Working Group Leaders
Representatives of Brussels-based offices leading the work of Bioeconomy Working Group.
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.
ERRIN Contact
Previous Related ERRIN Working Group Meetings
Mission Soil: lessons learned and upcoming opportunities
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
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
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
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
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
Covenant of Companies for Climate and Energy launch pledging scheme
The Covenant of Companies has launched a brand-new pledging scheme where companies, in making a pledge with our programme, commit to taking action to decarbonise. In return, they offer companies the knowledge and support they need to carry out these measures including a suite of advisory services. The second call for technical assistance is now open and the deadline for submission is 31 August 2023 18:00 CEST
Regional Innovation Valleys calls for proposals launched!
The first Regional Innovation Valleys calls for proposals under the European Innovation Ecosystems (EIE) part of Horizon Europe and under the Interregional Innovation Investments (I3) Instrument of the ERDF were launched by the European Commission on 17 May with an overall budget of EUR 122 million. The closing date for applying is 17 October 2023.
Call to join the Commission Expert Group on the Interim Evaluation of Horizon Europe
On 15 May, the European Commission's DG RTD launched a call for applications for the Commission Expert Group on the Interim Evaluation of Horizon Europe. The group shall gather 15 highly experienced members with the aim to provide the Commission with strategic recommendations to feed into the design of the next Framework Programme 2028-2034.
Pathways2Resilience launches Expression of Interest
The Pathways2Resilience programme has launched its Expression of Interest questionnaire. The programme will allocate €21 million across 100 regions and communities through two call cycles, while also providing them with a range of support services and capacity-building activities to support the formulation of local resilience pathways and innovation agendas. The deadline for local and regional public authorities to express their interest in the programme is 15 September.
The Intelligent Cities Challenge: Deadline extended until 31 May
The Intelligent Cities Challenge (ICC) is one of the European Commission's largest city support initiatives supporting European cities in their green and digital transitions. ICC delivers cutting-edge knowledge and support services to cities and their local economies to address two major challenges: making the transition to a net-zero economic model while enabling social inclusion and sustainable development for every EU citizen. The application deadline for cities has been extended to 31 May 2023.
Gearing up for the Regional Innovation Valleys call for proposals under Horizon Europe
The planned launch of the Regional Innovation Valleys call for proposals under Horizon Europe is approaching on 17 May 2023. ERRIN is happy to share a recap of the latest insights and dedicated activities organised with the aim of supporting network members interested in applying to the call.
Latest Updates
- By Agnieszka Wieczorek Jetha
Bioeconomy Stakeholder Panel Newsletter
On 17th November, the Bioeconomy Stakeholder Panel invited intersted stakeholders from the bioeconomy industry to a open workshop session on the newly released Bioeconomy Manifesto. The event, "The Bioeconomy Manifesto as a Collaborative Tool for Facilitating Innovation and Growth for a Stronger European Bioeconomy" took place in Brussels on 17 November.
- By Agnieszka Wieczorek Jetha
A report on the Biorefining Potential for Scotland
The most detailed insight yet into the circular economy opportunities for bio-based waste and by-products generated in Scotland. In the Biorefining Potential for Scotland report, bio-resource arisings in Scotland have been mapped to understand the scale and shape of the potential market.
- By Agnieszka Wieczorek Jetha
Bio Base NWE Project Wins RegioStars Award 2017
The Bio Base NWE project, coordinated by Bio Base Europe Pilot Plant from 2013 to 2015, won the RegioStars Award 2017 in the category ‘Smart Specialisation for SME Innovation‘. Bio Base NWE, co-financed by the INTERREG IVB programme of the European Union, brought together bio-based economy experts from eight organisations in five different countries.
- By Gianpiero Petruzziello
Overcoming investment barriers in the forest sector
The European Forest Institute – Bioregions Facility and the European Investment Bank are organising the hybrid workshop 'Overcoming investment barriers in the forest sector' on 13 September 2024. The event targets participants from regional governments, business development agencies, financial institutes, EU Commission representatives, forest and wood industries and Brussels-based networks.
- By Daniele Ruggiano
Workshop on regional policies to promote the adoption of innovation by public administrations
The EU project Prepare brings together four regions that are interacting with the local ecosystems to design novel policies that promote demand-driven co-creation for the benefit of local public services, SMEs and citizens. The aim is to help unlock the potential of innovation procurement to turn regional needs into opportunities. A workshop with thematic insights, resources and best practices will take place on 27 June from 9:00-12:30 in Brussels.
- By Annelie Zapfe
From Vision to Action: Co-Creating Rural Futures
The development and connectivity of rural areas, along with their interaction with urban regions, is a critical concern for Thuringia and many European regions. This event aims to initiate a co-design process in collaboration with like-minded European regions. You are invited to share your experiences, discuss, and contribute to the thematic topics of the World Café sessions: (1) Buildings as a Resource, (2) Mobility and Digitalisation, and (3) Community and Society. Your active participation and input, or that of your region, would be invaluable to this collaborative effort. This event will take place in Brussels, on 25 June, 14:30-19:00.