On March 28, 2025, CluBE with the support of the Regional Development Fund of Western Macedonia, together with its RIS3 Structure and CERTH, hosted the workshop “Event to Promote the Regional Bioeconomy Strategy” as part of the BIOMODEL4REGIONS project. The in-person event, held at the Fund’s offices in Kozani, brought together 22 participants representing academia, research institutions, public authorities, SMEs, and clusters.
The workshop was structured into two main parts. The first featured opening remarks from regional representatives, a presentation of the BIOMODEL4REGIONS project and its strategic goals, and showcases of other EU-funded projects with relevant best practices. The second part focused on dialogue: a Q&A session and open discussion with local SMEs allowed for productive exchange, followed by informal networking over lunch.
Participants shared a common understanding of the urgent need to develop a regional bioeconomy strategy. The event was broadly recognized as a key initial step in the Entrepreneurial Discovery Process (EDP), with strong support for positioning bioeconomy as a horizontal priority in the upcoming RIS3 strategy. Despite being a preliminary event, it created a strong basis for future cooperation and action.
Towards a Bio-Based Economy in Western Macedonia Region in Greece
The regional bioeconomy blueprint presented during the workshop emphasizes sustainable resource management, economic diversification, and stakeholder engagement. It aims to reduce dependence on traditional sectors by promoting innovation and the development of bio-based industries. Active involvement from local communities, businesses, research institutions, and civil society is highlighted as essential for a successful transition to a regional bioeconomy.
The full blueprint is available to read by signing up here.
Warmly welcome to participate in this online workshop, organized under the Biomodel4Regions project. We will highlight the achievements and experiences of the six Pilot Regions in developing their blueprints for sustainable bioeconomy. Each region will present their journey, focusing on challenges, successes, and actionable insights for policymakers. You will gain insights into the transferable case studies developed, enabling replication in other regions with similar geographical, climatic, and socio-economic conditions. Let’s Advancing Europe’s Bioeconomy together!
Which are the six pilot regions and partners?
- Normandy Region (France) – Partner: AQUIMER
- Delta Region in Southwest Netherlands – Partner: HOLLAND CIRCULAR HOTSPOT
- Slovakia – Partner: BIOECONOMY CLUSTER
- Sweden – Partner: BIOFUEL REGION
- Western Macedonia (Greece) – Partner: CLUSTER OF BIOECONOMY AND ENVIRONMENT OF WESTERN MACEDONIA
- Tuscany and Whole Italy – Partner: SPRING
Date: Tuesday, 15 April
Time: 10:00 -11:30AM (CEST)
For whom? Stakeholders in bioeconomy, policymakers, and interested parties from across Europe.
Location: Online link on teams HERE
Registration: Here
Agenda:
- Welcome and Introduction (5-10 minutes)
- Welcome and Objectives of the Workshop (APRE)
- Blueprints development methodology (ICLEI)
- Presentations by Pilot Regions (60 minutes)
-
- Normandy Region (France) – Partner: AQUIMER
- Delta Region in Southwest Netherlands – Partner: HOLLAND CIRCULAR HOTSPOT
- Slovakia – Partner: BIOECONOMY CLUSTER
- Sweden – Partner: BIOFUEL REGION
- Western Macedonia (Greece) – Partner: CLUSTER OF BIOECONOMY AND ENVIRONMENT OF WESTERN MACEDONIA
- Tuscany and Whole Italy – Partner: SPRING
-
- Q&A Session (10 minutes)
- Open discussion with participants.
- Closing Remarks (5 minutes)
- Summary of key takeaways.
- Next steps and future events.
We hope to see you there!
__________________________________
SLIDES AVAILABLE HERE!
All the presentations from the speakers are avaiable here!
Tuscany, Italy – Leonardo Gaiani, Cluster SPRING – Presentation
Normandy Region – Mélanie Monjanel, AQUIMER – Presentation
Delta Region, Netherlands – Heyd Más, Holland Circular Hotspot – Presentation
Slovakia – Tatiana Bullova, Bioeconomy Cluster – Presentation
Sweden – Eleonora Borén, RISE Processum AB – Presentation
Western Macedonia, Greece – Angeliki Foutri, CLUBE – Presentation
ICLEI – Jurijs Grizans – Presentation
Today marks a significant milestone in Sweden’s bioeconomy journey as the latest statistics are unveiled to help all regions monitor their progress. The event highlights years of collaboration and aims to provide valuable insights into bioeconomic development across the country.
