CEE2ACT Materials

This paper explores how bioeconomy-specialized clusters function as systemic intermediaries that support innovation, coordination, and business transformation in the transition to a circular bioeconomy. Using a qualitative case study methodology, we analyze how bioclusters in Romania enable SME development, knowledge transfer, and cross-sector innovation, ultimately strengthening regional entrepreneurial ecosystems.

The concept of circular bioeconomy has been recognized as an important strategic concept for the green transition. In this context, the forest-based sector plays a key role in ensuring sustainable and balanced environmental, economic, and social development using bio-based resources. Application of the circular bioeconomy concept requires innovation in forestry. The end result will be healthier ecosystems that consume and waste fewer resources. However, integrating the concept of circular bioeconomy into forestry is a challenge due to the numerous conflicts and interests in space. In the coming period, innovative methods in the use of forestry biomass should be more actively promoted in Serbia, including circular business models, by increasing the efficiency of scientific, technical and financial support for innovations in this area. The key solution is in the knowledge transfer.

The bioeconomy transition will require a broad set of competencies; not only technical expertise in engineering, green chemistry, and bioprocessing, but also data and value chain analysis, business and marketing strategies, systems thinking, entrepreneurship, and regulatory expertise. A multidisciplinary approach to skills development can bridge knowledge gaps, enhance workforce adaptability, and enable achievement of the priorities set out in the EU Bioeconomy Strategy and national bioeconomy roadmaps

While the European Commission has announced the revision of the EU Bioeconomy Strategy, there are still European countries that need to develop their national strategies and start investing into bioeconomy as one of the main responses to environmental and biodiversity challenges. The CEE2ACT project is deploying a bottom-up approach to increase local support for national bioeconomy strategies in 10 Central and Eastern European countries. Through an open dialogue, CEE2ACT connects a diverse coalition of engaged and motivated bioeconomy stakeholders, industry players, ministries, and decision makers committed to achieve national bioeconomy goals.

Bioeconomy is expected to contribute to all 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and in particular to SDGs 1 and 2 (Zero Hunger & Good Health and Well-Being), SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure), SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production) and SDG 13 (Climate Action). CEE2Act has set itself the goal of supporting the countries in the CEE region on their path towards a circular bioeconomy. The aim is to achieve sustainable utilisation of the various types of biomass by converting them into corresponding value-added products. There are different solutions that can contribute to the implementation of the bioeconomy from a bottom-up perspective in different EU Member States (MS). Therefore, it is necessary to give advice on which specific bioeconomy solutions should be implemented in a specific target country based on sustainability criteria.

Many European countries and regions still need to develop strategies to unleash the potential of the bioeconomy. To achieve this, policymakers need to include all stakeholders to create and implement a credible long-term vision that can ensure all viewpoints are heard, and interests are balanced Based on experiences gathered from Austria, Finland, Germany, the Netherlands and Sweden, CEE2ACT has developed a replicable stakeholder engagement strategy which involves: Establishing a stakeholder engagement platform with all critical sector involved, including national ministry representatives; Defining the organisational set-up around an existing network or cluster, or establishing a new working group under the ministry’s control; Performing a complete stakeholder mapping at all levels and considering their strategic role in the bioeconomy; Establishing the platform’s business model and long-term sustainability, and;Proposing platform actions to build trust, exchange knowledge, and set shared long-term vision and strategy.