
• Northern Sweden
• Western Macedonia in Greece
• Tuscany including the whole of Italy

A key conclusion shared across all regions was, in spite of all the different regional bio economies represented, all regions highlighted the importance of collaboration, communication, and competence in successfully transitioning to a circular and sustainable bioeconomy. These elements can be key drivers for boosting the bioeconomy, both at the local and EU level. 

The event highlighted the Biomodel4Regions project’s progress in fostering sustainable bioeconomy strategies. 

The webinar gathered over 70+ participants from around ten European countries — including stakeholders from the participating regions as well as from other parts of Europe. Attendees included bioeconomy actors, policymakers, and other engaged stakeholders. 

Would you like to read these blueprints? Sign up here to gain access to the full library for download. 

On March 17, 2025, the bio-based economy Blueprint of the Delta Region was officially launched during a webinar as part of the Dutch National Week of the Circular Economy. The initiative aims to drive innovation, collaboration, and market demand for biobased materials in the provinces of Zeeland and North Brabant. 

Speakers included representatives from the public and private sectors, ICLEI, Wageningen University & Research, and the European Commission.  

Key announcements included North Brabant’s new fiber economy strategy and new subsidies for testing circular biopolyesters (STCB). Zeeland highlighted its biobased building initiatives, including the “Land tot pand” commitment for biobased insulation.

With 38 participants from academia, industry, policymakers, and investors, the event marked an important step toward integrating bioeconomy opportunities into broader economic transitions. The organizers now call for further dialogue and partnerships to implement the strategy and strengthen the Delta Region’s leadership in the circular bioeconomy. 

Towards a bio-based economy in the Delta Region in the Netherlands 

The blueprint, co-created with over 40 stakeholders from Brabant and Zeeland, highlights key priorities such as cross-province and cross-border collaboration (e.g., strengthening funding applications and closing value chains between the Netherlands and Belgium), facilitating innovation and scale-up (by improving data accuracy, enhancing skills, and supporting market awareness), and enhancing market demand (encouraging private sector adoption of bio-based materials).

Positioned at the intersection of agriculture, industry, and major port infrastructure, the Delta Region has the potential to become a frontrunner in Europe’s green transition. This effort calls for better alignment of regional policies and European ambitions to strengthen bio-based value chains, close material loops, and drive investments in circular innovation.  

The full blueprint is available to read by signing up here. 

On March 29, 2025, the Normandy region hosted a self-standing in-person workshop as part of the BIOMODEL4REGIONS project. The aim was to share and discuss the different bioeconomy strategies being developed across six European pilot regions – Normandy among them – with local and regional stakeholders.

The event began with an overview of the BIOMODEL4REGIONS project, followed by a presentation of each region’s strategic approach to advancing the bioeconomy. These strategies had previously been introduced during a dedicated webinar and focused on themes such as cross-sector collaboration, financing, infrastructure, product development, market potential, resource management, skills development, and policy alignment. The interactive format encouraged open dialogue and allowed participants to reflect on how these ideas could be applied within the Normandy context.

The workshop brought together representatives from local and regional authorities in Normandy, along with a national innovation actor. While attendance was intentionally limited due to the in-person format, the participants provided valuable insights and showed strong engagement throughout the discussions. Organizers noted that although the audience was small, the influence and commitment of those present will help spread awareness of bioeconomy strategies more broadly at both regional and national levels.

The event marked the beginning of continued collaboration with key actors in the region, laying the groundwork for addressing Normandy’s bioeconomy challenges using shared knowledge and strategic inspiration from the other pilot regions.

Towards a Bio-Based Economy in Normandy Region in France

Normandy’s bioeconomy blueprint is embedded in a broader vision for ecological and economic transition. Its main objectives are to accelerate the development of the bioeconomy by fostering new value chains, supporting innovation, and strengthening the competitiveness of regional businesses. The strategy also promotes a circular economy, aiming to make better use of local resources, reduce waste, and lower environmental impact.

Key goals include creating added value and employment through investment, product development, and upskilling of local actors. The blueprint further seeks to enhance the region’s attractiveness by positioning Normandy as a dynamic and innovative hub for bioeconomy in France and Europe.

Strategic priorities include the development of sustainable agriculture, biomass recovery, expansion of bio-based sectors, support for innovation and energy transition, and preservation of biodiversity. Together, these elements form a comprehensive roadmap for a resilient, sustainable, and competitive regional bioeconomy.

The full blueprint is available to read by signing up here. 

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