Periodic Reporting for period 2 - Pilots4U (A network of bioeconomy open access pilot and multipurpose demo facilities)
Reporting period: 2018-06-01 to 2019-08-31
Pilots4U has the following objectives:
1. Setup one very visible, easy accessible network of open access pilot and multipurpose demo-infrastructures for the European bio-economy protecting IP rights of users.
2. An analysis of the current capabilities of this open access infrastructure network.
3. An analysis of the needs of the European biobased industry regarding pilot- and multipurpose demo-infrastructures, and a gap analysis to identify deficiencies.
4. A plan with remedies, actions and proposals for bridging the identified gap between current capabilities and European biobased industry needs.
Furthermore, the European capabilities in terms of open access pilot- and demo infrastructure were assessed, based on the database entries, and the knowledge of the consortium. To assure that the network meets the needs of the European bio-economy industry current European pilot and demo-capabilities were compared with the needs of the European biobased industry which were questioned using an online survey. Info from both exercises was used to deliver a gap analysis to identify deficiencies in the provision of bioeconomy scale up needs (from an equipment or skills perspective). The conclusions were presented and validated with a wide range of bioeconomy experts via a series of workshops and webinars.
The outcomes of the gap analysis and horizon scan workshops were used to gain an understanding of the most urgent/high priority needs and gaps, namely investment is:
1. New equipment assets to strengthen existing centres
2. Coordination actions that help pilot plants to maximise the exploitation of existing equipment and expertise
3. Knowledge generation to increase the expertise and tools available at existing European pilot centres.
Associated business cases for investment were developed to drive plans and actions required to bridge identified gaps. Each business case included a detailed explanation of the issue to be addressed, possible options available, benefits of the recommended solution and an estimation of the cost of each proposed intervention incl. potential funding routes.
Expected results obtained so far:
1. Detailed analysis of the relevant open access pilot plant and equipment modules available for use by research organisations and industry in the development and multipurpose demonstration of biorefinery processes
2. Assessment of the status of existing bioeconomy relevant plant and equipment modules in terms of continued provision and identifying key assets that are of critical importance to enabling development and multipurpose demonstration of biorefinery-relevant processes
3. Assessment of industry and SME needs currently and in the near-future
4. Opportunities to learn from demonstrable best operational practice
5. Development of operational and legal models to encourage joint working and collaboration, including IP arrangements
6. Awareness raising
7. One Europe-wide network of open access pilot and multipurpose demo-facilities with a central point of entry (containing a searchable database of infrastructure and equipment modules)
8. Gap analysis between available pilot and demo infrastructure for the EU bio-economy and actual industry needs
9. Business cases in response to the gap analysis including potential funding mechanisms
10. A Memorandum of Understanding between the project partners expressing the interest and commitment to continue the Pilots4U Network
11. A preliminary business plan for the post-project governance and financial model of the network
12. A set of policy recommendations resulting from the Pilots4U Project