The objective of thERBN is to establish an EU-wide, multi-actor thematic network to facilitate knowledge sharing on innovative solutions for a sustainable, circular bioeconomy – specifically those applicable by small farms and foresters (practitioners) at the local scale in rural areas. This framework aims to empower practitioners by bridging the gap between existing, viable circular bioeconomy solutions and the practical challenges they face in their daily operations.

Starting from the most pressing needs related to the management and use of biological by-products and residues, thERBN will identify existing grassroots solutions developed by practitioners, innovations from Operational Groups, and results from national and EU-funded projects. These will be transformed into practice-oriented, easy-to-understand materials that will be disseminated through national and European demonstration days, training events, and the communication channels most frequently used by practitioners.

The thERBN thematic network will ensure open access to long-term digital infrastructures such as the EU-FarmBook and the EU CAP Network. This will be complemented by the thERBN platform, designed to facilitate multilingual access and provide a social environment for interaction among Operational Groups, thematic networks, and project communities. In doing so, thERBN will enhance cross-border collaboration and impact, while reducing fragmentation in knowledge and innovation across the EU.

Role of Ecologic Institute

Within thERBN, the Ecologic Institute team focuses on policy analysis and the development of a series of policy briefs. These briefs will highlight the actions needed to support practitioners and promote the mainstreaming of small-scale bioeconomy innovations in rural areas.