Then followed the introduction of an inspiring example of a regional bioeconomy blueprint for northern Sweden. This blueprint has been developed within the BioModel4Regions project, where northern Sweden is one of six pilot regions in Europe working to advance sustainable bioeconomic practices.
The presentation of our work to the diverse webinar audience of 36 people was a great pleasure. The webinar was attended by strategists from the EU level through to the national level and, above all, regions from across Sweden. Leading innovation clusters were well-represented. Participating Analysts and Communicators will help exploit the results.
“The main achievement of the event is that we have brought together bioeconomy stakeholders and given them two important tools to further boost the bioeconomy in Swedish regions,” says Magnus Matisons”, BioFuel Region.
Towards a bio-based economy in Northern Sweden
The blueprint is a strategic framework for northern Sweden’s transition to a competitive, sustainable and resilient bioeconomy based on then national ambitions.
The methodology used has highlighted the key areas that our region can and should develop. Which are cross-sector collaboration, financing, infrastructure, product development and market, natural resources, education and skills and policy and strategies. Connected to the key areas it offers a smorgasbord of actions to inspire the development of the bioeconomy.
The scope of this blueprint focuses on the forestry bioeconomy, but the recommendations can be applied to the other bioeconomy sectors. The blueprint can be used as a foundation for the four northern politically steered regions in their work to revise and update strategies and policies pertinent to the bioeconomy sector.
The full blueprint is available to read by signing up here.
The HUB Toscana hosted an online workshop on 25th February to present the Strategic Plan for the Bioeconomy to key regional stakeholders, continuing the work initiated at the Florence workshop in October 2024. The main objectives were to share the strategic blueprint and to refine it further through active stakeholder engagement, using co-creation methodologies and the MIRO platform.
The workshop was structured into three sessions, each focusing on a core priority of the strategy: identifying key productive sectors, validating strategic actions and recommendations, and evaluating the feasibility of proposed operational measures. Participants engaged through sector mapping, action heatmaps, and feasibility matrices to provide targeted feedback. The sessions generated valuable insights, identifying gaps in the current strategy and suggesting improvements to both sector focus areas and proposed actions.
The attended participants contributions were crucial in strengthening the blueprint, ensuring that the strategy is comprehensive, relevant, and grounded in the region’s real needs and opportunities.
Towards a bio-based economy in Tuscany Region in Italy
The Blueprint outlines a vision for a resilient and sustainable bioeconomy in Tuscany. It emphasizes sustainable resource management, economic diversification, and stakeholder collaboration, aligning with both national and European Union goals. The blueprint identifies core sectors such as advanced materials, sustainable agri-food production, forestry, and waste management as key to driving the region’s bioeconomy forward.
Key recommendations include strengthening formal partnerships among stakeholders, investing in research and innovation for bio-based industries, launching public awareness campaigns, and aligning educational programs with the evolving needs of a growing bioeconomy. Through this strategy, Tuscany aims to balance environmental protection with economic development, setting an example for regional transformation within and beyond Italy.
The full blueprint is available to read by signing up here.
The workshop “From Waste to Value – How to Proceed?” held on 20th February, gathered experts, municipal leaders, and industry representatives to address key challenges in waste management in the Nitra region. Participants identified issues such as inefficient collection systems, high levels of biodegradable waste in mixed containers, and weaknesses in current fee structures and data verification.
Bioeconomy Cluster presented its blueprint “Towards a Bio-Based Economy in the Nitra Region – From Waste to Value Approach”, highlighting strategies to turn waste into a valuable resource. Discussions emphasized the need for improved public infrastructure, education campaigns, and incentive programs, drawing inspiration from successful initiatives abroad.
