Context:
In the wake of pressing global challenges such as climate change, resource depletion, and biodiversity loss, there is an urgent need to transition from linear, fossil-based economies to more sustainable, resilient, and circular bio-based economies. The European Union has been at the forefront of advocating for and implementing strategies aimed at fostering a circular bioeconomy. However, the path to a circular bioeconomy is fraught with complexities involving technological, economic, social, and regulatory dimensions. The BIOTRANSFORM project is seeking to address the systemic barriers and leverage points for facilitating such a transformative shift at a regional level.
Overall Objectives:
- To develop and validate a comprehensive methodology for the systemic transformation of regions from linear fossil-based economies to circular bio-based economies.
- To actively engage regional stakeholders, including businesses, policymakers, academia, and civil society, in a co-creation process to tailor and implement transformation pathways.
- To demonstrate the effectiveness of the transformation pathways in selected pilot regions and develop mechanisms for the replication and scaling of successful models across Europe and beyond.
Expected Impact:
- Environmental sustainability: By transitioning to a circular bioeconomy, the project aims to significantly reduce waste, carbon emissions, and natural resource consumption.
- Economic resilience: The project expects to foster economic resilience by diversifying regional economies, creating new green jobs, and stimulating innovation in bio-based products and services.
- Social prosperity: Through inclusive stakeholder engagement processes, the project aims to ensure that the transition to a circular bioeconomy is socially equitable, offering opportunities for all sectors of society and enhancing regional quality of life.
- Policy influence: By showcasing successful models of regional transformation, BIOTRANSFORM aims to inform and influence policy at local, national, and European levels, contributing to the broader adoption of circular bioeconomy strategies.
Integration of Social Sciences and Humanities:
The project recognizes the crucial role of social sciences and humanities in understanding the societal implications of the transition to a circular bioeconomy. These disciplines are integral to the project for analysing social dynamics, governance structures, cultural values, and behavioral changes essential for facilitating systemic transformation.
