Bioeconomy

Bioeconomy

The bioeconomy refers to the use of renewable biological resources for the pursuit of economic and ecological objectives. However, the transformation towards a bio-based economy brings with it controversy and conflicting goals, prompting questions regarding the ethical foundations as well as political and institutional framework conditions.

Ecologic Institute aims to foster the discourse on the opportunities and risks of the European bioeconomy and to support the participatory development of national and regional bioeconomy strategies. Civil society actors and the general public are integrated in a credible and transparent manner.

Building on the principles of action research, Ecologic Institute investigates how a sustainable bioeconomy can be developed while balancing economic, environmental and social goals. In addition, the team investigates the potentials of rural development while ensuring the sustainable use of agricultural, forestry and marine ecosystems.

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Related Topics

Bioeconomy

Digitalization

International Development

Nature-based Solutions and Green Infrastructure

Resource Conservation + Circular Economy

Water

Industry

Gerardo Anzaldúa
Co-Coordinator Water
Senior Fellow

Resource Conservation + Circular Economy

Trade

Evaluation

Economics

Finance

Indicators

Digitalization

Health

Bioeconomy

Aaron Best
Coordinator Digitalization and AI
Senior Fellow

Bioeconomy

Economics

Land Use

Agriculture

Biodiversity

Holger Gerdes
Coordinator Bioeconomy
Senior Fellow

Biodiversity

Nature-based Solutions and Green Infrastructure

Coastal + Marine

Land Use

Agriculture

Bioeconomy

Resource Conservation + Circular Economy

Evaluation

Indicators

Ruta Landgrebe-Trinkunaite
Fellow

Water

Adaptation

Evaluation

Economics

Bioeconomy

Indicators

Health

Governance

Jenny Tröltzsch
Coordinator Adaptation
Senior Fellow
Selected Projects for Bioeconomy
ProjectHorizon EuropeThematic European Rural Bioeconomy Network (thERBN)
 
thERBN

thERBN

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... Read more

Thematic European Rural Bioeconomy Network (thERBN)

Duration
-
Funding
ProjectHorizon EuropeConcise Consumer Communication through Robust Labels for Bio-based Systems (3-CO)
 
3-CO project logo

© 3-CO project

The EU Bioeconomy Strategy accelerates the deployment of a sustainable European bioeconomy by managing natural resources sustainably, reducing dependence on fossil resources, ensuring food security, mitigation and adapting to climate change, and creating jobs and... Read more

Concise Consumer Communication through Robust Labels for Bio-based Systems (3-CO)

Duration
-
Funding
ProjectHorizon EuropeConcepts, Tools and Applications for Community-driven Bioeconomy Development in European Rural Areas (SCALE-UP)
 
SCALE UP Logo

© Ecologic Institute

The overall goal of SCALE-UP is to support regional multi-actor partnerships, consisting of private businesses, governments and policymakers, civil society organisations, and researchers in identifying and scaling-up innovative and sustainable bio-based value chains... Read more

Concepts, Tools and Applications for Community-driven Bioeconomy Development in European Rural Areas (SCALE-UP)

Duration
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Funding
ProjectSustainable Subsoil Management as Part of the Bioeconomy (Soil³)
 
© Universität Bonn
Fertile soils are an indispensable resource for agriculture and the Bioeconomy as a whole. Subsoils contain a major part of the nutrients essential for plants, a resource potential that has thus far not yet been fully understood nor used. In order to harness this... Read more

Sustainable Subsoil Management as Part of the Bioeconomy (Soil³)

Duration
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Funding
ProjectFurther Development of the "Bioeconomy Monitoring System" with Special Consideration of Precautionary Environmental Protection
 

© Zoritza Kiresiewa

What characterizes a monitoring system that effectively considers aspects of precautionary environmental protection? The aim of this project is to answer this question with regard to the new German bioeconomy strategy. The German government aims at a transformation... Read more

Further Development of the "Bioeconomy Monitoring System" with Special Consideration of Precautionary Environmental Protection

Duration
-
Funding
ProjectGreening the Blue Bioeconomy and Transition to Sustainable Fisheries and Aquaculture
 

Musselfarming in Italy

|

Image by Jacek Kijewski from Pixabay

Unsustainable use of the oceans and their resources leads to severe problems, like depletion of fish stocks, biodiversity loss, habitat degradation and increased pollution, among other negative impacts. With a scoping study, awarded by the European Environment Agency ... Read more

