SCALE-UP Project Study Tour Unveils Potential in Strumica, North Macedonia

The SCALE-UP project's recent study tour in Strumica, North Macedonia, has proven to be a pivotal exploration of the region's bioeconomy potential, particularly in the domain of composting.

Objective and Scope
Strumica, positioned in the South-eastern part of North Macedonia, showcased itself as a national frontrunner in agriculture production. Recognized for its strategic location and close connections with EU countries Greece and Bulgaria, Strumica stands as a key exporter. The study tour centered around the region's efforts to accelerate sustainable bioeconomy development, specifically in the value chain related to composting. Diverse biomass streams from primary producers, processing industries, and residential and commercial waste sectors were explored to assess availability, quality, and spatial distribution.

The field trip aimed to present the composting aspect on both local and national levels, fostering an exchange of ideas among stakeholders. Although the country and region may not be as advanced as some developed EU counterparts, the study tour identified noteworthy practices that could benefit a range of stakeholders, including agricultural farmers, entrepreneurs, and innovators. 

Who Joined the Tour
The study tour, in the framework of the SCALE-UP project, welcomed external stakeholders and experts to participate in the two-day visit. Strumica, focusing on composting within bio-based value chains, presented several good practices. However, the tour's scope extended to encompass various aspects and interests, covering visits to a biogas power plant Saramzalino in Veles, a biotechnology lab “Otvorena gradska labaratorija” in Skopje, and a wood processing company “Artisan Mebel” in Strumica. 

Stakeholders, including active members of the Regional Platform, farmers, energy production experts, innovators, and stakeholders in the food-related business sector, were encouraged to attend. Stakeholders had the opportunity to meet with Strumica's Mayor, engage in media interviews, and participate in networking sessions.

The discussions among stakeholders on composting, bioeconomy, and biomass processes have yielded promising outcomes at the networking session. Stakeholders are focusing on innovative composting techniques to improve waste management and soil health. Additionally, they are emphasizing the development of bio-based products in the bioeconomy and more efficient biomass conversion methods, all with the aim of promoting sustainability and reducing environmental impacts.

Beyond Strumica, the tour included visits to Skopje, offering a holistic view of biowaste management, residues collection, and the generation of bio-based products and processes. 
 

Contact:
SCALE-UP Project Coordinator
Email: holger.gerdes@ecologic.eu
 

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PYRAGRAF Website Kick-Off

The new PYRAGRAF project website is now online.

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How the Regional Bioeconomy Succeeds - Free Online Training for a Sustainable Economy

Addressing the conscious and sustainable use of natural resources is one of the greatest challenges of our time. The bioeconomy plays a pivotal role in making our economy and society more sustainable and environmentally friendly.

To promote and strengthen knowledge about the bioeconomy, the SCALE-UP project has developed a comprehensive training program. The program offers 21 free online seminars covering seven essential topics related to the bioeconomy. Each topic is covered in three events, providing participants with expert presentations, ample time for discussions, and opportunities to engage with industry colleagues. The training courses are available free of charge and are conducted in English. Additionally, an AI-powered online translator is utilized to provide translations for local languages for the training content.

Kristina Pammer from Business Upper Austria emphasizes the value of these seminars for employees in the food industry, public administration, research institutions, universities, teachers, and NGOs, as they present a unique opportunity to expand their knowledge of the bioeconomy.

To participate in any individual seminar, simply register by sending an email to lebensmittel-cluster@biz-up.at. Please include your name, company, and email address, and you will receive a registration link for the relevant dates in due time.

Training 1: Efficient regional infrastructures and biomass logistics

To be sustainable, bioeconomy needs to apply the principles of the circular economy, by extending the life cycle of the biomass resources and promoting a cascading use of these resources. Bioeconomy also aims at contributing to the neutral carbon emission goals by substituting for fossil-based materials and energy, and by re-localising value chains in the regions. Therefore, sustainable bioeconomy systems strongly depend on efficient regional infrastructures and biomass logistics, which are still lacking to fully achieve bioeconomy potential.

The following barriers are identified:

• lack of interconnection between actors in the value chain to optimise biomass streams, enhance recycling, mutualise infrastructures, transport and energy
• lack of locally available infrastructures to process biomass lack of knowledge on available solutions (example “low-tech” solutions in the context of rural areas), best practices and cooperation models that support efficient biomass management
• lack of awareness of available funding and incentive schemes

This training aims to help the actors: inside the bio-based value chains to overcome the aforementioned obstacles.

