Mark Your Calendars: European Rural Circular Bioeconomy Conference Comes to Brussels (May 13-14, 2025)

Six Horizon Europe Projects Collaborate to Advance Sustainable Rural Solutions

Get ready to delve into the forefront of sustainable rural development! We are excited to announce the European Rural Circular Bioeconomy Conference, taking place on May 13-14, 2025, at the Comet Louise center (6th floor) in Brussels, Belgium.

This pivotal two-day event is a collaborative initiative driven by six leading Horizon Europe projects: MainstreamBIO, ROBIN, SCALE-UP, BioRural, BIOMODEL4REGIONS, and RuralBioUP. As active members of the Rural Bioeconomy Alliance (RBA), these projects are uniting to create a dynamic platform focused on driving innovation, shaping policy, and showcasing real-world applications within Europe’s burgeoning circular bioeconomy.

Connecting Innovation, Policy, and Practice

Recognizing the critical role of the circular bioeconomy in achieving Europe's Green Deal objectives and fostering rural resilience, this conference aims to bridge the gap between research, policy, and practical implementation. It will bring together key stakeholders – including policymakers, industry leaders, researchers, entrepreneurs, rural community representatives, and business support organizations – for impactful discussions and knowledge sharing.

What to Expect:

Over two insightful days, the conference will offer a comprehensive exploration of the key drivers shaping Europe’s rural bioeconomy:

• Day 1 (May 13th): Focuses on laying the groundwork. Sessions include:
  • A keynote speech from Marco Rupp (Biobased Industries Consortium).
  • Rapid-fire "Fire-pitching" presentations from the six hosting projects.
  • Panel discussions exploring diverse bioeconomy perspectives, practical tools for advancing sustainable practices, and inspiring success stories from across the regions.
  • A significant signing ceremony for a Memorandum of Collaboration among ROBIN project regions.
• Day 2 (May 14th): Shifts towards future strategy and implementation. Highlights include:
  • A keynote on the pathway towards the new EU Bioeconomy Strategy by T. Calikowski (DG Research and Innovation, European Commission).
  • Presentation of joint policy observations from several hosting projects.
  • Parallel morning workshops focusing on:
    • Policy Roundtable on implementing small-scale bio-based solutions (MainstreamBIO).
    • A practical Train-the-Trainer Workshop on scaling the bioeconomy using ROBIN's toolbox (Remote connection available for this workshop).
    • An International Mobilisation and Mutual Learning Workshop on building regional partnerships (RuralBioUp & BIOMODEL4REGIONS).

Why Attend?

This conference is an unmissable opportunity to:

• Network: Connect with leading experts, potential collaborators, and key decision-makers.
• Learn: Gain insights into the latest tools, strategies, and successful case studies in the rural bioeconomy.
• Contribute: Participate in discussions shaping future policies and support mechanisms.
• Discover: Explore innovative bio-based solutions driving sustainable change in rural areas.

Participation Options:

Attendees can join the conference onsite in Brussels for the full immersive experience. For those unable to travel, remote online access will be available for all sessions on Day 1 (May 13th) and specifically for the ROBIN 'Train-the-Trainer' Workshop on Day 2 (May 14th). Registered participants opting for remote access will receive connection links via email.

Secure Your Place!

Registration for the European Rural Circular Bioeconomy Conference is now open. Don't miss this chance to be part of a crucial conversation shaping a sustainable and resilient future for rural Europe.

Registration Deadline: May 2nd, 2025

• To Register, please visit: Registration Link
• View the Full Conference Agenda: Agenda

Join us in Brussels to collaborate, learn, and drive the future of the European rural circular bioeconomy!