EU Projects, Commission Representatives, and the Future of the Bioeconomy

February 20, 2025

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.