BIObec

The overall aim of the BIObec project is to develop a holistic framework for developing and establishing multi-level Bio-Based Education Centres (BBECs). These centres will be flexible enough to answer the present and future needs of the industry and of the surrounding ecosystem at local, regional and national levels.

The BIObec project is geared towards improving education, understanding and skills for the emerging European bioeconomy. As such it will improve the awareness of the benefits of a vibrant circular economy throughout Europe.

In particular, it will improve the situation in those areas where the bioeconomy has greatest potential, reducing the environment impact of current methods locally, nationally and at a European level. It will help promote lifelong learning, which will be a key element of Europe’s future prosperity.

From a social perspective, it will also create new value chains locally and encourage business development, particularly in rural areas, many in less-well-off areas. This in turn bring new jobs - both directly and indirectly – in biobased ventures. In rural areas, this will help prevent migration to urban areas.

The BIObec project is aiming at delivering a number of impacts and has set itself a number of goals to measure these. It will:

• Develop a comprehensive overview of the requisite needs and define criteria and conditions for the Bio-Based Education Centres;
• Define the most effective design and business models for developing and establishing a BBEC and its subsequent activities;
• Provide governance plans, learning programs and feasibility assessments for the proposed BBECs;
• Develop a strategy for rolling out and replicating the BBECs at European and international level;
• Motivate stakeholders to co-create, disseminate and communicate on the benefits of the project.