Publication date:
The CBE JU has published its first synergies strategy, setting out how the programme will coordinate with other European, national and regional initiatives. The strategy provides a clear framework for linking CBE JU research and innovation efforts with other funding programmes to strengthen the scale-up and deployment of bio-based solutions.
The regulation establishing the joint undertakings calls for cooperation across EU programmes. The strategy reflects this mandate and describes how synergies with other programmes can create a more coherent and efficient investment framework for a thriving circular bioeconomy.
Connecting EU programmes and priorities
The strategy outlines how CBE JU objectives align with other parts of the Horizon Europe programme, such as Cluster 6, the EU Missions, European Innovation Council and related partnerships. It also maps relevant links with other EU funding instruments including the Innovation Fund, InvestEU and LIFE.
The strategy recognises that fragmentation across funding sources creates barriers for industry, especially for small and medium enterprises (SMEs). A more coordinated approach can unlock new streams of investment by matching innovation needs with the right funding tools at the right time, and by combining EU, national and regional funding for the scale-up of industrial demonstration with high local and regional impact.
This approach supports greater alignment between research, innovation and deployment objectives. It also improves the overall impact of EU funding by promoting complementarity.
Enabling innovation to scale
The strategy highlights how projects can benefit from additional support beyond the scope of Horizon Europe. In particular, CBE JU-funded flagship and demonstration actions often require significant investment in infrastructure. The document identifies pathways to connect CBE JU activities with funding opportunities from the Recovery and Resilience Facility, the Just Transition Fund and national or regional programmes, including cohesion policy funds.
Smart Specialisation Strategies play a key role in this context. They may ensure that regional development plans are aligned with bioeconomy goals, making it easier for local actors to mobilise funding for innovation and industrial infrastructure in this strategic sector, fostering the creation of local value chain by involving also primary producers.
Structured tools for collaboration
The CBE JU Synergies strategy proposes several mechanisms to support cooperation in practice. These include strategic alignment of research agendas, joint outreach efforts and information sharing across project clusters. CBE JU also works with networks such as COST and the Enterprise Europe Network (EEN) to expand its reach and increase visibility of bio-based opportunities, especially in widening participation countries.
Priorities for 2025 and 2026 include strengthening collaboration with key Horizon Europe partnerships and missions and improving information exchange at portfolio level.
At national and regional level, the strategy supports both capacity building and funding uptake. It recognises the need to increase participation from widening countries and describes how a ‘Seal of Excellence’ can help strong project proposals attract support from local sources.
The CBE JU states’ representatives group has a key role in this process. Its members help track national developments, support cooperation between programmes and share information on regional initiatives that align with CBE JU objectives.
A dedicated plan on national and regional synergies is also under preparation. This will build on input from the states’ representatives group and involve a synergy participatory workshop planned for autumn 2025. These activities aim to operationalise cooperation with managing authorities and identify opportunities to combine CBE JU funding with national and regional funding.
Guiding long-term alignment and impact
The Synergies strategy helps position CBE JU as a central actor in Europe’s bio-based innovation landscape. It provides clear direction on how to link EU-level research with deployment and regional development tools, with the goal of accelerating the uptake of sustainable circular bio-based solutions.