Dates:

September 7, 2023

September 26, 2023

October 19, 2023

Training 2: Integrating primary producers into bio-based value chains

In the bioeconomy, primary producers are often left behind in the value chain, despite being the foundation for successful production of bio-based products and processes. This is due to a lack of information and education on relevant topics, as well as a lack of consistent networking. The integration of primary producers is crucial for the success of the bioeconomy, and addressing these issues is necessary to ensure their participation and success in the value chain. With the SCALE-UP training programme, solutions to tackle these issues shall be worked on.

Dates:

November 9, 2023

November 21, 2023

Dezember 7, 2023

Training 3: Digitalisation in the Bioeconomy

Digital solutions hold immense potential for advancing the bioeconomy, particularly in transforming waste streams, residues, and biomass into valuable resources, materials, and energy. However, many entities struggle to keep pace with rapid digital developments and adopt relevant technologies. This training will explore various digital solutions, such as real-time monitoring stations, sensors, Internet of Things (IoT), smart grids, GPS tracking systems, and blockchain, and provide participants with insights on leveraging digitalization investments for bio-based solutions.

Dates:

January 16, 2024

February 6, 2024

February 27, 2024

Training 4: Improved nutrient recycling in the circular bioeconomy

To tackle the challenges of conventional fertilizer production, which heavily relies on fossil fuels and faces looming phosphate shortages, bio-based alternatives for fertilizers offer a promising solution. However, barriers such as policy maker awareness, stakeholder knowledge gaps, and lack of financial support hinder their adoption. This training will equip participants with the necessary information to address these challenges and promote nutrient recycling in the circular bioeconomy.

Dates:

March 12, 2024

April 4, 2024

April 23, 2024

Training 5: Developing and implementing practices of “social innovations” in the context of rural bioeconomies

Achieving a sustainable society necessitates rethinking and innovating economic processes, governance models, consumption patterns, value systems, and lifestyles. Social innovations play a crucial role in effecting profound structural changes towards a sustainable bioeconomy. This training will cover various aspects of social innovation development and implementation to foster sustainable bioeconomy practices.

Dates:

May 14, 2024

June 4, 2024

June 25, 2024

Training 6: Effective and innovative governance of regional bio-based systems

Governance plays a vital role in the successful development and implementation of bio-based systems, offering substantial environmental, economic, and social benefits. This training program will address governance challenges, particularly public support schemes, and empower participants with practical skills to develop effective solutions for regional bio-based systems.

Dates:

September 5, 2024

September 26, 2024

October 17, 2024

Training 7: Strategies to address social, ecological and economic trade-offs in regional bioeconomy development

Regional bioeconomy development must strike a balance between various interests, considering social, ecological, and economic aspects. By identifying challenges and fostering effective collaboration among stakeholders, this training aims to find solutions that prioritize ecosystem management, sustainable biomass use, food security, and environmental sustainability in the bioeconomy context.

Dates:

October 31, 2024

November 21, 2024

December 12, 2024

 

 

International Collaboration Project - "SCALE-UP"

The "SCALE-UP" project, funded by the European Union’s Horizon Europe research and innovation programme, encompasses all 21 training sessions. Besides Upper Austria, Andalusia (Spain), French Atlantic Arc (France), Strumica (Northern Macedonia), Mazovia (Poland), Northern Sweden are also part of the focus regions.

Project partners

• Ecologic Institute, Germany (Coordinator)
• Association of Chambers of Agriculture in the Atlantic Arc (AC3A), France
• Technological Corporation of Andalusia (CTA), Spain
• International Centre for Sustainable Development of Energy, Water and Environment Systems (SDEWES), North Macedonia
• UNIMOS Foundation (UNIMOS), Poland
• Business Upper Austria, Austria
• Biomass Technology Group (BTG), Netherlands
• WIP Wirtschaft und Infrastruktur GmbH & Co Planungs-KG (WIP), Germany
• BioFuel Region (BFR), Sweden

 

Original text: Business Upper Austria

The "SCALE-UP" project has received funding from the European Union’s Horizon Europe research and innovation programme under grant agreement No.101060264.