Greening the Blue Bioeconomy and Transition to Sustainable Fisheries and Aquaculture

Duration
-
Funding
ProjectHorizon 2020Bio-based Strategies and Roadmaps for Enhanced Rural and Regional Development in the EU (BE-Rural)
 
The bioeconomy carries the promise to offer important opportunities for rural employment and regional added value. The transition towards a more sustainable, bio-based regional economy and society requires the active involvement of a broad spectrum of stakeholders and... Read more

Bio-based Strategies and Roadmaps for Enhanced Rural and Regional Development in the EU (BE-Rural)

Duration
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Funding
ProjectClimate Change and Bioeconomy – Sustainability gap analysis for the agricultural sector
 
John Lambeth | Pexels.com
This project seeks to bring available knowledge together on the future of the EU agricultural production, including on possible sustainability gaps in the form of food, water and energy security, land take and GHG emissions that need to be closed by 2050. The results... Read more

Climate Change and Bioeconomy – Sustainability gap analysis for the agricultural sector

Duration
-
Funding
ProjectHorizon 2020Improving the Market Access of Sustainable Bio-based Products (BIOBRIDGES)
 
BIOBRIDGES's overall aim is to ensure the marketability of sustainable bio-based products by establishing primary partnerships between bio-based industries, brand owners and consumer representatives in cooperation with other stakeholders like local communities, local... Read more

Improving the Market Access of Sustainable Bio-based Products (BIOBRIDGES)

Duration
-
Funding
ProjectSustainable Resource Use – Requirements for a Sustainable Bioeconomy from Agenda 2030 / SDG Implementation
 
| Fotolia © DeshaCAM
A sustainable bioeconomy could contribute to replacing fossil-based resources and feeding a growing world population. Inherent to a transformation towards such an economy are economic, ecological and social opportunities as well as risks. This project for the German... Read more

Sustainable Resource Use – Requirements for a Sustainable Bioeconomy from Agenda 2030 / SDG Implementation

Duration
-
Funding
ProjectProvision of Technical Support Related to Target 2 of the EU Biodiversity Strategy to 2020
 
| ©Leonid Ikan|Fotolia.com
Ecologic Institute contributes to the project "Provision of Technical Support Related to Target 2 of the EU Biodiversity Strategy to 2020 – Maintaining and Restoring Ecosystems and their Services" for DG Environment. The concerned task focuses on better understanding... Read more

Provision of Technical Support Related to Target 2 of the EU Biodiversity Strategy to 2020

Duration
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Funding
ProjectHorizon 2020Resource Efficient Food and dRink for the Entire Supply cHain (REFRESH)
 
Across the globe, nearly 30% of food is wasted throughout the agrifood supply chain. REFRESH ("Resource Efficient Food and dRink for the Entire Supply cHain") was an EU Horizon 2020 funded project taking action against food waste. Twenty-six partners from 12... Read more

Resource Efficient Food and dRink for the Entire Supply cHain (REFRESH)

Duration
-
Funding
ProjectLisbon Workshop on Blue Natural Capital (BNC)
 
Teilnehmer beim Lisbon Workshop on Blue Natural Capital (BNC) © Oceano Azul Foundation
The Lisbon Workshop on Blue Natural Capital (BNC) took place on 3 and 4 October 2018 at the Lisbon Ocean Aquarium (Oceanário de Lisboa) in Portugal. It was hosted by the Oceano Azul Foundation (Fundação Oceano Azul) and prepared and chaired by R. Andreas Kraemer,... Read more

Lisbon Workshop on Blue Natural Capital (BNC)

Duration
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Funding
ProjectSupport to Research and Innovation Policy for Bio-based Products (BIO-SPRI)
 
| © Laura Griestop
Focus on: Environmental Impact (LCA), EU Commercial and Financial Success Stories and Top 20 Novel Products in Development The overall objective of this project is to provide a range of new information and analyses that will enable policy-makers, the scientific... Read more

Support to Research and Innovation Policy for Bio-based Products (BIO-SPRI)

Duration
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Funding
ProjectHorizon 2020Promoting Stakeholder Engagement and Public Awareness for a Participative Governance of the European Bioeconomy (BioSTEP)
 
The bioeconomy holds potential solutions to important challenges of the future. The social, economic and environmental impacts associated with its products and processes, however, will require extensive dialogue processes on the future development of the bioeconomy.... Read more

