Category: Events

Benchmarking Online ?

Benchmarking Online ?

Posted on by Riikka Kumpulainen

Benchmarking online ?

Riikka Kumpulainen, JAMK University of Applied Sciences – Institute of Bioeconomy, RDI2CluB project manager 24.09.2020

How to benchmark in a transnational context if travelling is restricted ?

This was a big question for Interreg Baltic Sea Region programme (EU development fund) funded project RDI2CluB. RDI2CluB-project unites authorities, RDI institutes (Research, Development and Innovation institutes) and business development bodies from five regions (Central Finland, Inland Norway, Świętokrzyskie Poland, Vidzeme Latvia and Estonia) to a joint quest for boosting smart and sustainable bioeconomy development in the rural areas of Baltic Sea Region. In total four benchmark visits were conducted in the project to boost the development of bioeconomy clusters and innovation ecosystems in the partner regions as well as transnational bioeconomy co-operation in the Baltic Sea Region. Fourth and final benchmark trip was planned for 2020, same time as ongoing global pandemic. In this article, we will describe how we conducted our final transnational benchmark visit to Central Finland’s bioeconomy online and our tips for that.

RDI2CluB’s “Online Benchmarking Experience” consisted of four parts:

  1. Video tour
  2. Innovation Ecosystem presentation
  3. Thematic discussions between local SMEs and RDI2CluB partners
  4. On-going online discussion on Biobord-platform

Our experience was that to get a deeper understanding of regions bioeconomy sector, more than just a presentation was needed. Our online benchmarking started with a video tour that introduced different bioeconomy sectors of Central Finland through regional strategy and business presentations. Each business representative was interviewed before filming to see which aspects were most valuable in their business for the transnational audience and which aspects would provide new knowledge. In other words, the organizations presented in the video were involved in the planning process.

* When planning a video tour, frame the topic. And pay lots of effort to planning. What is special (for example in your region) ? What do you wish to showcase ? Can everything fit to the video ? For whom video is made for ?

*Reserve time and resources to produce informative and high-quality video tour. Filming a wide scale presentation of a wide subject, such as bioeconomy, takes time and money. For RDI2CluB, the whole filming project took 6 months. Also, high quality video producer requires more budget. But the result is worth it.

Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Sn82o_AlAWI&t=296s

 

The next step of the Online Benchmarking Experience was to see the innovation ecosystem of Central Finland as a whole, as it was one of the main focuses for the RDI2CluB. Traditional presentation was seen to be the best solution for describing.

*Separate, more in-depth presentation of the key aspect of the benchmarking is needed. It could also be part and theme of video tour. In our case we wanted to provide more wide presentation of the region on the video.

Thirdly, to ensure transnational discussion between different actors of our benchmark participants and regional bioeconomy actors presented on the video, we held thematic webinars. We had five thematic webinars between five regional bioeconomy SMEs and RDI2CluB partners. The idea was to, once again, go more deeply into the subject. Regional SMEs presented a topic for the thematic discussion, for example a challenge they are facing or solution that they would like to further develop. RDI2CluB partners had a change to select a thematic discussion/discussion they would have most to give for.

Our thematic discussions were:

  1. How to develop highly sensitive technology business without sharing the main idea behind it.
  2. How to make sheep farming more profitable ?
  3. How to further develop and test a farm-scale machine to separate the hemp fiber from the hemp hurt on field and to be used as a construction material ?
  4. How to move to the export markets with Finnish wood design products ?
  5. How to make products even more sustainable ?

RDI2CluB consists of 12 partners across Baltic Sea Region and the bioeconomy expertise and knowhow is wide. One of the main goals of the project and Biobord-platform, created in the project, is to share knowledge transnationally and find solutions together.

All thematic discussions started with presentations of each organizations present. This gave a good understanding of their expertise and knowledge. Thus, the local SME also presented their business again, more in-depth manner, and shared the challenge they are facing. After introductions there was time for questions and open discussion. Open discussion included examples of same types of businesses from different regions and their best practices. It also included examples from other sectors, sometimes it is beneficial to think outside of the box. When potential solution or idea of next steps where formed, discussion host steered the discussion by utilizing SWOT-analysis method: what are the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats of the solution.