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SCALE-UP Project Presented at Clustering Event Promoting European Bioeconomy Collaboration

On July 5th, the renowned European project SCALE-UP took center stage at the Clustering event titled "Promotion of the Andalusian bioeconomy through European projects." Rafael Castillo, a consultant from the Technological Corporation of Andalusia (CTA), consortium member of SCALE-UP, delivered an insightful presentation on the project during the event. CTA, one of the consortium partners of SCALE-UP, organized this gathering, which brought together 18 initiatives focused on biomass utilization and the sustainable development of the Andalusian region.

During her presentation, Rafael Castillo provided attendees with an in-depth understanding of the SCALE-UP project, emphasizing its core objectives and addressing crucial issues related to fossil resource exploitation, risks associated with globalized supply chains for raw materials, and the challenges faced by rural regions in retaining the younger generation and creating viable job opportunities.

Rafael Castillo also shed light on the three innovative tools proposed by SCALE-UP to facilitate the transformation process. These tools include resource flow analysis, which offers circular bioeconomy solutions; a logistics tool for optimizing resource flows; and a quick impact assessment tool to determine the best possible decisions for sustainable outcomes.

The event, which highlighted the significance of cooperation in driving innovation and promoting the circular economy, featured oral presentations, an exhibition area, and networking opportunities. In addition, a comprehensive "Catalogue of Synergies" was designed to facilitate collaboration among European projects. This document compiles technical information on participating projects and identifies potential avenues for cooperation.

The Clustering event provided a valuable platform for knowledge exchange, fostering collaboration, and driving sustainable development within the Andalusian bioeconomy. The presence of the SCALE-UP project showcased its commitment to advancing the bioeconomy and its dedication to regional prosperity.

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SCALE-UP Initiative Selects 12 Promising Bio-based Solutions for Innovation Support Programme

SCALE-UP, a groundbreaking initiative aimed at advancing the bioeconomy and fostering sustainable regional development, has announced the selection of 12 innovative bio-based solutions from six European regions. The chosen solutions will be part of the challenging SCALEUP Innovation Support Programme, which aims to provide advisory support and facilitate the growth of these bio-based solutions.

The overall goal of SCALE-UP is to establish and enhance regional multi-actor partnerships involving private businesses, governments, policymakers, civil society organizations, and researchers. By identifying and scaling-up innovative and sustainable bio-based value chains that capitalize on regional resources, SCALE-UP aims to unlock the full potential of the bioeconomy in each region.

Let's take a closer look at the six regions involved in the SCALE-UP initiative and the selected solutions from each region:

Northern Sweden
Reselo: Suberin extraction from birch bark to produce fossil free rubber This innovative solution involves suberin extraction from birch bark to produce fossil-free rubber, offering a sustainable alternative to rubber derived from fossil raw materials.

Wood Fuel Network: Social innovation to strengthen the value chain Multi-actor partnerships to restart logging residue extraction in northern Sweden. The goal of the social innovation is to mobilize all actors within the whole value chain and to communicate and exchange best practices for cost-effective deliveries of logging residues with high quality. 

Mazovia, Poland
Biocircular Apple Farm: An interdisciplinary and biocircular space fostering product and service development in the field of bioeconomy and social innovations (from Stowarzyszenje Jablkowa Farma).

Innovations from Apple Pomace: Exploring the creation of new healthy, functional, and ecological products using apple pomace (Gospodarstwo Sadownicze).

Strumica, Macedonia
Bio-compost Machine: A solution focusing on waste management and converting organic waste into organic fertilizer, reducing waste and pollution (DPTU Interaktivna idnina DOOEL – Kavadarci).

Machine for Fine Grinding Residues: A solution to break down plant residues into small particles, enabling their decomposition in the soil and creating bio-fertilizer (ZPGCV Horti Eko Strumica).

Upper Austria
SUN Project - Extraction of Vegetable Proteins: Velvety Manufaktur GmbH aims to develop high-quality food, pharmaceutical, and natural cosmetic products by extracting vegetable proteins from sunflower oil press cake.

Increase the Value of the Meadow Orchard: Streuobstwerkstatt e.U. seeks to generate maximum added value for farmers who cultivate meadow orchards by developing high-quality food products and creating distribution channels.

French Atlantic Arc
COPANO: Developing a straw insulation panel for energy-efficient building construction and thermal renovation, meeting environmental regulations (from COPANO). 

L'Atelier du Biosourcé: Promoting the use of biobased materials in construction and renovation projects through collective action (from Entreprise Duchesne).