Promoting Stakeholder Engagement and Public Awareness for a Participative Governance of the European Bioeconomy (BioSTEP)

Duration
-
Funding
ProjectGlobal Land Use and Sustainability (GLOBALANDS)
 
The pressure on land and natural resources is increasing worldwide. While there are many sectoral policies tackling different environmental problems, land use is not regulated in an integrated and overarching way. The discussion on sustainable biofuels and biomass... Read more

Global Land Use and Sustainability (GLOBALANDS)

Duration
-
Funding
All projects on Bioeconomy
Selected Publications for Bioeconomy
PublicationPolicy BriefFrom Strategy to Action for a Regional, Participatory, and Sustainable EU Bioeconomy
 
Cover featuring purple graphic elements and misty forest photo

© Scale Up, 2025

The European bioeconomy has great potential to support climate, biodiversity, and development goals. Yet rural actors – farmers, SMEs, and local authorities – often face barriers to participation, from lack of knowledge to limited funding access. Four EU projects –... Read more

Altamore, S., Gerdes, H., Kiresiewa, Z., Paris, B., Balafoutis, T., Borzęcka, M., Rozakis, S., Galatsopoulos, A., Parodos, L., Ma, C. (2025). From Strategy to Action for a Regional, Participatory, and Sustainable EU Bioeconomy: Evidence and recommendations from RuralBioUp, SCALE-UP, BioRural, and MainstreamBIO. Joint Policy Paper. Agency for the Promotion of European Research, Rome.

 

PublicationPolicy BriefScaling up Biobased Production within Ecological Boundaries
 
Cover page of a policy brief from the SCALE-UP project titled “Scaling up biobased production within ecological boundaries – Recommendations for an updated EU Bioeconomy Strategy”. Below the title, key policy recommendations are listed. The upper section shows a mosaic of nature and biomass imagery, and the bottom includes an EU funding disclaimer.

© SCALE-UP project, 2025

It is imperative to develop Europe's understanding of the environmental impacts of the bioeconomy; to not only capitalize on the potential opportunities it offers for social and economic development, but also to keep ecological boundaries from being overstepped.... Read more

Tarpey, J., Gerdes, H., Kiresiewa, Z., Anzaldúa, G. (2025). Scaling up biobased production within ecological boundaries – Recommendations for an updated EU Bioeconomy Strategy. Deliverable 6.4 of the SCALE-UP project.

PublicationPolicy BriefEnabling Change from the Ground up
 

© 3-CO project, 2025

Social innovation is increasingly recognised across Europe not just as a solution to pressing social and environmental problems, but as a transformative force reshaping how we live, produce, and consume. From repair cafés and local food networks to inclusive digital... Read more

Kiresiewa, Zoritza and Holger Gerdes (2025). Enabling change from the ground up: Policy recommendations to foster social innovation in Europe. Policy Paper of the 3-CO project.

PublicationReport12 Small-scale Business Models Explored in the SCALE-UP Regions
 
Cover of the report with colorful tiles showing photos of agricultural scenes in the background

© Scale-Up

The bioeconomy concept presents an attractive framework for policymakers in Europe, as it holds the potential to foster innovations that match specific community needs with regionally available resources. The SCALE-UP project aims to enhance the capacity and expertise... Read more

Anzaldúa, Gerardo et al. (2025) Report on 12 small-scale business models explored in the SCALE-UP regions (EU Horizon GA no. 101060264), Deliverable D4.2 

PublicationPolicy BriefEmpfehlungen für die Umsetzung eines nachhaltigen und gesellschaftlich akzeptierten Unterbodenmanagements in Deutschland
 
Cover page of the report titled 'Empfehlungen für die Umsetzung eines nachhaltigen und gesellschaftlich akzeptierten Unterbodenmanagements in Deutschland' (Recommendations for the Implementation of a Sustainable and Socially Accepted Subsoil Management in Germany). Key recommendations are listed, focusing on political frameworks, value chains, collaboration with practitioners, legal clarity, and further research support.

© Ecologic Institute 2024

This policy brief outlines recommendations for sustainable and socially accepted subsoil management in Germany. Subsoil, located below the plowed topsoil layer, holds essential nutrients and water reserves crucial for plant growth and sustainable bioeconomy practices.... Read more

Gerdes, Holger, Kiresiewa, Zoritza, Schneider, Christian, Dengler, Felix, und Ittner, Sophie (2024): Empfehlungen für die Umsetzung eines nachhaltigen und gesellschaftlich akzeptierten Unterbodenmanagements in Deutschland. Ecologic Institut, Berlin.

