On 18-20 September 2024, our 17 partners and hub members from 10 Central and Eastern European Countries gathered in the Netherlands for the International Site Visit at Wageningen University & Research. Two representatives from the Dutch Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, Food Security and Nature provided insightful presentations on the Dutch Bioeconomy policy and the knowledge and innovation agenda. We also explored biobased value circles and valorisation of side streams in agriculture and food processing, focusing on the cascade use of biomass. On the second day of the Site Visit, experts from WUR highlighted the research priorities in Central and Eastern Europe and the importance of bioeconomy skills and education.
Our 17 partners had the chance to exchange with key experts and visit WUR biobased pilot facilities. Researchers explained how they are testing the benefits of biobased packaging materials, and they showcased ways to predict quality practical storage for fresh products.
The Site Visit facilitated co-creation, knowledge transfer and collaboration – key pillars to accelerate the bioeconomy transition in Central and Eastern Europe.
Partners also discussed the projects’ progress and next steps, including the national roadmaps to support bioeconomy strategy development in Central and Eastern Europe. The 10 Hub coordinators took part in an interactive peer-to-peer exchange on engaging with the private sector. Our goal is to maximise the impacts of the project results and learnings among policy makers, industry, academic community and civil society.
It’s now time to adapt these inspiring practices to diverse contexts and continue accelerating the bioeconomy transition through a bottom-up approach.
