Periodic Reporting for period 1 - Tech4Biowaste (A dynamic database of relevant technologies of bio-waste utilisation)
Berichtszeitraum: 2021-04-01 bis 2023-03-31
Bio-waste is a key waste stream in Europe with a high potential for contributing to a more circular economy. The Tech4Biowaste project paves the way for deployment of bio-waste technologies and technology configurations by setting-up a database providing a comprehensive technology overview (TRL4-9) for the valorisation of bio-waste (food waste and garden waste) into value added applications including organic soil improvers, fertilisers, organic chemicals, fuels, and energy.
The database content was determined jointly with actors across the bio-waste value chain. Technology providers can showcase new and emerging technologies, even at lower TRL. Technology searchers can analyse and compare bio-waste valorisation technologies. Both categories of users can assess their commercialisation potential through the associated decision support tool.
The Tech4Biowaste database is composed of unique features based on the latest IT technologies and uses Open Source software (MediaWiki). To catalyse significant database usage and future growth, it connects directly with bioeconomy service platforms such as the BBEPP-led Pilots4U network A hybrid model was used to populate the database, combining inputs from the consortium’s publishers’ team and from a community of external volunteers.
Tech4Biowaste mobilised stakeholders (with a particular focus on intended users and contributors) for direct involvement (Co-creation, Trainings, Testing Panel, Advisory Board) e.g. in the design of the database, in the development of a continuation and expansion scenario and finally for the Business Plan targeting sustained growth and continuity of the open platform.
Tech4Biowaste yielded a robust online database, providing well over a hundred technology and company descriptions related to 36 biowaste valorisation (pre-treatment, processing and post-treatment) technologies. Arrangements have been made for the maintenance (and future expansion) of the database.
The database content was determined jointly with actors across the bio-waste value chain. Technology providers can showcase new and emerging technologies, even at lower TRL. Technology searchers can analyse and compare bio-waste valorisation technologies. Both categories of users can assess their commercialisation potential through the associated decision support tool.
The Tech4Biowaste database is composed of unique features based on the latest IT technologies and uses Open Source software (MediaWiki). To catalyse significant database usage and future growth, it connects directly with bioeconomy service platforms such as the BBEPP-led Pilots4U network A hybrid model was used to populate the database, combining inputs from the consortium’s publishers’ team and from a community of external volunteers.
Tech4Biowaste mobilised stakeholders (with a particular focus on intended users and contributors) for direct involvement (Co-creation, Trainings, Testing Panel, Advisory Board) e.g. in the design of the database, in the development of a continuation and expansion scenario and finally for the Business Plan targeting sustained growth and continuity of the open platform.
Tech4Biowaste yielded a robust online database, providing well over a hundred technology and company descriptions related to 36 biowaste valorisation (pre-treatment, processing and post-treatment) technologies. Arrangements have been made for the maintenance (and future expansion) of the database.
In WP1 the groundwork for stakeholder engagement was established. This included two external advisory bodies (Advisory Board and Testing Panel). Two online webinars and two large f2f industry events were (co-)organised, together attracting more than 1000 stakeholders. Some 20 further industry events were attended.
In WP2 the (Wikipedia-like) set-up and structure of the database was determined and put into place. This included bottom-up development of the database backbone, the selection and use of open-source software, the implementation of data tables and templates and the completion of a full set of initial technology profiles. Furthermore needs and requirements of leading stakeholders were determined and their interest in the technology database confirmed, documented in the feasibility study.
In WP3 a database design-blueprint and scope were developed and validated. Initial efforts in year 1 focused on content, design, functions, structure, and framework of the database. Efforts in year 2 were concentrated on the population and delivery of the database. A plan to recruit external contributors (volunteers) was developed and implemented. Technical scripts (bots) to automatically generate database content were written. To facilitate past and future database contributors, a versatile set of tools and procedures was provided.
WP4 assessed arrangements to maximise the database’s relevance and impact. Project benefits, business models, possibilities for database cross-linking/embedding, and opportunities for cross-financing and public funding were studied. A Benefits Realisation Exercise confirmed that the motivation and approach of the Tech4Biowaste project is well structured and well-thought-out. A Lean Canvas lead to the insights that for long-term sustainability it would be better not to operate the database on a stand-alone basis. (New) Candidates for collaboration were identified and negotiations started.