PublicationReportRegionalised Factors for Successful Implementation of Subsoil Management
 
A report cover with the title “Regionalised factors for successful implementation of subsoil management: Evidence from three case studies in Germany.”

© BonaRes Centre for Soil Research, 2024

Farmers and other relevant stakeholders in Germany regard subsoil amelioration as an effective tool to improve the water storage of the subsoil and thereby to better bridge temporary water deficits. In addition, they acknowledge that subsoil amelioration can mitigate... Read more

Schneider, C.; Kiresiewa, Z.; Gerdes, H.; Pazmino Murillo, J.; Ecologic Institute. Skadell, L.; Sakhaee, A.; Schneider, F.; Don, A.; Thünen Institute: Regionalised factors for successful implementation of subsoil management: Evidence from three case studies in Germany. Berlin. 2024.

PublicationReportConceptual Framework for the Design and Implementation of Participatory Activities in the SCALE-UP Regions
 
Cover of Scale Up report featuring colorful tiles with agricultural motifs

© Scale Up, 2023

This framework sets out a holistic approach to foster community-driven bioeconomy development across six rural European areas. Building on a four-phase methodology – establishing regional knowledge and platforms; cross-regional knowledge transfer; creation of a pan... Read more

Gerdes, H. et al. (2023). Conceptual framework for the design and implementation of participatory activities in the SCALE-UP regions (EU Horizon GA no. 101060264), D1.2

PublicationBook Section Limitations of Stakeholder and Public Engagement in Bioeconomy Strategy Development Processes
 
Cover of the book "Zukünfte nachhaltiger Bioökonomie. Kommunikation und Partizipation in neuen Wirtschaftsformen"

© transcript Verlag

A democratic dialogue with a broad spectrum of stakeholders and the society is considered necessary for the transformation to a sustainable bio-based economy. As such, several dedicated bioeconomy strategies across Europe and beyond outline objectives towards broader... Read more

Kiresiewa, Zoritza; Laurens Duin and Holger Gerdes 2022: Limitations of Stakeholder and Public Engagement in Bioeconomy Strategy Development Processes. In: Julia-Lena Reinermann, Jan-Hendrik Kamlage, Nicole de Vries, Ute Goerke, Britta Oertel, Silvia Diane Schrey (Hg.): Zukünfte nachhaltiger Bioökonomie. Kommunikation und Partizipation in neuen Wirtschaftsformen. Bielefeld: transcript Verlag.

PublicationReportThe Impact of Subsoil Management on the Delivery of Ecosystem Services
 
Cover of the publication titled "The impact of subsoil management on the delivery of ecosystem services: An economic valuation for Germany" by Ittner, S., Gerdes, H., and Kiresiewa, Z. The report is part of the BonaRes Series, funded by the German Federal Ministry of Education and Research. The cover features the BonaRes logo and a geometric design in blue, green, and white tones.

© BONARES, 2022

How does subsoil management affect the provision of ecosystem services – and what is its economic value to society? These questions are at the heart of a study by Sophie Ittner, Holger Gerdes and Zoritza Kiresiewa from Ecologic Institute. Using a Benefit Transfer... Read more

Ittner, S., Gerdes, H., Kiresiewa, Z. (2022). The impact of subsoil management on the delivery of ecosystem services: An economic valuation for Germany. BonaRes Series. https://doi.org/10.20387/BonaRes-WVC6-YJ14

PublicationPolicy BriefEnabling Rural Regions to Recognize the Ecological Boundaries Framing the Bioeconomy
 
First page of the BE-Rural Policy Brief "Enabling rural regions to recognise the ecological boundaries framing the bioeconomy"

© BE-Rural project

As the EU Bioeconomy Strategy points out, regions are the most appropriate territorial level at which to implement bioeconomy strategies. However, the available and favoured methods for assessing bioeconomy potential and environmental impact are rarely framed within the... Read more

Tarpey, J., Araujo, A. and Anzaldua, G. [Ed.] 2022: Enabling rural regions to recognise the ecological boundaries framing the bioeconomy. Policy Brief. Ecologic Institute.

