EBSF2023 – Sessions

The European Bioeconomy Scientific Forum 2023 – EBSF2023 has concluded, marking a resounding success. It was filled with insights, discussions, and the formation of new partnerships. Throughout four engaging sessions, a diverse range of topics was explored, underscoring the immense potential of the bioeconomy in addressing the pressing contemporary challenges.

Furthermore, EBSF2023 emphasized the societal perspective of the bioeconomy. The event marked a defining moment in the journey toward a sustainable bioeconomy and for the future of the EBU Alliance. Indeed, in addition to the highly appreciated event, the networking opportunities offered and the cooperations forged during the forum, the European Bioeconomy University network has expanded with new members, strengthening the alliance geographically and in expertise.

Programme

High-level opening session: “Raising awareness for the transformation towards a sustainable bioeconomy

The forum started with the session on “Raising Awareness for the Transformation towards a Sustainable Bioeconomy” on Wednesday. Esteemed policy representatives joined to emphasise the necessity of dedicated bioeconomy policies. Notable highlights included the urgency of a rapid transition away from a linear, fossil-based economy, but towards a circular bioeconomy and the importance of a common understanding of all stakeholders. The significance of the bioeconomy sector, the urge to seize opportunities as well as the reminder of the youth’s role as change agents got discussed.

Thematic session: “Identifying synergies for a holistic Bioeconomy approach“

The following session, “Identifying Synergies for a Holistic Bioeconomy Approach“, provided an informative overview of the historical evolution and diverse concepts within the bioeconomy. It underscored the complexity of the term “bioeconomy”, which includes a range of visions, values and narratives. This session also recognized the crucial role played by the Bioindustry Consortium in facilitating the transition from fossil-based to bio-based industry. Additionally, participants were introduced to the concept of “biocities,” which embrace biological principles and incorporate elements like urban forestry, timber construction, and nature-based solutions to improve resource cycles and public health.

Thematic session: “Promoting the Social Dimension of the Transformation“

On the second day at the third session the focus shifted to “Promoting the Social Dimension of the Transformation,” where often-overlooked social science perspectives got explored. The need for tools and policies to integrate sustainability indicators across environmental, economic, and social aspects got recognized. Philosophical discussions highlighted the non-neutrality of technology, and the importance of motivating sustainable behavior. Additionally, the role of social networks in behavior change confronted the challenges and limitations of the bioeconomy.

Concluding session: “Achieving the Transformation“

Thursday concluded with “Achieving the Transformation,” addressing the challenges and opportunities connected to achieving a sustainable bioeconomy, by presenting ideas that allow the transformation to gain momentum and visions of how an actionable transition pathway might look. This included discussions on policy frameworks, financing mechanisms, and international cooperation, which offered guidelines to decision-makers and future research for advancing unanimously on a European level. At the end a representative of the younger generation emphasized inter-generational cooperation.

Speaker Presentations

Here below you can find all the presentations from the speakers of EBSF2023. Please, take into consideration that not all speakers used a presentation.

Session 1

Peter Wehrheim

Directorate-General for Research and Innovation of the European Commission
Enrique Playán

Spanish National Research Council
Thomas Westhoff

International Association of Students in Agricultural and Related Sciences

Session 2

Franck-Dominique Vivien

University of Reims Champagne Ardenne
Marco Rupp

Bio-based Industries Consortium
Giuseppe Scarascia-Mugnozza

European Forest Institute
Stefanie Linser

University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences, Vienna

Session 3

Leire Barañano

NEIKER
Roel Veraart

Wageningen University and Research
Siegmar Otto

University of Hohenheim
Mario Giampetro

Autonomous University of Barcelona & Catalan Institution for Research and Advanced Studies

Session 4

Andrea Camia

Joint Research Centre of the European Commission
Christine Lang

International Advisory Council on Global Bioeconomy
Nicolas Roberts

European Environment Agency
Agustín Rosello

International Forestry Students’ Association

Side Events

To maximise the opportunities offered by an in-person event and thereby reduce the environmental impact, participants were invited to organise private sessions or internal meetings as side events back-to-back to the forum. Be it a project partners’ meeting, a board meeting or a workshop, EBSF hosted 14 side events.

Bioeconomy Youth Ambassador Summer Camp
Youth workshop, organised by the Youth delegation led by IAAS and IFSA
Youth Session on “Education in Bioeconomy”, organised by the Youth delegation led by IAAS and IFSA
Youth workshop on entrepreneurial thinking, organised by the Youth delegation led by IAAS and IFSA in collaboration with BOKU:BASE
BIOBEC partner meeting
BIOBEC stakeholder workshop
Seminar on “Research and project development opportunities”, organised in collaboration with Austrian Research Promotion Agency (FFG)
EBU President Board Meeting
EOBU Partner Meeting
UNESCO/UNITWIN Meeting
4 Project Development Workshops, focusing on Horizon Europe proposals

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