A proposal was made to establish a working group to drive collaboration and develop concrete action plans. The event served as a crucial platform for shaping a more sustainable and circular waste management system, reaffirming the importance of innovation, cooperation, and continuous dialogue.
Towards a bio-based economy in Nitra Region in Slovakia
Bioeconomy Cluster has developed a blueprint for transforming waste management in the Nitra region into a circular bioeconomy. The strategy focuses on improved waste separation, composting, and bioenergy production to drive economic growth, environmental sustainability, and community engagement.
Key elements include leveraging the region’s agricultural and industrial strengths, promoting collaboration between municipalities, businesses, and research institutions, and using innovative technologies like anaerobic digestion and advanced data management tools. The plan aligns with national and EU sustainability goals and emphasizes community education to ensure successful implementation.
Designed to be a replicable model, the blueprint aims to create a resilient bio-based economy that benefits both the environment and local communities.
The full blueprint is available to read by signing up here.
It is now time to present the results of many months of work on developing regional strategies for a bio-based economy, which we call blueprints.
Through close collaboration with local and regional stakeholders, researchers, and decision-makers, we have created concrete action plans that pave the way for a more sustainable and circular economy in six pilot regions across Europe. We have created real plans to help this happen in six areas of Europe; Delta Region (Netherlands), Nitra Region (Slovakia), Normandy Region (France), Northern Sweden (Sweden), Tuscany Region (Italy), and Western Macedonia Region (Greece).
These blueprints serve as strategic tools, connecting the economic, social, and environmental opportunities of each region with innovation and sustainable development. Based on local conditions – from forestry and agriculture to marine resources and waste management – we have developed solutions that strengthen bio-based value chains and promote innovative governance models. We look forward to seeing the diverse approaches we have developed inspire many regions across Europe.
_____________________________________________________________________________
Delta Region – Netherlands
- The blueprint focuses on common regional challenges, solutions, and lessons learned. It identifies key priorities and shares existing solutions for developing the bio-based economy.
- It also highlights collaboration opportunities between the Netherlands and Belgium.
- Ultimately, it serves as a guide for building a bio-based economy in the Delta Region by turning stakeholder needs and goals into a clear vision, strategic objectives, and practical next steps for the provinces in this area.
_____________________________________________________________________________
Nitra Region – Slovakia
- Collaboration among stakeholders, including local municipalities, the Bioeconomy Cluster, and the Association of Municipalities for Waste Management in Nitra, is essential to successfully implement strategy focus on transforming waste management in the region.
- The blueprint emphasizes community engagement and educational initiatives to foster responsible waste practices and stimulate local participation.
_____________________________________________________________________________
Normandy Region – France
- The document scope is to set out how bioeconomy strategy in Normandy has been defined and what the foundations of this strategy are.
- The stakeholders evaluated the strategy after 18 months of development months a co-creation workshop. The results of the discussions identify the barriers and opportunities for this bioeconomy strategy in Normandy, as well as the priorities that could be added to the strategy in its next scheduling.
__________________________________________________________________________________
Northern Sweden
- The blueprint provides a common vision for northern Sweden, also in line with the proposed national bioeconomy vision and objectives as well as other national strategies that include bioeconomy.
- The document can be used as a foundation for the four northern politically steered regions in their work to revise and update strategies and policies pertinent to the bioeconomy sector.
- The scope of this Blueprint focuses on the forestry bioeconomy.
__________________________________________________________________________________
Tuscany Region – Italy
- Strengthening partnerships among stakeholders through formal networks is essential.
- Investments in research and innovation are necessary to develop new technologies in bio-based industries.
- Public awareness campaigns should be launched to highlight the benefits of the bioeconomy, while educational programs must align with the evolving needs of industries.
__________________________________________________________________________________
Western Macedonia Region – Greece
- One of the fundamental functions of the Blueprint is to advocate for sustainable resource management.
- Economic diversification and innovation are central themes of the Blueprint. It aims to reduce the region’s reliance on traditional sectors by fostering the development of bio-based industries.
- Stakeholder engagement is another key function of the Blueprint. Effective governance in the bioeconomy transition requires the active participation of various stakeholders, including local communities, businesses, research institutions, and non-governmental organizations.