PublicationDocument Regional Strategy and Roadmap Documents
 
Cover of the regional strategy and roadmap documents

© BE-Rural project

Rural regions in Southeastern and Eastern Europe are facing multiple challenges such as a rural exodus, aging populations, a declining industrial base and low innovation performance. As such, they are particularly vulnerable to the negative impacts of climate change. In... Read more

Kiresiewa, Z., Gerdes, H. (2021). D5.3: Regional strategy and roadmap documents. Deliverable of the H2020 BE-Rural project

PublicationReportThe Impact of Subsoil Management on the Delivery of Ecosystem Services
 
Cover of Publication

© BONARES

Ittner, S., Gerdes, H., Athmann, M., Bauke, S. L., Gocke, M., Guigue, J., Jaiswal, S., Kautz, T., Schmittmann, O., Schulz, S., Seidel, S. (2020). The impact of subsoil management on the delivery of ecosystem services. BonaRes Series. https://doi.org/10.20387/bonares... Read more

Ittner, S., Gerdes, H., Athmann, M., Bauke, S. L., Gocke, M., Guigue, J., Jaiswal, S., Kautz, T., Schmittmann, O., Schulz, S., Seidel, S. (2020). The impact of subsoil management on the delivery of ecosystem services. BonaRes Series. https://doi.org/10.20387/bonares-bszh-qbkn

PublicationDocumentAnalysing Market Conditions and Designing Business Models within BE-Rural's OIPs
 
Cover page of a BE-Rural briefing paper titled “Analysing market conditions and designing business models within BE-Rural’s OIPs.” The image shows colorful, hilly agricultural landscapes with vineyards and forest patches. The subtitle indicates the report's focus on bio-based strategies for rural and regional development in the EU. Authors: Gerardo Anzaldúa, Ariel Araujo, John Tarpey. Dated October 2020. The project is funded by the EU Horizon 2020 programme.

© BE-Rural project,2020

This hands-on guidance document supports regional actors in designing viable business models for the bioeconomy. Based on practical experiences from five Open Innovation Platforms (OIPs) across Europe, it outlines how to analyse regional market conditions, engage... Read more

Gerardo Anzaldua, Ariel Araujo, John Tarpey (2020). D5.1: Analysing market conditions and designing business models within BE-Rural's OIPs. Briefing paper. Deliverable of the H2020 BE-Rural project

PublicationArticleAn Acceptance Analysis of Subsoil Amelioration Amongst Agricultural Actors in Two Regions in Germany
 
publication's first page of the pdf

© 2021 Hinzmann, Ittner, Kiresiewa and Gerdes

The subsoil could play an important role for agricultural climate adaptation strategies. It is defined as soil layers below the working depth of 30 cm. The subsoil often receives little attention in farming practice. Yet, plants extract between 10 and 80% of their... Read more

Hinzmann M, Ittner S, Kiresiewa Z and Gerdes H (2021). An Acceptance Analysis of Subsoil Amelioration Amongst Agricultural Actors in Two Regions in Germany. Front. Agron. 3:660593. doi: 10.3389/fagro.2021.660593

PublicationReportImproving the Public Acceptance of Bio-Based Products and Processes at Regional and Local Level
 
Front Cover of Publication

© biobridges

This paper provides three recommendations to improve the public acceptance of bio-based products and processes: Improve knowledge, education, and awareness on the bioeconomy. Even though bio-based products and processes generally are viewed positively, the public... Read more

Duin, Laurens, Zoritza Kiresiewa, 2020. Improving the Public Acceptance of Bio-Based Products and Processes at Regional and Local Level. biobridges

PublicationArticleHandlungsoptionen einer nachhaltigen Bioökonomiepolitik
 
Cover

© oekom verlag

Bioeconomy currently enjoys a high political priority; at the same time, the concept, which last received a boost in 2018 in the form of the updated EU Bioeconomy Strategy, is not without controversy and contains many conflicting goals. This is where the article by... Read more

Wolff, F., Kiresiewa, Z. and Möller, M., (2020): Handlungsoptionen einer nachhaltigen Bioökonomiepolitik: Wo ein Wille ist, ist auch ein Weg. In: politische ökologie. Volume 162 (03 - 2020) – Bioökonomie.

