HEU Engage4Bio (cofin) (KB-34-003-011)

Engage4Bio aims to speed up the transition to a circular bioeconomy in European regions. The project works on improving cooperation between knowledge institutions, businesses, and governments on specific regional value chains, and on increasing societal engagement and awareness through the application of creativity and design, and better use of education and learning. Engage4Bio focuses on working together with regional partners on a shared future vision, and on identifying and carrying out concrete activities to implement objectives and ensure impact.

The project consists of four phases:

1. Development of frameworks, aimed at clarifying the underlying concepts of mission-driven innovation and the transition to a circular bioeconomy:

• the principles and pathways for valorizing biomass and side/residual streams into new applications;
• the perspective and conditions for implementation in a regional context;
• the role of creativity and design;
• the role of learning and awareness-raising;

• Development of pathways: co-creation of a regional future vision together with regional partners; strengthening knowledge and skills within regional networks; establishing awareness campaigns and training programs;
• Implementation of a program of regional activities (15), focused on raising awareness and broad public engagement in the regional circular bioeconomy, such as events and training sessions;
• Exchange between regional cases and sharing outcomes and insights with EU policy, national policies and networks (circular action plan, Dutch Circular Textile Valley) and within regional networks.

The consortium and cases within Engage4Bio have been structured to cover a broad range of bio-based resources, application areas, and transition paths:

• Austria: the transition of the construction and interior design sectors through wood valorization
• Hungary: agro-food residual stream valorization
• Netherlands: circular and biobased textiles - Green Metropolitan Region Arnhem – Nijmegen
• Italy: valorization of marine bio-resources
• Finland: bio-based packaging