*Announce the theme of the discussion on beforehand, so all participants have time to prepare.

*Reserve at least two hours for the discussions. Tight timetable does not leave room for creativity and for new solutions.

*Have a discussion host included that will steer the discussion if needed and takes care of the timetable. Clear instructions and clear process are important.

*Include as many representatives from the same field of business as possible to offer wide and potentially global glance to the business and to potential solution.

*If possible, record discussions and share the recording as well us summary afterwards somewhere, where discussion may continue. In our case we utilize Biobord.eu -platform.

Last step was to summarize the discussion and find a joint place to carry on joint development. For RDI2CluB this is Biobord-platform that has been developed in the project and widely used in the project implementing. Thus, SMEs were invited to register on the platform. Summary, organization presentations and the video recording of the webinar were shared on the Open Biobord, where anyone interested in the topic can join the discussion. Hopefully, new solutions will be found!

Overall RDI2CluB’s Online Benchmarking Experience was successful. The basic principle of benchmarking is to learn from other experts of a particular field of business and to implement lessons learnt to their own business. From RDI2CluB’s online benchmarking SMEs received practical advice to further develop their businesses, as well as found new contacts and new ideas. Thus, RDI2CluB partners received a wider view of that field of business and its challenges. They also received new methods and information to be shared for their region’s businesses. Open Access is a key principle of RDI2CluB and Biobord-platform. The video tour produced for the Online Benchmarking Experience will also be a useful too to showcase the benefits of sustainable businesses and what all is counted to bioeconomy. It may also be used in educational purposes and in region’s marketing.

*Make result durable and multipurpose

Join the discussion on Biobord!

 

Picture by Diana Pitkänen 2019.

From date
2020-09-29
To date
2020-09-29
Plastic, construction and bio-waste: too valuable to waste – Mannheim2020 Solution Session

Plastic, construction and bio-waste: too valuable to waste – Mannheim2020 Solution Session

Posted on by Louis Ferrini

Cities around Europe are piloting and implementing solutions to become more circular. Plastic, construction and bio-waste are three of the waste streams that cities are seeking to reduce or reuse due to their environmental impact and socio-economic value. In this session, we will hear the experience of three cities that have got down to the job. What have they done? What did they learn? The audience will be invited to challenge their approach. Key questions to be answered are: – What approaches are different cities taking to tackle plastic, construction and bio-waste? – Which levers do cities have to effectively close these materials loops? – Can material innovations make cities more circular? – How to turn challenges into opportunities? – Can their solutions be replicated elsewhere? The 90-minute session will be divided in a 50-minute plenary session, featuring 3 speakers (one from each the BioVoices, PlastiCircle and CityLoops projects) and three 40-min breakout sessions, divided by waste stream. All sessions will follow a classical approach (moderation-presentation-interaction), inviting the audience to interact and participate. The event is part of the Mannheim2020 Conference. Registration and more information: https://conferences.sustainablecities.eu/mannheim2020/

From date
2020-10-02
To date
2020-10-02
EEA SEEDS webinar – Sustainability transitions in an age of demographic and technological change

EEA SEEDS webinar – Sustainability transitions in an age of demographic and technological change

Posted on by Louis Ferrini

September 30, 2020 (9:30-11:00)

SEEDS is pleased to announce a Webinar to present the European Environment Agency (EEA) report on: The sustainability transition in Europe in an age of demographic and technological change: An exploration of implications for fiscal and financial strategies

This report is one of the results of the fruitful cooperation between SEEDS and the EEA in the context of the European Topic Centre on Waste and Materials in a Green Economy (ETC/WMGE).

