Working Group Leaders

Representatives of Brussels-based offices leading the work of Bioeconomy Working Group.

Angèle Liaigre
Angèle Liaigre

Cities Northen Netherlands

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Randi Johanne Hoseth
Randi Johanne Hoseth

Oslo Region European Office

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Simon Fredholm
Simon Fredholm

Region Värmland European Office

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Bioeconomy

The Working Group focuses on increasing the influence of regions and their stakeholders in shaping the European circular bioeconomy while also focusing on the Horizon Europe Mission Soil. The group covers the bioeconomy in the widest sense, tackling issues related to topics such as food systems, soil health, forestry, bioenergy, biowaste, bio-based products, among other things. Seeing the growing role of the bioeconomy in decarbonisation efforts, the group also concentrates on the ecological sustainability of these solutions (e.g. nature-based solutions, green and blue solutions for carbon capture). The group develops contacts with European policymakers to increase cooperation and projects between European regions in bioeconomy, with a particular focus on Horizon Europe and the Circular Bio-based Europe Partnership.

Last Working Group Meetings

Previous Related ERRIN Working Group Meetings

Mission Soil: lessons learned and upcoming opportunities

Mission Soil: lessons learned and upcoming opportunities

Gianpiero Petruzziello

ERRIN Bioeconomy WG is organising an in-person meeting on 10 June 2024 from 15:00 to 17:00 to take stock of the latest developments on the Soil Mission.     This meeting aims to facilitate an in-

Policy & Smart Specialisation WGs meeting: Widening in FP10 and impact on cohesion policy post-2027

Policy & Smart Specialisation WGs meeting: Widening in FP10 and impact on cohesion policy post-2027

Ewa Chomicz

The topic of widening gathers high attention in the discussions around the next European Framework Programme for R&I, raising questions with the potential to influence not only the Widening sub-

Policy WG meeting: Role of EU Missions in FP10

Policy WG meeting: Role of EU Missions in FP10

Ewa Chomicz

ERRIN has been closely involved in the design and implementation of the EU Missions since their inception. Missions remain one of the network's priorities and were one of the four main areas of focus

WG Related Events

WG Related Events

Bioeconomy and ICT WG meeting: Bioeconomy meets data

The Bioeconomy and ICT WGs are organising an online meeting on how data and digital tools are used within different sectors of the bioeconomy, taking place on 23 November between 10:00-11:30 CET. Projects and initiatives from ERRIN member regions will be presented alongside a presentation by the European Commission on the use of digital tools in R&I activities to enable the transition of industrial circular bio-based systems in the EU.

Horizon4Poland '22 Matchmaking Event

Horizon4Poland ’22 matchmaking event organised by the Industry Contact Points of the Lukasiewicz Research Network takes place on 22 November 2022 between 09:30 and 17:15 in Warsaw. The purpose of the event is to build cooperation, match partners and support the creation of consortia to obtain funding for research and innovation projects under Horizon Europe Programme in six focus areas.

CONFERENCE ON INNOVATIONS TO REDUCE AND REMEDIATE FARM SOIL POLLUTION. A CONTRIBUTION TO THE EU SOIL STRATEGY.

A Conference on Innovations to reduce and remediate farm soil pollution – a contribution to the EU Soil Strategy’, to be held on 21 November, 15:00 – 18:00, at the EU Committee of the Regions. Three EU projects, with over 40 participants from EU member states and beyond, have teamed up to offer their contribution to the EU Soil Strategy objectives based on their project developments and results with different perspectives: environment, soil, agriculture, chemicals or food safety. The aim of this event is to share relevant information from the project results and encourage an open debate…

European Partnership Stakeholder Forum - One-year review of European Partnership Initiatives in Horizon Europe

On 15 and 16 November 2022, the European Commission will launch its first European Partnership Stakeholder Forum. The Forum focuses on reviewing the first year of partnerships and, in particular, how they can contribute to the twin green and digital transitions, and increase Europe’s resilience. Participation is possible online or in person in Brussels.

Changemakers and Pioneers

The Changemakers and Pioneers event, hosted by Glasgow Caledonian University and the University of the West of Scotland at Scotland House, Brussels is a unique opportunity to showcase projects, hear of others’ experiences and broker new partnerships. There will also be a specific session updating on the UK's association to Horizon Europe/Plan B as well as the latest funding opportunities. 

Brussels Talks: How to be an innovative region in Europe?

As part of the event series Brussels Talks, NCBR – Business & Science Poland are organising the online event 'How to be an innovative region in Europe?', with ERRIN director Pirita Lindholm as the main speaker. The event will discuss regional innovations ecosystems, how to support R&I capacities at local and regional level and how to reduce the innovation divide. Furthermore, the support offered by current EU funded programmes and initiatives will be explored.

