Responsible Regional Bioeconomyfor the 3 Northen Euregions

Frans van Dam, Swinda Pfau, Toine SmitsRadboud University Nijmegen, Institute for Science, Innovation and Society

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This presentation

Grünes Gas ends in 2014; what’s next?

We, at ISIS, RU Nijmegen have a suggestion:Our proposal: a ‘Responsible Regional Bioeconomy (RRB) in the 3 Northern regions’

•Biobased economy (BBE)•Socially robust transition towards a BBE in the German / Dutch border region•Proposal for a roadmap towards a BBE: first glimpse

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Recent lessons (such as Grünes Gas) / concept of RRI

• Make use of regional potential• Create possibilities for SMEs – ‘large’ contracts block innovation• Stimulate ‘Triple Helix’ cooperation (University, Government,

Industry)• Decentralized production (e.g. intermediates) feasible• Role for governments: coordination, facilitation, quality control

EU’s Concept of RRI (Responsible Research & Innovation):• Outcomes R&I adequate in long run• Societal challenges correspond to needs of societal actors

>> early societal involvement >>bottom-up socially robust technologies & installations

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Bio-Based economy

Inspired by:1.principles of sustainable developemnt2.threats of climate change3.need for energy security and self-sufficiency4.economic potentials

Biofuels >> BBEUse of biomass for production of >>

However: •many routes towards BBE•many obstacles

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Why focus on the German / NL region?

1. Strong regional networks in BBE (Triple Helix) on both sides of border (e.g. Bio Innovation Cluster for ‘BBE hotspot’ Gelderland)

2. Dedicated Universities and hbo’s / Fachhochschulen in BRD / NL

3. Availability of fresh biomass / fiber / dung & sludge

Why ISIS?RU / ISIS has longstanding experiences:• Linking pin social sciences <> natural sciences• Leadership in sustainable planning (Waalweelde)• Innovation studies• DELaND

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Roadmap Regional Bioeconomy

Aim:Comprenhensive policy vision for socially robust, transboundary bioeconomy

in the border region

Approach:Deliver a roadmap for government / stakeholders, which facilitates this

transition, by using actual cases as they develop

Results:• By analysing drivers for SMEs, we can assist entrepreneurs• Improving education for a stronger regional knowledge base• Designing policy framework for government

Outcome: what is the Region’s BBE profile? What is our focus?

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Our plan / Your input

Jan – Sept 2014:•ISIS will prepare proposal for INTERREG EUROPE (2014-2020) together with (German) partner

From Grünes Gas experiences :

Which elements would you like to see integrated in our Responsible Regional Bioeconomy program?

Frans van Dam: dam@csls.nl

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