  • Chair: Alessio D’Amato (University of Rome Tor Vergata and SEEDS)
  • 9:30 – 9:45 Introduction: SEEDS and the EEA Report – Alessio D’Amato (University of Rome Tor Vergata and SEEDS) and Massimiliano Mazzanti (University of Ferrara and SEEDS)
  • 9:45 – 10:00 Sustainability transition and the European Green Deal – Enrico Giovannini (University of Rome Tor Vergata and ASviS)
  • 10:00 – 10:15 Environmental Tax Reform and fiscal sustainability for the transition – Stefan Speck (European Environment Agency)
  • 10:15 – 10:30 Multiple transition approach to sustainability – Roberto Zoboli (Catholic University of Milan and SEEDS)
  • 10:30 – 10:45 Taking stock of EEA Report conclusions: the road ahead to sustainability – Jock Martin (European Environment Agency)
  • 10:45 – 11:00 Q&A

Interested audience is warmly invited to register for the webinar by September 29th – 6:00 PM – CET by sending an email to the following address: sustainability.transition.eea@gmail.com

A link to access the webinar will be sent by email to registered audience in due time.
This webinar opens a series of specialized one-hour events that will take place in the months of October and November.

Topics will include:

  • Innovation, transition and the European Green Deal
  • Demography, transition and the European Green Deal
  • Finance, transition and the European Green Deal
  • Modelling the transition and the European Green Deal
From date
2020-09-30
To date
2020-09-30
BIOVOICES WORKSHOP at @IFIB 2020 – The hard way to the market: how to support start-ups and spin-offs in the bio-based sector?

BIOVOICES WORKSHOP at @IFIB 2020 – The hard way to the market: how to support start-ups and spin-offs in the bio-based sector?

Posted on by Louis Ferrini

The Biovoices project is organizing the workshop “The hard way to the market: how to support start-ups and spin-offs in the bio-based sector?” (30th September 2020, 10.00-12.00 CEST) as a satellite event of the IFIB2020 Conference.  

The speakers involved, representing different stakeholders (investors, primary producers, clusters, innovation management, etc.), will discuss about the needs and challenges of start-ups and spin-offs of the bio-based sector in crossing the “Valley of Death”.  

Thanks to the active involvement of the audience during the workshop, providing its thoughts and opinions through the use of smartphones, the workshop aims to define possible solutions and actions to implement, that will be summed up in a policy brief to be presented by Biovoices to the European Commision and stakeholders of the sector. 

Information, agenda and registration are available at the following link: https://www.biovoices-platform.eu/registeredarea/mmls/viewMml/8288   

From date
2020-09-30
To date
2020-09-30
Bioplastics in your daily life – free webinar

Bioplastics in your daily life – free webinar

Posted on by Judith Feichtinger

The Dutch regional Hub of the BLOOM project is working on circular and biobased plastics innovations. Within the webinar we will explain the potential of bioplastics from technological, economic and environmental perspectives. We will show the regional practice and the sustainable products made out of bioplastics, with a link to developments within the BLOOM Nordic Hub. Important questions are how to build regional value chains, how to scale-up production and how to raise awareness and interest for bioplastic products.

AGENDA – Sept 29th at 10:30-11:45 CET

  • Bioplastics in the circular bioeconomys – Dr Harriëtte Bos, Wageningen Food and Biobased Research
  • Wood-based solutions for global challenges  – Acting Executive Director Virpi Korhonen, The New Wood Project
  • Bioplastics, the Regional approach of Hub NL Emmen – Rudy Folkersma, professor sustainable polymers technologies at NHL Stenden, University of Applied Science
  • Panel Discussion
The audience will be invited to participate actively, by posing questions in the chat. These questions will be discussed by the panel.

The webinar will be held in English and it is free of charge but registration is needed. remco.kranendonk@wur.nl

Information can also be found here.

From date
2020-09-29
To date
2020-09-29
Panel discussion: “Bioökonomie-Potential für Wirtschaft und Arbeitsmarkt?“

Panel discussion: “Bioökonomie-Potential für Wirtschaft und Arbeitsmarkt?“

Posted on by Judith Feichtinger
As part of the EU project BLOOM the Wissenschaftsladen Bonn e.V., in cooperation with the Bürgeruniversität Düsseldorf (HHU), CEPLAS and the KWI, is organizing a series of events and lectures under the title “Future Bioeconomy? – Approaches, views and perspectives on the bioeconomy ” (in German).

