Bioeconomy
Many definitions of the Bioeconomy exist. Defining Bioeconomy is of utmost importance as the definition is the basis on which key sectors are identified, policies designed and priorities acknowledged. Definitions change and evolve; some of them emphasize the technology aspect, others the economic contribution of the bioeconomy or the importance of a sound knowledge-base and the sustainable utilisation of biological resources. Some others interpret it in more philosophical terms, e.g. (“A vision for the future society” (Socaciu, 2014, p1) or “A future in which we rely on renewable biological resources to meet our needs for food, materials and energy” (EC, 2014). Despite the different visions similarities, such as the emphasis on economic output and a broad, cross-sectoral focus keep constant.
The European Commission adopts a process-oriented definition of the Bioeconomy and defines it as: "the production of renewable biological resources and the conversion of these resources and waste streams into value added products, such as food, feed, bio-based products and bioenergy. Its sectors and industries have strong innovation potential due to their use of a wide range of sciences, enabling and industrial technologies, along with local and tacit knowledge." Source: "Innovating for Sustainable Growth - A Bioeconomy for Europe" (2012)
Bioeconomy comprises those parts of the economy that use renewable biological resources from land and sea – such as crops, forests, fish, animals and micro-organisms – to produce food, materials and energy. The market at EU level presents an annual turnover of around two trillion euro, and employs around 18 million people. It is already one of the Union's biggest and most important sectors while its potential for the future is even greater.
Bioeconomy has been gaining momentum since September 2005 with 50 countries and regions around the world now having a Bioeconomy strategy or related document in place. Europe's Bioeconomy Strategy addresses the production of renewable biological resources and their conversion into vital products and bio-energy. It was recently updated to accelerate the deployment of a sustainable European bioeconomy so as to maximise its contribution towards the 2030 Agenda and its Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), as well as the Paris Agreement.
The new strategy aims at strengthening the connection between economy, society and the environment. More engagement is necessary. The bioeconomy community needs to develop a clear, visible corporate identity. More global platforms are needed to share views and change views, and to learn mutually about practices, good and bad. This is one of the conclusions indeed also of the World BioEconomy Forum 2018.
Find below some articles related to Bioeconomy. This information area has just been created and will growth also thanks to your announcements and the information you would like to share with us. Feel free to contact us at office@wbc-rti.info!
News
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Have a say on the DUT call 2023 priorities The Driving Urban Transitions (DUT) European Partnership invites all relevant stakeholders to join in the open stakeholder consultation for the DUT Calls ...
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EIT Community Water Scarcity is hosting a series of live, interactive training courses with international experts. There are three sessions available on a first come, first serve basis: 13, ...
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[Event Announcement] European Biomass Conference and Exhibition (EUBCE) Online May 9-12, 2022
The European Biomass Conference and Exhibition (EUBCE) will again be an online conference in 2022. Following an extensive consultation, many regular EUBCE participants support holding this high-level ...
Events
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POLICY ANSWERS conference: Aligning Priorities in the Western Balkans (draft title)
POLICY ANSWERS organises the conference on aligning priorities in the fields DIGITAL, GREEN and HEALTH.
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Moving towards an Innovation Community on Sustainable Blue Economy in the Adriatic-Ionian region
The event "Moving towards an Innovation Community on Sustainable Blue Economy in the Adriatic-Ionian region" takes place at Tirana International Hotel & Conference Center, 22-24 February 2023.
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FOOD PRODUCTS - DRINKS - AGRICULTURE AND FARMING - MACHINERY The only business platform for matchmaking during 365 days of the year in the Balkans The International Agribusiness and ...
Organisations
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Recognizing that ICT today plays a pivotal role in ensuring sustainable, smart and inclusive growth of agriculture, the Research and Development Institute for Information Technologies in Biosystems, also...
Calls
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As part of the EU-funded EU4AGRI project, a Public Call to support investments in primary agricultural production has been launched. Under this Public Call, BAM 3.5 million is available, with grant...
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Full-time funded PhDs available in the Western Balkans Twinning project GreenFORCE
The Twinning Western Balkans project GreenFORCE focuses thematically on just Green Transitions for the Western Balkans. In the frame of this project, three of the partners – Polytechnic University of ...
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Call for papers - 16th SDEWES Conference in Dubrovnik
The 16th Conference on Sustainable Development of Energy, Water and Environment Systems (SDEWES) is dedicated to the advancement and dissemination of knowledge on methods, policies and technologies for...
Documents
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2020 Strategic Foresight Report: Charting the course towards a more resilient Europe
President von der Leyen’s political guidelines set a strategic long-term direction to achieve the transition towards a green, digital and fair Europe. They lay out a path for Europe to become the first...
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Guidelines on the Circular Economy for Western Balkan countries and Turkey
This guideline report is designed for civil society organisations and people interested in contributing to the transition towards a circular economy in the Western Balkans and Turkey. The report provides...
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While research and innovation (R&I) are at the core of the response to the pandemic itself in the areas of virology, vaccines development, treatments and diagnostics, it will be crucial also in the...
Links
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Western Balkans Investment Framework (WBIF)
The Western Balkans Investment Framework (WBIF) supports socio-economic development and EU accession across the Western Balkans through the provision of finance and technical assistance for strategic ...
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Balkan Green Energy News Event Website
Balkan Greeen Energy News is regularly publishing upcoming events on their website.
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Balkan Greeen Energy News is regularly publishing open positions on their website.
Projects
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Advancing Sustainable Circular Bioeconomy in Central and Eastern European countries: BIOEASTsUP
The Central-Eastern European Initiative for Knowledge-based Agriculture, Aquaculture and Forestry in the Bioeconomy – BIOEAST – offers a common political commitment and shared strategic research and innovation...
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The main goal of AGROinLOG is the demonstration of Integrated Biomass Logistic Centres (IBLC) for food and non-food products, evaluating their technical, environmental and economic feasibility. The project...
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GIZ Open Regional Fund for South-East Europe – Energy Efficiency
Regional project: Open Regional Fund for South-East Europe – Energy Efficiency (ORF-EE) Commissioned by: German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ) Implemented by: Deutsche...