In WP5 the project visual identity was developed. Two project’s videos were conceptualised, designed, and implemented. Both videos feature a detective theme, and all roles are played by members of the project. Promotional campaigns were implemented. Aim of the campaigns is to stimulate technology searchers to make use of the database and to stimulate technology providers to add data on their specific technologies to the database.
In the context WP6 four progress meetings were held in person and some 50 biweekly progress meetings were held online. Both served to coordinate the activities between different WPs. This WP also covered the preparation of deliverables documenting work procedures, ethical requirements, assessing and mitigating risks, data management, project performance and impact, etc.
First and foremost, Tech4Biowaste yielded a robust online database, providing well over a hundred technology and company descriptions related to 36 biowaste valorisation (pre-treatment, processing and post-treatment) technologies. Arrangements have been made for the maintenance (and future expansion) of the database. To facilitate technology providers to submit data to this database, (a) a comprehensive coaching and support package and (b) a social media promotion campaign, built around the two project videos, were also conceptualised, designed, and implemented.
In WP2 the (Wikipedia-like) set-up and structure of the database was determined and put into place. This included bottom-up development of the database backbone, the selection and use of open-source software, the implementation of data tables and templates and the completion of a full set of initial technology profiles. Furthermore needs and requirements of leading stakeholders were determined and their interest in the technology database confirmed, documented in the feasibility study.
In WP3 a database design-blueprint and scope were developed and validated. Initial efforts in year 1 focused on content, design, functions, structure, and framework of the database. Efforts in year 2 were concentrated on the population and delivery of the database. A plan to recruit external contributors (volunteers) was developed and implemented. Technical scripts (bots) to automatically generate database content were written. To facilitate past and future database contributors, a versatile set of tools and procedures was provided.
WP4 assessed arrangements to maximise the database’s relevance and impact. Project benefits, business models, possibilities for database cross-linking/embedding, and opportunities for cross-financing and public funding were studied. A Benefits Realisation Exercise confirmed that the motivation and approach of the Tech4Biowaste project is well structured and well-thought-out. A Lean Canvas lead to the insights that for long-term sustainability it would be better not to operate the database on a stand-alone basis. (New) Candidates for collaboration were identified and negotiations started.
In WP5 the project visual identity was developed. Two project’s videos were conceptualised, designed, and implemented. Both videos feature a detective theme, and all roles are played by members of the project. Promotional campaigns were implemented. Aim of the campaigns is to stimulate technology searchers to make use of the database and to stimulate technology providers to add data on their specific technologies to the database.
In the context WP6 four progress meetings were held in person and some 50 biweekly progress meetings were held online. Both served to coordinate the activities between different WPs. This WP also covered the preparation of deliverables documenting work procedures, ethical requirements, assessing and mitigating risks, data management, project performance and impact, etc.
First and foremost, Tech4Biowaste yielded a robust online database, providing well over a hundred technology and company descriptions related to 36 biowaste valorisation (pre-treatment, processing and post-treatment) technologies. Arrangements have been made for the maintenance (and future expansion) of the database. To facilitate technology providers to submit data to this database, (a) a comprehensive coaching and support package and (b) a social media promotion campaign, built around the two project videos, were also conceptualised, designed, and implemented.
Before the implementation of Tech4Biowaste there was no other portal or database operational, providing company and technology information for biowaste conversion technologies at a somewhat lower technology readiness level (TRL).
Companies (technology providers) included in the database confirmed that the motivation and approach of the Tech4Biowaste project is well structured and well-thought-out. Searching the database can help reduce the time needed to identify candidate technologies and/or business partners.
The specific scope of Tech4Biowaste database renders it a unique platform, with few of any direct competitors. The project consortium is seeking active collaboration with other bioeconomy portals and communities with the perspective of developing a joint (potentially one-stop) bioeconomy service platform.
Companies (technology providers) included in the database confirmed that the motivation and approach of the Tech4Biowaste project is well structured and well-thought-out. Searching the database can help reduce the time needed to identify candidate technologies and/or business partners.
The specific scope of Tech4Biowaste database renders it a unique platform, with few of any direct competitors. The project consortium is seeking active collaboration with other bioeconomy portals and communities with the perspective of developing a joint (potentially one-stop) bioeconomy service platform.