Bioeconomy model regions

Accelerating regional transformation

Transitioning to a circular bioeconomy is essential for achieving the European sustainability objectives by fostering sustainable development, reducing reliance on fossil resources, and creating new economic opportunities. However, putting bioeconomy strategies into practice at the regional level remains a challenge. Many stakeholders – such as regional authorities, businesses, researchers, and civil society – lack the actionable knowledge needed to translate broad strategies into region-specific solutions that align with local resources, regional needs and challenges, and sustainability goals.

BIO2REG focuses on the micro-regional and local level, where circular bioeconomy transitions have the most tangible impact. While regions across Europe differ in economic, ecological, and social conditions, certain drivers, dynamics, and activities consistently support successful bioeconomy transitions. Recognizing this diversity, bioeconomy model regions are categorized into three maturity levels—emerging, developing, and mature—each requiring tailored transition measures and strategic action fields. For a more detailed framework and practical guidance, explore BIO2REG Deliverable 1.1 BIO2REG regionalization concept for circular and systemic bioeconomy model regions.

Bioeconomy model regions empower regional stakeholders by providing a structured, implementation-focused approach to bioeconomy transitions. Model regions serve as innovation nuclei, integrating local resources, technologies, businesses, policies, education, funding and research to drive systemic change. Beyond developing sustainable, circular value chains, they contribute to structural transformation, e.g. fostering new jobs, attracting investment, enhancing regional resilience resource efficiency, quality of life and improve skill development.

This concept is initially rooted in the practical experience of establishing a circular bioeconomy model region in the Rhenish mining area, which began with the Bioeconomy Science Center in 2010 and later expanded through BioökonomieREVIER at Forschungszentrum Jülich – coordinator of BIO2REG. It has since driven systemic regional transition in response to the lignite mining phase-out while fostering sustainable jobs and enhancing the region’s attractiveness and quality of life.

In the course of the BIO2REG project, a framework for understanding bioeconomy model regions was conceptualized and specifically tailored to meet the needs of regional stakeholders. It has been further developed and validated through workshops and consultations, ensuring its practical relevance for diverse regional contexts.

What defines a bioeconomy model region?

Bioeconomy model regions drive regional transformation by bringing together sectors, businesses, and communities to build circular and sustainable bioeconomies. They foster innovation, collaboration, and local adaptation, ensuring that bio-based solutions are practical and scalable. Acting as real word testing grounds, these regions test and demonstrate new approaches to strengthen economic resilience, resource efficiency, and environmental sustainability.

Systemic approach

Bioeconomy model regions connect key sectors like agriculture, industry, research, regional administration and waste management to create circular value chains (see below and also chapter 5.2 in BIO2REG’s regionalization concept). By optimizing resource use, minimizing waste, and promoting economic, environmental, and social growth, they ensure a balanced and sustainable transition.

Governance and stakeholder engagement

Success depends on collaboration among regional stakeholders, including e.g. businesses, policymakers, researchers, civil society organisations, educators and communities. Bioeconomy model regions align regional efforts with national and global policies, encouraging joint decision-making and knowledge exchange to support circular bioeconomy practices.

Innovation nucleus

Bioeconomy model regions act as testing and validation grounds for new technologies, business models, policies, public participation, education and vocational approaches. Pressing issues such as climate change and resource scarcity are addressed, tailoring practical solutions aligned to regional conditions and strengths. They go beyond single projects and a pure focus on value chains, aiming to build vibrant communities where bioeconomic activities strengthen regional supply chains, education, and services, creating structural impact in the region.

Adapted to regional context

Each region adapts the bioeconomy approach to its unique conditions and bioeconomy system, such as biomass availability, economic structures, and market access. This ensures that activities are realistic, effective, and built on regional strengths, fostering sustainable employment, resilient economies driving social, economic and ecologic well-being.

Rooted in sustainability and circularity

Bioeconomy model regions are committed to socially fair, economically viable, and environmentally sound development. They prioritize circularity, resource efficiency, and biodiversity conservation, creating high-quality living environments for current and future generations.

Dynamic and evolving

These regions are not static – they continuously adapt to new challenges and innovations. They build strong value chains and stakeholder networks, ensuring that the circular bioeconomy responds to both local and global needs.

Knowledge and capacity sharing

Bioeconomy model regions act as hubs for knowledge sharing and capacity building, sharing best practices across regional and international networks. While solutions may not always be directly transferable, regions benefit from exchanging knowledge and working together with other regions facing similar challenges.

Key system dimensions for a circular regional bioeconomy

Bioeconomy model regions rely on interconnected systems that integrate agriculture, industry, policy, research, education, financing, and civil society to build sustainable and circular economies. These regions manage regional resources efficiently, promote innovation, and ensure strong governance to drive economic, environmental, and social transformation. A successful transition requires a systemic approach, balancing resource availability, market access, stakeholder collaboration, legal frameworks, and governance structures. By fostering regional networks and multi-level coordination, bioeconomy model regions enable circular value chains, support businesses, and create thriving communities (see figure for an overview of key system dimensions and chapter 4.2 in Deliverable 1.1 Regionalization Concept).

BioökonomieREVIER, Forschungszentrum Jülich

Key system elements for a thriving bioeconomy model region

How Bioeconomy model regions drive regional development

Transitioning to a bioeconomy model region presents an opportunity to drive economic diversification, attract investment, create new jobs. The circular bioeconomy helps regions to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and dependence on fossil-based sectors by valorizing regional resources, developing new bio-based business models, and supporting innovation. This transition also strengthens regional resilience, making regional economies more competitive and future-proof.

Beyond economic benefits, bioeconomy model regions drive a socially just transition by actively involving communities in shaping their sustainable future. They foster social acceptance, inclusivity, and equitable access to new opportunities while enhancing quality of life through e.g. new and stable jobs. These regions also invest in education and skills development, preparing local workforces for future bioeconomy jobs and opening pathways for underrepresented groups. By making bio-based solutions more accessible and affordable, they encourage widespread participation from producers and consumers, ensuring long-term regional benefits. Improved resource efficiency, biodiversity conservation, and emissions reduction contribute to environmental sustainability while aligning with national and EU climate goals. By connecting local businesses, research institutions, and policymakers, bioeconomy model regions also create strong collaboration networks that facilitate knowledge exchange and policy alignment.

Tailored support services for regional bioeconomy transitions

BIO2REG offers practical support through five regional network events in 2025, interregional exchanges with tailored mentoring sessions in 2026 (call launched in autumn 2025), a network to exchange (launch in autumn 2025) and stakeholder guides featuring best practices, practical examples, and lessons learned (available to BIO2REG network members in autumn 2025). These initiatives provide hands-on training, expert mentoring, and real-world insights to help regions assess their bioeconomy potential, develop action plans, and strengthen collaboration networks for a successful regional transition.

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