During its first reporting period, RIBES laid the analytical, participatory, and technical foundations needed to achieve its objectives. Activities across all work packages progressed in full alignment with the project’s strategy, linking research, governance, technology, and stakeholder engagement into a coherent whole.
WP1 – Project Management and Governance provided coordination and strategic direction through the General Assembly, Executive Board, and Advisory Board. The management, quality, and data plans established clear operational standards for all partners.
WP2 – Social-Ecological Transformative Innovation Framework developed a shared analytical foundation for understanding regional bioeconomy ecosystems and the behavioural roots of social innovation. A comprehensive review, bibliometric mapping, and a 3,000-respondent survey across ten regions revealed that the circular bioeconomy can strengthen resilience in agriculturally based areas. Ongoing dialogues within the MTFs validated findings, supported co-creation, and anchored results in local contexts.
WP3 – Co-development of Social and Technological Solutions launched ribesplatform.eu a multi-module digital tool combining a Bioeconomy Repository, Networking Platform, and Marketplace connecting producers and consumers of bio-based products. Co-designed with MTF input, it supports biomass logistics, environmental and techno-economic assessments, and multi-criteria evaluation combining LCA, TEA, and social indicators—validated through a pilot in Greece. Prototype business models and eco-labelling pathways were identified for each region to guide sustainable entrepreneurship.
WP4 – Transformative Governance Approaches assessed governance quality and resilience across regions using eight indicators, showing strong links between institutional strength, innovation, and adaptability. A ToC-based capacity-building process was designed to support participatory planning and learning, validated through consultations and MTF feedback.
WP5 – Dissemination, Communication, and Exploitation expanded RIBES’s visibility and reach. The visual identity, website, and social media were established early, achieving more than 3,700 website visits, 453 followers, and participation in 29 events. Over 170 stakeholders joined MTFs, becoming key drivers of co-creation. Partnerships with BIOLOC and other Cluster 6 projects strengthened policy dialogue and exploitation planning for long-term sustainability.
WP6 – Ethics Requirements ensured that all research and engagement activities complied with ethical standards and GDPR. An independent Ethics Advisor, multilingual consent forms, and data-minimization protocols ensured transparency and trust.