PublicationReportNachhaltige Ressourcennutzung – Anforderungen an eine nachhaltige Bioökonomie aus der Agenda 2030/SDG-Umsetzung
 
Cover of the final report "Nachhaltige Ressourcennutzung – Anforderungen an eine nachhaltige Bioökonomie aus der Agenda 2030/SDG-Umsetzung"

© Umweltbundesamt

The bioeconomy, which is currently the subject of much political debate, needs clear guidelines and targets if it is to develop its potential for climate protection and sustainable living. A bioeconomy geared towards economic growth or increased agricultural and... Read more

Martin Möller, Viviana López, Rasmus Prieß, Tobias Schleicher, Katja Hünecke, Klaus Hennenberg, Franziska Wolff, Zoritza Kiresiewa, Marius Hasenheit, Patrick Schröder, Prof. Dr. Bernward Gesang (2020). Nachhaltige Ressourcennutzung – Anforderungen an eine nachhaltige Bioökonomie aus der Agenda 2030/SDG-Umsetzung. Abschlussbericht. Umweltbundesamt: Dessau-Roßlau.

PublicationDocumentSmall-Scale Technologies and Business Models for Regional Bioeconomies
 
The bioeconomy carries the promise to offer important opportunities for rural employment and regional added value. The transition towards a more sustainable, biobased regional economy and society requires the active involvement of a broad spectrum of stakeholders and... Read more

Tarpey, J., Beusch, C. 2020: Small-Scale Technologies and Business Models for Regional Bioeconomies. Joint Guidance Document for Stakeholders. Ecologic Institute, Berlin.

PublicationReportBioökonomiekonzepte und Diskursanalyse
 
UBA TEXTE 78|2019
The bioeconomy has gained high political importance as a way to overcome economic, ecological and social challenges: by 2019, more than 50 dedicated and bioeconomy-supporting policy strategies had been published worldwide. At the same time, the concept of the bioeconomy... Read more

Kiresiewa, Zoritza et. al. 2019: Bioökonomiekonzepte und Diskursanalyse. Teilbericht (AP1) des Projekts "Nachhaltige Ressourcennutzung – Anforderungen an eine nachhaltige Bioökonomie aus der Agenda 2030/SDG-Umsetzung". Umweltbundesamt: Dessau-Roßlau.

PublicationReportNote on the Development of a Sustainability Screening for Regional Bioeconomy Strategies
 
cover of the BE-RURAL deliverable "Note on the development of a sustainability screening for regional bioeconomy strategies"

© BE-Rural project

This report provides the context and justification for the development of BE-Rural's Sustainability Screening, a description of its methodological procedure, and the syntheses of results from the two experimental implementations of the approach in the Stara Zagora and... Read more

Anzaldúa, Gerardo et al. (2022). D5.4 Note on the development of a sustainability screening for regional bioeconomy strategies. Deliverable of the H2020 BE-Rural project.

PublicationDocumentThe Macro-environment Surrounding BE-Rural's Open Innovation Platforms
 
With the recent update of its Bioeconomy Strategy, the guidance of its advisory bodies and the engagement of regional groups and representatives, Europe has found a new track towards a sustainable bioeconomy, building on the notion that regions are the most appropriate... Read more

Anzaldúa, G., Abhold, K., Araujo, A., Chebotarev, A., Cosnita, D., Diaconescu, T., Dimov, L., Duic, N., Iorgulescu, R., Kiresiewa, Z., Lazdina, D., Makovskis, K., Markovska, M., Mihajloska, E., Mytlewski, A., Pauna, C., Pavlova, I., Rakowski, M., Schock, M., Szulecka, O., Tröltzsch, J., Zelljadt, E. (2019). D2.2 The macro-environment surrounding BE-Rural’s Open Innovation Platforms. Deliverable of the H2020 BE-Rural project.

PublicationDocumentSustainability and Participation in the Bioeconomy: A Conceptual Framework for BE-Rural
 
This report outlines the conceptual framework of BE-Rural and provides practical guidance to the design and implementation of the five regional Open Innovation Platforms (OIPs) within BE-Rural. This conceptual framework aims to provide guidance regarding the overall... Read more

Abhold, K., Gerdes, H., Kiresiewa, Z., Davies, S. (2019). D1.1 Sustainability and Participation in the Bioeconomy: A Conceptual Framework for BE-Rural. Deliverable of the H2020 BE-Rural project.

PublicationDocumentEngaging Stakeholders and Citizens in the Bioeconomy
 
Stakeholder and public engagement are key elements of EU policy development, as well as of responsible research and  innovation. Over a period of three years, BioSTEP has designed and implemented a wide range of citizen and stakeholder engagement activities... Read more

BioSTEP consortium (2018): BioSTEP Research Recommendations - Engaging Stakeholders and Citizens in the Bioeconomy.