__________________________________________________________________________________
Would you like to read these blueprints? Sign up here to gain access to the full library for download.
The “BioFUTURE – Knowledge sharing for unlocking the potential of bioeconomy in Europe from the regional policy perspective” online event brought together a diverse range of actors working to advance the European bioeconomy.
The European projects – BIOMODEL4REGIONS, BIOTRANSFORM, ShapingBIO, and ROBIN (coordinated by CTA) – organised the event, which successfully engaged over 85 participants from the quadruple helix, fostering knowledge exchange and policy discussions
A highlight of the event was the participation of two key representatives from the European Commission:
- Sarianne Tikkanen (EC, DG Environment), who provided insights into the EU policy landscape and the update of the Bioeconomy Strategy.
- Tomasz Calikowski (EC, DG Research), who discussed the Green Transition and Bioeconomy Governance, emphasizing the role of bio-based sector R&D.
BIOMODEL4REGIONS, as one of the presenting projects, contributed to the discussions by showcasing its approach to regional policy advocacy in the bioeconomy sector. The event focused on four top-priority themes identified across the participating projects:
- Governance and policy alignment
- Social and regional challenges and public awareness
- Cross-sectoral collaboration and stakeholder engagement
- Environmental impact and resource efficiency
By bringing together representatives from different EU-funded initiatives, policymakers, and stakeholders, the workshop created a platform for exchanging best practices, strategies, and practical tools. Participants gained valuable insights into identifying, analyzing, designing, and implementing regional policies and governance models that can enhance bioeconomy initiatives across Europe. The event ensured that all stakeholders, including BIOMODEL4REGIONS, could actively contribute to shaping future regional strategies for a sustainable bioeconomy.
After years of collaboration, research, and innovation, we are thrilled to share the latest BIOMODEL4REGIONS newsletter, summarizing key results from the project!
- Six Regional Bio-Based Economy Strategy Blueprints – Customized to align with the distinct characteristics of the pilot regions. Do you want to access and read the regional bioeconomy strategies? Register here!
- Innovative Bio-Based Business Models – Strengthening sustainable businesses through strategic frameworks and decision-making tools
- Expanding Networks & Knowledge Exchange – Engaging in alliances like Rural Bioeconomy Alliance (RBA), major European conferences, and mutual learning workshops
- Upcoming Dissemination Events – Join us at regional and EU-level conferences, including the final event in Brussels this May!
Next up: BioFUTURE Workshop – February 19! A deep dive into regional bioeconomy governance and knowledge sharing. Sign up here!
Let’s continue driving the bioeconomy forward together!
Read the newsletter here: Newsletter no 3 – Biomodel4Regions
What an exciting year it has been, with many advancements in the project, especially in our work developing regional blueprints across six pilot regions.These are now nearing completion and will soon be ready to present — so stay tuned!
Don’t forget to follow us at LinkedIn to be the first to see our progress!
Patrizia Circelli, Project Leader of Biomodel4Regions, will participate in a panel discussion at the workshop “Bioeconomy Policy Making on a Regional Basis”, organized by the EU-funded project ShapingBio.
The workshop will take place on December 2, 2024, at the Sheraton Brussels Airport Hotel as part of the Pitch-Perfect and Boosting Connections event, running from December 2–4.
During the panel discussion, Patricia Circelli will represent Biomodel4Regions and deliver a brief presentation about the project. She will also share insights and perspectives on the development of bioeconomy blueprint at a regional level. The discussion will highlight essential strategies for fostering and accelerating bioeconomy innovation through effective policymaking and collaboration across different EU levels.
ShapingBio is an EU-funded initiative aimed at supporting and accelerating bioeconomy innovation in Europe. By enhancing the understanding of the bioeconomy innovation ecosystem and engaging key stakeholders, the project contributes to shaping policy recommendations and promoting matchmaking, networking, and knowledge transfer between regions and member states.
Read more about the workshop here: ShapingBio – Bioeconomy Policy Making on a Regional Basis.
BIOMODEL4REGIONS
Partners Private Area
