How the Regional Bioeconomy Succeeds - Free Online Training for a Sustainable Economy

Addressing the conscious and sustainable use of natural resources is one of the greatest challenges of our time. The bioeconomy plays a pivotal role in making our economy and society more sustainable and environmentally friendly.

To promote and strengthen knowledge about the bioeconomy, the SCALE-UP project has developed a comprehensive training program. The program offers 21 free online seminars covering seven essential topics related to the bioeconomy. Each topic is covered in three events, providing participants with expert presentations, ample time for discussions, and opportunities to engage with industry colleagues. The training courses are available free of charge and are conducted in English. Additionally, an AI-powered online translator is utilized to provide translations for local languages for the training content.

Kristina Pammer from Business Upper Austria emphasizes the value of these seminars for employees in the food industry, public administration, research institutions, universities, teachers, and NGOs, as they present a unique opportunity to expand their knowledge of the bioeconomy.

To participate in any individual seminar, simply register by sending an email to lebensmittel-cluster@biz-up.at. Please include your name, company, and email address, and you will receive a registration link for the relevant dates in due time.

Training 1: Efficient regional infrastructures and biomass logistics

To be sustainable, bioeconomy needs to apply the principles of the circular economy, by extending the life cycle of the biomass resources and promoting a cascading use of these resources. Bioeconomy also aims at contributing to the neutral carbon emission goals by substituting for fossil-based materials and energy, and by re-localising value chains in the regions. Therefore, sustainable bioeconomy systems strongly depend on efficient regional infrastructures and biomass logistics, which are still lacking to fully achieve bioeconomy potential.

The following barriers are identified:

• lack of interconnection between actors in the value chain to optimise biomass streams, enhance recycling, mutualise infrastructures, transport and energy
• lack of locally available infrastructures to process biomass lack of knowledge on available solutions (example “low-tech” solutions in the context of rural areas), best practices and cooperation models that support efficient biomass management
• lack of awareness of available funding and incentive schemes

This training aims to help the actors: inside the bio-based value chains to overcome the aforementioned obstacles.

Dates:

September 7, 2023

September 26, 2023

October 19, 2023

Training 2: Integrating primary producers into bio-based value chains

In the bioeconomy, primary producers are often left behind in the value chain, despite being the foundation for successful production of bio-based products and processes. This is due to a lack of information and education on relevant topics, as well as a lack of consistent networking. The integration of primary producers is crucial for the success of the bioeconomy, and addressing these issues is necessary to ensure their participation and success in the value chain. With the SCALE-UP training programme, solutions to tackle these issues shall be worked on.

Dates:

November 9, 2023

November 21, 2023

Dezember 7, 2023

Training 3: Digitalisation in the Bioeconomy

Digital solutions hold immense potential for advancing the bioeconomy, particularly in transforming waste streams, residues, and biomass into valuable resources, materials, and energy. However, many entities struggle to keep pace with rapid digital developments and adopt relevant technologies. This training will explore various digital solutions, such as real-time monitoring stations, sensors, Internet of Things (IoT), smart grids, GPS tracking systems, and blockchain, and provide participants with insights on leveraging digitalization investments for bio-based solutions.

Dates:

January 16, 2024

February 6, 2024

February 27, 2024

Training 4: Improved nutrient recycling in the circular bioeconomy

To tackle the challenges of conventional fertilizer production, which heavily relies on fossil fuels and faces looming phosphate shortages, bio-based alternatives for fertilizers offer a promising solution. However, barriers such as policy maker awareness, stakeholder knowledge gaps, and lack of financial support hinder their adoption. This training will equip participants with the necessary information to address these challenges and promote nutrient recycling in the circular bioeconomy.

Dates:

March 12, 2024

April 4, 2024

April 23, 2024

Training 5: Developing and implementing practices of “social innovations” in the context of rural bioeconomies

Achieving a sustainable society necessitates rethinking and innovating economic processes, governance models, consumption patterns, value systems, and lifestyles. Social innovations play a crucial role in effecting profound structural changes towards a sustainable bioeconomy. This training will cover various aspects of social innovation development and implementation to foster sustainable bioeconomy practices.

Dates:

May 14, 2024

June 4, 2024

June 25, 2024

Training 6: Effective and innovative governance of regional bio-based systems

Governance plays a vital role in the successful development and implementation of bio-based systems, offering substantial environmental, economic, and social benefits. This training program will address governance challenges, particularly public support schemes, and empower participants with practical skills to develop effective solutions for regional bio-based systems.

Dates:

September 5, 2024

September 26, 2024

October 17, 2024

Training 7: Strategies to address social, ecological and economic trade-offs in regional bioeconomy development

Regional bioeconomy development must strike a balance between various interests, considering social, ecological, and economic aspects. By identifying challenges and fostering effective collaboration among stakeholders, this training aims to find solutions that prioritize ecosystem management, sustainable biomass use, food security, and environmental sustainability in the bioeconomy context.

Dates:

October 31, 2024

November 21, 2024

December 12, 2024

International Collaboration Project - "SCALE-UP"

The "SCALE-UP" project, funded by the European Union’s Horizon Europe research and innovation programme, encompasses all 21 training sessions. Besides Upper Austria, Andalusia (Spain), French Atlantic Arc (France), Strumica (Northern Macedonia), Mazovia (Poland), Northern Sweden are also part of the focus regions.

Project partners

• Ecologic Institute, Germany (Coordinator)
• Association of Chambers of Agriculture in the Atlantic Arc (AC3A), France
• Technological Corporation of Andalusia (CTA), Spain
• International Centre for Sustainable Development of Energy, Water and Environment Systems (SDEWES), North Macedonia
• UNIMOS Foundation (UNIMOS), Poland
• Business Upper Austria, Austria
• Biomass Technology Group (BTG), Netherlands
• WIP Wirtschaft und Infrastruktur GmbH & Co Planungs-KG (WIP), Germany
• BioFuel Region (BFR), Sweden

Original text: Business Upper Austria

The "SCALE-UP" project has received funding from the European Union’s Horizon Europe research and innovation programme under grant agreement No.101060264.