During the first reporting period, SYMBIO concentrated its efforts on the scientific and technical foundations needed to operationalise industrial symbiosis across twelve European pilot regions.
The project began with the systematic mapping and assessment of biological resources, technologies, and infrastructures. Partners created a harmonised Regional Data Hub covering nearly 70% of European bioresources. This process enabled the selection of 12 promising bio-based products through SWOT analyses and the identification of critical gaps in supply chains. Stakeholder engagement played a central role in testing and validating the methodologies. Twelve regional meetings were organised, involving 226 participants and supported by “Two-Day Workshop Guides” available in eight languages. These workshops combined technical training with co-design sessions, ensuring that the proposed solutions reflected real regional needs and strengthening the robustness of the scientific outcomes.
Building on this foundation, the VCG.AI® digital platform was enhanced and applied to map 579 companies and 202 clusters—far exceeding initial targets. Through this, 47 circular value chains (BioLinks®) were modelled, linking regional biomass flows, technological processes, and market opportunities. These BioLinks® represent concrete pathways for zero-waste solutions and were validated in regional workshops, where stakeholders engaged directly with the platform to design and refine potential value chains. Approximately ten of these models emerged as the most promising and replicable at the European scale, laying the ground for further environmental and economic assessments.
In parallel, a methodological framework was developed under WP3 to evaluate the performance and replicability of symbiotic business models. This framework is based on Multi-Criteria Decision-Making Analysis (MCDMA), integrating nine key indicators across economic, ecological, and social dimensions. Complementary policy mapping at EU, national, and regional levels provided an overview of enabling conditions and barriers, particularly in relation to the European Green Deal and the EU Bioeconomy Strategy. Together, these scientific activities ensured that SYMBIO’s technical outputs are not only grounded in solid data but also aligned with regulatory and market contexts.
At this stage, the project’s main scientific achievements include the creation of a harmonised regional bioresource inventory, the design and validation of 47 BioLinks®, the prioritisation of ten replicable business models, and the establishment of an integrated evaluation methodology. These outcomes provide actionable knowledge and tested models that demonstrate how industrial symbiosis can reduce greenhouse gas emissions, improve resource efficiency, and stimulate resilient regional bio-based economies. They also set the stage for the upcoming demonstration of environmental, social, and economic impacts in the next project phases
