During the prestigious international agricultural exhibition AGRA 2025, an event titled “Opening Research to Society – Examples of Civic and Open Science at the Agricultural Academy” was held, where the newly established BIOEAST Hub Bulgaria was presented. The event emphasized the Bulgarian Agricultural Academy’s commitment to creating an open scientific community and sustainable practices for disseminating new knowledge.
The Hub has been established under the BOOST4BIOEAST project, initiated to develop the BIOEAST initiative and regional bioeconomy, and coordinated by the Agricultural Academy with the support of the Ministry of Agriculture and Food. It represents a new partnership platform among government institutions, academia, the business sector, and civil society aimed at building capacity and shaping up a sustainable bioeconomy in the country.
Fundamental principles incorporated in the organization include:
- Strategic Framework Provision: The BIOEAST Hub aids in engaging various stakeholders in the policymaking process in the field of bioeconomy, applying a well-established methodology.
- National Platform Representation: It brings together stakeholders from diverse fields without restrictions—experts, scientists, businesses involved in agriculture and forestry, the non-governmental sector, facilitating dialogue among them. This, in turn, fosters dialogue among stakeholders and encourages cooperation among its members.
- Knowledge Exchange Promotion: Through the BIOEAST Knowledge Platform and thematic events, the BIOEAST Hub supports stakeholders and offers access to scientific research results, strategies, best practices, know-how, and other key resources, which aid in the broader dissemination of knowledge and innovations in the sector.
- International Integration Support: It will assist in joining European initiatives and programs, strengthening links with international partners and scientific networks, which contributes to accelerating sustainable development of the bioeconomy in the region. Hubs in the project connect with European network initiatives (like Circular Bio-based Europe) through which the exchange of knowledge and best practices is enhanced.
The BIOEAST Hub not only helps integrate scientific research and innovations to improve processes related to the processing and utilization of biomass and the implementation of circular economy principles but also serves as a bridge among various stakeholders in creating new policies. The Hub actively promotes civic participation and open science, demonstrating the importance of transparency and public engagement in the application of scientific research outcomes and achievements.