Brussels, 26 September 2019

Ignacio Martín, coordinator of the POWER4BIO project, participated last September 26th in the European Conference on Research and Innovation, as a speaker and moderator of the session ‘Bio-based Economy – Practical Innovations’.

The session examined the main challenges and potentials in the field of bio-based innovations, including research and macro-regional (Bio-EAST), industrial and environmental aspects. The speakers in this session shared their views with the audience on what should be the focus of future R&D&I, taking into account the debate on Horizon Europe Cluster 6 and, specifically, its intervention area 6.4 “Bio-based innovation systems”, as well as the potential European Partnership for a bio-based circular Europe.

Ignacio Martín was able to convey POWER4BIO’s vision on how the implementation of Bioeconomy strategies in European regions is and will be a very powerful tool to mobilise and engage all actors involved in the transition to a bio-based economy. “It is key to continue providing technical support to the regions and political decision-makers in this regard”, he said.

As a conclusion, there was full agreement that the bio-based economy is local, so the participation of regional authorities and their strategies are essential to maximize opportunities.

About the event

The European Research and Innovation Days are the European Commission’s first annual policy event bringing together stakeholders to discuss and shape the future landscape of research and innovation. The event was the focal point for all stakeholders to meet and co-create strategic priorities for the European Commission’s investment in research and innovation. Specifically, to set strategic priorities for the first four years of implementation of Horizon Europe. Horizon Europe, from 2021, will be the successor to the current framework programme for research and innovation, Horizon 2020.

More information about this session here.

You can see the video of the session here.