PolicyPaper: Skills and knowledge transfer to boost the bioeconomy

The bioeconomy transition will require a broad set of competencies; not only technical expertise in engineering, green chemistry, and bioprocessing, but also data and value chain analysis, business and marketing strategies, systems thinking, entrepreneurship, and regulatory expertise. A multidisciplinary approach to skills development can bridge knowledge gaps, enhance workforce adaptability, and enable achievement of the priorities set out in the EU Bioeconomy Strategy and national bioeconomy roadmaps.
However, developing and transferring knowledge effectively remains a challenge. Successful knowledge transfer requires structured collaboration, where the ‘sender’ and ‘receiver’ not only exchange knowledge but also ensure its practical application, absorption, and replication. Beyond technical expertise, knowledge transfer must also consider socio-economic and political
dimensions, the structure of education systems, public engagement, and the governance
frameworks necessary for a sustainable bioeconomy transition.

To accelerate this transition, the CEE2ACT project puts forward the following recommendations
for policymakers to strengthen knowledge transfer and build bioeconomy skills in Europe:
•Build public and political awareness about bioeconomy opportunities, by integrating the
bioeconomy into economic and industrial strategies and emphasising its economic benefits and role in sustainability;
•Foster multi-actor collaboration through structured partnerships, innovation hubs, and living labs to bridge research and real-world application;
•Improve access to financing by enhancing awareness of funding, expanding financial advisory services in National Bioeconomy Hubs, and leveraging blended finance to attract private investment;
•Accelerate technical knowledge transfer via digital learning, regional demonstration hubs, and industry-led training to strengthen expertise in bio-based technologies;
•Streamline governance for bioeconomy growth by ensuring cross-ministerial coordination, simplifying regulations, and using regulatory sandboxes to scale innovations.
•Strengthening education and training by developing strong programmes and professional training to equip future generations with bioeconomy skills, and showcasing successful bioeconomic models and climate action initiatives to boost engagement.