PublicationReportEngaging Stakeholders and Citizens in the Bioeconomy
 
Building on the idea that an open and informed dialogue on complex topics such as the bioeconomy and engaging with variety of stakeholders and the general public may bring the concept of the bioeconomy closer to the society, the BioSTEP project experimented with... Read more

Gerdes, Holger; Zoritza Kiresiewa, Volkert Beekman, et. al. 2018: Engaging stakeholders and citizens in the bioeconomy: Lessons learned from BioSTEP and recommendations for future research.

PublicationArticleThe "Invisible" Subsoil
 
Hidden beneath the humus-rich topsoil, the subsoil usually receives little attention in agricultural practice. Yet, plants cover between 10 and 80% of their nutrient and water needs from subsoils. Measures to improve the subsoil could help in bridging droughts and... Read more

Frelih-Larsen, A.; Hinzmann, M.; Ittner, S. (2018). The 'Invisible' Subsoil: An Exploratory View of Societal Acceptance of Subsoil Management in Germany. Sustainability 2018, 10, 3006.

doi:10.3390/su10093006

PublicationBrochureInnovation, Renovation, Transformation
 
Green growth means fostering economic growth and development while ensuring that natural assets continue to provide the resources and environmental services upon which our well-being relies. Green growth brings about multiple social and economic benefits. Together with... Read more

Federal Ministry for the Environment, Nature Conservation, Nuclear Safety (2018): Innovation, Renovation, Transformation - Good practice examples of projects promoting green growth across Central, Eastern and Southern Europe.

PublicationPolicy BriefCreating Networks for the Transition to a Bio-based and Circular Economy
 
BioSTEP-Politikpapier
After two years of research and stakeholder consultation, the BioSTEP consortium, led by Ecologic Institute, finalized the BioSTEP policy paper. This paper concludes five recommendations, aiming to support the revision of the European Bioeconomy Strategy. These... Read more

BioSTEP consortium (2017): Creating Networks for the Transition to a Bio-based and Circular Economy. BioSTEP Policy Paper.

PublicationReportSummary Report on the Social, Economic and Environmental Impacts of the Bioeconomy
 
This BioSTEP document builds on the previous Deliverable 2.1 which collected information about the impacts of bioeconomy-related products in a database. Rather than attempting to exhaustively list the whole plethora of products and processes in the bioeconomy, the... Read more

Hasenheit, Marius; Holger Gerdes; Zoritza Kiresiewa et. al. 2016: Summary Report on the Social, Economic and Environmental Impacts of the Bioeconomy. Promoting stakeholder engagement and public awareness for a participative governance of the European bioeconomy. Berlin.

All publications on Bioeconomy
Selected Events for Bioeconomy
EventConferenceScaling Up Innovations in the Bioeconomy
 

Photo: Zoritza Kiresiewa

The SCALE-UP consortium organised a thematic conference in the frame of Bio360, which took place on 5 and 6 February 2025 in Nantes, France. The international trade fair, dedicated to advancing the bioeconomy, drew more than 450 exhibitors and 40+ conferences featuring... Read more

Conference:Scaling Up Innovations in the Bioeconomy

Date
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Location
Nantes, France
EventDigital EventHow Should the EU Bioeconomy Strategy and its Upcoming Review Address Challenges Arising from Bioeconomy-related Trade-offs?
 

Photo: canva.com

On 12 December 2024, Work Stream 7 of the SCALE-UP training programme convened its final session. Seventy-two bioeconomy stakeholders from SCALE-UP's focal regions and beyond gathered to review key outcomes and identify priorities for the EU Bioeconomy Strategy update.... Read more

Digital Event:How Should the EU Bioeconomy Strategy and its Upcoming Review Address Challenges Arising from Bioeconomy-related Trade-offs?

