How Can Universities Help Implement the EU Bioeconomy Strategy through Skills and Knowledge Valorisation?

On 3 November 2026, the European Bioeconomy University (EBU) brought together representatives of universities, the European Commission, industry and young people in Brussels to discuss how skills development and knowledge valorisation can support implementation of the EU Bioeconomy Strategy.

Opening the event, Tapio Määttä, Chair of EBU’s Board and Rector of the University of Eastern Finland, highlighted three key questions: how universities can develop future bioeconomy skills, better align education with industry needs, and increase the economic and societal impact of research and innovation.

Benoit Gabrielle, AgroParisTech, showed how EBU addresses these challenges through earlier projects such as FOEBE+ and the DESTINY Doctoral Network, as well as newer initiatives: BIOSPARK and CASI-BIO.

Presentations from the European Commission’s DG Environment and DG Research and Innovation, alongside the Circular Bio-based Europe Joint Undertaking (CBE JU), addressed the challenges of moving bio-based innovations from research to market and to industrial scale, thereby strengthening European competitiveness. They highlighted universities’ role in developing the skills needed for the evolving bioeconomy.

The discussions highlighted the importance of interdisciplinary education, lifelong learning and closer university–industry collaboration. Universities can contribute not only by educating future professionals, but also by connecting research with businesses, investors and regional innovation ecosystems. Particular attention was given to making skills development an integral part of innovation and ensuring that research project results lead to lasting education, collaboration and policy benefits.

A panel discussion brought together perspectives from industry, universities, regional networks and young people, addressing skills needs, knowledge valorisation and future research and innovation priorities.

In his closing remarks, Laurent Buisson, Director General of AgroParisTech, reaffirmed EBU’s position that agriculture and bioeconomy should remain explicit priorities in the next EU Framework Programme for Research and Innovation (FP10), with dedicated funding.