BBI JU features in a Spanish study on "Bioeconomy and Sustainable Development"

Cajamar has just launched a new socio-economic study dedicated to “Bioeconomy and Sustainable Development“. Bio-based Industries Joint Undertaking (BBI JU) contributes to this new publication with an article written by Ana Ruiz, Marta Campos-Iturralde, Pilar Lorente, Paloma Mallorquin, Eleni Zika and Philippe Mengal.

This article highlights the role of BBI JU as an opportunity for the development of a sustainable, competitive and innovative bio-based industries sector in Europe, while providing socio-economic benefits for European citizens.

Abstract

As part of its aim to stimulate economic growth and the consequent investment, in 2014, within the framework of Horizon 2020, the European Union established the Bio-Based Industries Joint Undertaking (BBI JU). This is a public-private partnership, based in Brussels, set up to implement a joint technological initiative to support the bioindustries sector in Europe. Bioindustries are organised into value chains and are involved in one or more steps of the process, from the supply of biomass to its transformation into high-added-value products and its commercialisation. The members of this association are the European Commission and the bioindustry sector, represented by the Bio-based Industries Consortium (BIC).

These members have pledged to contribute 3,700 million euros in both private investments and as funding for research and innovation projects using public and private resources. For this, during the period 2014-2020, there will be an annual call for proposals in which consortia formed by companies, research centres, and other associations will present their projects in an open and transparent competition. The annual work plan is proposed by the industry in agreement with the European Commission, according to the priorities identified in its research and innovation agenda (SIRA). It is undoubtedly a unique opportunity for the European bioindustry sector to grow and gain support, helping it overcome many of its current challenges and positioning it as a world leader.

The full Article is available here.