Date
Location
online
EventConferenceExploring the Bioeconomy as a Central Pillar of Regional Recovery Plans during and after COVID-19 – BE-Rural Mid-Term Conference
 

Photo: canva.com

The objective of the online event is to explore the extent to which the implementation of a bioeconomy concept can leverage the reactivation of regional economies across Europe. Through short expert talks, virtual break-out groups, and a panel discussion with... Read more

Conference:Exploring the Bioeconomy as a Central Pillar of Regional Recovery Plans during and after COVID-19 – BE-Rural Mid-Term Conference

Date
Location
online
EventWorkshopThe Challenges and the Significance of Bioplastics as Packaging Materials in the Food Industry
 
|© Henning Sittel
On 17 June 2019, the NaWiKo workshop "Sustainable management in companies based on the example of bioplastics" took place at the facilities of Bio-Molkerei Söbbeke GmbH, a sustainable creamery, in Gronau near Münster. The aim of the workshop was for company... Read more

Workshop:The Challenges and the Significance of Bioplastics as Packaging Materials in the Food Industry

Date
Location
Gronau, Germany
EventWorkshopBeyond Sectors – Chances and Challenges of Multi-stakeholder Collaboration in the Bioeconomy
 
©Asray|Fotolia.com
On the 13 May 2019, Ecologic Institute organised the workshop "Beyond sectors – chances and challenges of multi-stakeholder collaboration in the bioeconomy" in the context of the 8th International Bioeconomy Conference in Halle (Saale). The aim of the... Read more

Workshop:Beyond Sectors – Chances and Challenges of Multi-stakeholder Collaboration in the Bioeconomy

Date
Location
Halle (Saale), Germany
EventConferenceInnovative Bio-based Products: Investment, Environmental Impacts and Future Perspectives
 
With €2 trillion in annual turnover, the EU's bioeconomy sector is at the core of the Union's strategic activities. Innovative bio-based products represent a key part of the whole bioeconomy, as they can: replace existing products and upgrade product... Read more

Conference:Innovative Bio-based Products: Investment, Environmental Impacts and Future Perspectives

Date
Location
Brussels, Belgium
EventConferenceEffective Stakeholder and Public Engagement in the Bioeconomy – BioSTEP Conference
 
Over a period of three years the BioSTEP project developed participation tools to involve the public in the development of the European bioeconomy. Different types of participation were sought. During the final conference on 22 February 2018 in Brussels, the... Read more

Conference:Effective Stakeholder and Public Engagement in the Bioeconomy – BioSTEP Conference

Date
Location
Brussels, Belgium
EventConferenceCreating Networks for the Transition to a Bio-based and Circular Economy – BioSTEP Forum
 
The aim of the conference is to present the results of the stakeholder engagement activities in BioSTEP and its value to the current policy discussions on the bioeconomy and the circular economy. BioSTEP has analysed in three policy workshops the participation processes... Read more

Conference:Creating Networks for the Transition to a Bio-based and Circular Economy – BioSTEP Forum

Date
Location
Brussels, Belgium
EventWorkshopA Bioeconomy Strategy for Austria: The Role of Civil Society – BioSTEP Policy Workshop
 
The Austrian government is currently in the process of developing a strategy for research, technology and innovation to support the emerging bioeconomy. Following this process, the development of a broader strategy is envisaged that comprises further policy domains and... Read more

Workshop:A Bioeconomy Strategy for Austria: The Role of Civil Society – BioSTEP Policy Workshop

Date
Location
Graz, Austria
EventWorkshopShaping the Scottish Bioeconomy Together – BioSTEP Policy Workshop
 
Scotland possesses a huge amount of natural resources, on which many small and medium-sized enterprises base their business models. The Scottish bioeconomy is largely focussed on industrial biotechnology and the major policy focus to date has been to support the growth... Read more

Workshop:Shaping the Scottish Bioeconomy Together – BioSTEP Policy Workshop

Date
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Location
Glasgow, United Kingdom
EventWorkshopThe Future is Bright, the Future is the European Bioeconomy? – BioSTEP Stakeholder Workshop
 
The aim of this workshop is to identify and discuss challenges, opportunities, and policy gaps surrounding the development of bioeconomy strategies across Europe. The outcome of this process will be a list of targeted policy recommendations for the (further) development... Read more

Workshop:The Future is Bright, the Future is the European Bioeconomy? – BioSTEP Stakeholder Workshop

Date
Location
Utrecht, Netherlands
All events on Bioeconomy
Selected Presentations for Bioeconomy
PresentationPanel discussionBioeconomy: Sustainable and Circular
 
© Jordana Meilleur | iStockphoto.com
On 7 November 2018, federal ministers Elisabeth Köstinger, Norbert Hofer and Heinz Faßmann kicked-off the process for the development of a national bioeconomy strategy in Austria. In this context, a conference entitled "Bioeconomy: Sustainable and Circular"... Read more

Panel discussion:Bioeconomy: Sustainable and Circular

Date
Location
Vienna, Austria
All presentations on Bioeconomy