WG Documents

WG Documents

The pivotal role of regions and the industry to make bioeconomy real

The ERRIN Bioeconomy Working Group, in collaboration with the Bio-based Industries Consortium (BIC), is currently drafting a document that underscores the pivotal role of regions and the synergies with the private sector in driving forward the circular bioeconomy. This document aims to provide actionable recommendations to policymakers and stakeholders at both regional and EU levels.

ERRIN Year in review 2022

The ERRIN Year in review 2022 is out! Read the report to see the numerous activities ERRIN and its members have been involved in throughout the year.

Handbook on implementation and adoption barriers of urban living labs developing nature-based solutions

Developing Urban Living Labs is a relatively novel approach in urban areas, and consequently, there are many challenges and barriers that cities face during ULL adoption. This handbook, developed by the UNaLab project, aims to identify and explore some common barriers to the adoption of Urban Living Labs, and provide cities with a tool and an understanding of how to strategically address these barriers.

ERRIN input paper on a future EU Algae Strategy

ERRIN's input paper on a potential EU Algae Strategy, highlighting the challenges and opportunities of such a strategy at a regional and local level.

ERRIN input to the future EU Algae Strategy - Draft

A drafting group has prepared a first version of the ERRIN input to the future EU Algae Strategy.

WG Related Content

WG Related Content

Feedback opportunity for Horizon Europe work programme 2025

The European Commission opened an opportunity to provide input for the development of the Horizon Europe ‘main’ work programme 2025. Submitted responses will contribute to the co-design of the work programme 2025, covering all six clusters, research infrastructures, European innovation ecosystems, the five EU Missions and the New European Bauhaus facility. The deadline for feedback is 6 May 2024 midday, CEST.

Extended Deadline: Communities for Climate (C4C) Call

The C4C initiative will support 50 community-led projects in 11 European Union countries. These projects will be designed to engage citizens in addressing climate and sustainability issues. The focus areas for these projects are renewable energy, sustainable water management, circular and resource-efficient economy, and biodiversity.

Laimburg Research Centre is looking for a coordinator for the 1st Agroecology Partnership call

Laimburg Research Centre is looking for a coordinator for the 1st Agroecology Partnership call. With a participative and multistakeholder approach, Laimburg Research Centre develops sustainable solutions for the local food supply chain, involving the main players in the sector.

The European Capital of Innovation Awards

In 2024, the European Innovation Council is celebrating the 10th anniversary of the European Capital of Innovation Awards. The competition rewards those European cities that are courageous enough to open their governance practices to experimentation and push the boundaries of technology for the benefit of their citizens. In addition to the monetary reward, the prize brings high visibility in the form of renewed public interest and increased media coverage. The deadline for submission is 18 June 2024, 17:00. 

Apply for the European Green Capital & European Green Leaf Awards 2026

European cities committed to sustainability are encouraged to apply for the 2026 edition of the European Green Capital and Green Leaf Awards before the deadline on 30 April 2024. The Awards promote and reward the efforts of European towns and cities that strive to reduce their impact on the local and global environment, improving the quality of life for their inhabitants. 

NEIA implementation report & Regional Innovation Valleys update

On 20 March, the Commission published the first report on the state of play of the New European Innovation Agenda, following its launch in July 2022. The document outlines the progress and achievements with regard to the 25 actions under Agenda’s five flagships, including the Regional Innovation Valleys. On the same day, an EU R&I Days debate on the way forward for RIVs was also held.

Latest Updates

  • By Hilary Webb

Express interest in joining Adaptation Mission & signing Charter

Regions and communities are now invited by the European Commission to complete a survey expressing their interest in joining the Mission on Adaptation to Climate Change. After survey responses have been reviewed, eligible regions will be invited to sign the Mission Charter. 

  • By Hilary Webb

Consultation on EU4Algae stakeholder forum

Ahead of the launch of the EU4Algae stakeholder forum, DG MARE are collecting views, needs and expectations from EU algae stakeholders.

  • By Heidi Johansson

The Bioeconomy Working Group is looking for two new leaders

The Bioeconomy Working Group is looking for two new leaders to co-lead the group together with the current leaders from the Pays de la Loire Region and the Oslo Region. The deadline to express your interest to join the WG co-leadership is Friday 11 March.

  • By Ewa Chomicz

Second set of calls under Digital Europe Programme open

The second wave of calls for proposals under the Digital Europe Programme has been launched, with the deadline for applications on 17 May 2022. The funding will see an investment of over €292 million in multiple areas.

  • By Gaia Ialisa Marotta

Call for proposal for the 10th edition of the EU Design Days

The next edition of EU Design Days will take place on 10 June in Brussels! This year the topic will be “Will beauty actually save the world? How can design contribute to the green transition and help us to achieve the goals of the EU Green Deal?”

  • By Hilary Webb

Become a partner of the 2022 EU Regions Week

The 20th edition of the European Week of Regions and Cities will take place from 10 - 13 October this year. To start preparations for the conference, applications for EU Regions Week partners are now open.