More information can be found on the event website.

From date
2020-10-05
To date
2020-10-05
Virtueller Science Espresso in der Mittagspause “Wie viel Ethik steckt in Bioökonomie” (Online-Lunch-Time-Session: How much ethics is in bioeconomics?)

Virtueller Science Espresso in der Mittagspause “Wie viel Ethik steckt in Bioökonomie” (Online-Lunch-Time-Session: How much ethics is in bioeconomics?)

Posted on by Judith Feichtinger

As part of the EU project BLOOM the Wissenschaftsladen Bonn e.V., in cooperation with the Bürgeruniversität Düsseldorf (HHU), CEPLAS and the KWI, is organizing a series of events and lectures under the title “Future Bioeconomy? – Approaches, views and perspectives on the bioeconomy ” (in German).

More information can be found here.

From date
2020-09-23
To date
2020-09-23
Free online seminar: “Bioökonomie gegen den Klimawandel?” (in German)

Free online seminar: “Bioökonomie gegen den Klimawandel?” (in German)

Posted on by Judith Feichtinger

As part of the EU project BLOOM the Wissenschaftsladen Bonn e.V., in cooperation with the Bürgeruniversität Düsseldorf (HHU), CEPLAS and the KWI, is organizing a series of events and lectures under the title “Future Bioeconomy? – Approaches, views and perspectives on the bioeconomy ” (in German).

Further information can be found here.

From date
2020-09-21
To date
2020-09-21
The wool value chain in Europe – BIOVOICES workshop – 14.10.2020 (10.00-12.00 CEST)

The wool value chain in Europe – BIOVOICES workshop – 14.10.2020 (10.00-12.00 CEST)

Posted on by Louis Ferrini

The European projects Biobridges and BIOVOICES, the University of Bari Aldo Moro, Brebey and CyberEthics Lab organised the workshop titled “The wool value chain in Europe – Decision making process to support the creation of shared values and practices “ (14th October 2020, 10.00-12.00 CEST) as a satellite event of the EU Green Week.

The overall objective of the workshop is to increase dialogue between European stakeholders to promote a more efficient and harmonized policy regulation framework for the market-pull of the wool value chain’s products and applications.

There will be a round table with the main European stakeholders and two interactive sessions with the participants. Thanks to the active involvement of the audience, providing their thoughts and opinions through the use of interactive tools, the workshop aims to be a moment of co-creation and sharing among all the actors involved in this sector.

Information, agenda and registration are available at the following link: www.biovoices.eu/wool

You can write at cohen@fvaweb.it for any further clarification.

Best regards,

The BIOVOICES team

From date
2020-10-14
To date
2020-10-14
25 Cases for Bioeconomy Innovation Around The Baltic Sea Region

25 Cases for Bioeconomy Innovation Around The Baltic Sea Region

Posted on by Riikka Kumpulainen

25 Case for Bioeconomy Innovation Around Baltic Sea Region -publication was prepared in a consortium of 12 organizations from five European countries and with the support of Nordic Council of Ministers. This publication was developed within the Interreg Baltic Sea Region project RDI2CluB, co-financed by the European Regional Development Fund.

This publication contains inspirational stories about how private and public sector players in five European countries have sought and found, and continue to develop knowledge-based, smart and efficient solutions aimed at promoting bioeconomy development – to sustain biodiversity and ecosystem services, increase competitiveness of business and unlock the potential of well-known and appearing resources.

In most cases, this positive change grounds on one most effective tools – collaboration, which has no boarders or limits, and which opens horizons for the most novel knowledge and approaches, available inside and outside a regional ecosystem, and creates preconditions for innovation, necessary for the most effective and sustainable development of bio-economy.

 

Find our publication from here

And find the members of RDI2CluB from Biobord-platform.

From date
2020-09-08
To date
2020-09-08