Andalusia, Spain
Design and Development of Business Model for Biochar: BIOLIZA aims to commercialize biochar obtained from pyrolysis of olive tree and olive oil industry by-products as a soil improver, water absorbent, and CO2 sink in the olive grove.

Biorefinery COMP0LIVE: Fundación Andaltec I+D+i proposes a biorefinery to condition and treat olive pruning, integrating it as reinforcement in polymer-based composite materials, offering opportunities for bioplastics and nanocomposites.

These 12 solutions have been carefully selected based on their technical, social, and market readiness, feasibility, vision, and their alignment with the principles of the bioeconomy. Each solution represents a unique opportunity to drive sustainable development and create value from regional resources.

In the next months, the SCALE-UP Innovation Support Programme will provide dedicated innovation support services, including market assessments and business model designs, to the selected innovators. The programme emphasizes co-creation, transparency, and open innovation, aiming to empower regional stakeholders and facilitate the successful implementation of bio-based solutions.

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SCALE-UP Initiative Selects 12 Promising Bio-based Solutions for Innovation Support Programme

SCALE-UP, a groundbreaking initiative aimed at advancing the bioeconomy and fostering sustainable regional development, has announced the selection of 12 innovative bio-based solutions from six European regions. The chosen solutions will be part of the challenging SCALEUP Innovation Support Programme, which aims to provide advisory support and facilitate the growth of these bio-based solutions.

The overall goal of SCALE-UP is to establish and enhance regional multi-actor partnerships involving private businesses, governments, policymakers, civil society organizations, and researchers. By identifying and scaling-up innovative and sustainable bio-based value chains that capitalize on regional resources, SCALE-UP aims to unlock the full potential of the bioeconomy in each region.

Let's take a closer look at the six regions involved in the SCALE-UP initiative and the selected solutions from each region:

Northern Sweden
Reselo: Suberin extraction from birch bark to produce fossil free rubber This innovative solution involves suberin extraction from birch bark to produce fossil-free rubber, offering a sustainable alternative to rubber derived from fossil raw materials.

Wood Fuel Network: Social innovation to strengthen the value chain Multi-actor partnerships to restart logging residue extraction in northern Sweden. The goal of the social innovation is to mobilize all actors within the whole value chain and to communicate and exchange best practices for cost-effective deliveries of logging residues with high quality. 

Mazovia, Poland
Biocircular Apple Farm: An interdisciplinary and biocircular space fostering product and service development in the field of bioeconomy and social innovations (from Stowarzyszenje Jablkowa Farma).

Innovations from Apple Pomace: Exploring the creation of new healthy, functional, and ecological products using apple pomace (Gospodarstwo Sadownicze).

Strumica, Macedonia
Bio-compost Machine: A solution focusing on waste management and converting organic waste into organic fertilizer, reducing waste and pollution (DPTU Interaktivna idnina DOOEL – Kavadarci).

Machine for Fine Grinding Residues: A solution to break down plant residues into small particles, enabling their decomposition in the soil and creating bio-fertilizer (ZPGCV Horti Eko Strumica).

Upper Austria
SUN Project - Extraction of Vegetable Proteins: Velvety Manufaktur GmbH aims to develop high-quality food, pharmaceutical, and natural cosmetic products by extracting vegetable proteins from sunflower oil press cake.

Increase the Value of the Meadow Orchard: Streuobstwerkstatt e.U. seeks to generate maximum added value for farmers who cultivate meadow orchards by developing high-quality food products and creating distribution channels.

French Atlantic Arc
COPANO: Developing a straw insulation panel for energy-efficient building construction and thermal renovation, meeting environmental regulations (from COPANO). 

L'Atelier du Biosourcé: Promoting the use of biobased materials in construction and renovation projects through collective action (from Entreprise Duchesne).

Andalusia, Spain
Design and Development of Business Model for Biochar: BIOLIZA aims to commercialize biochar obtained from pyrolysis of olive tree and olive oil industry by-products as a soil improver, water absorbent, and CO2 sink in the olive grove.

Biorefinery COMP0LIVE: Fundación Andaltec I+D+i proposes a biorefinery to condition and treat olive pruning, integrating it as reinforcement in polymer-based composite materials, offering opportunities for bioplastics and nanocomposites.

These 12 solutions have been carefully selected based on their technical, social, and market readiness, feasibility, vision, and their alignment with the principles of the bioeconomy. Each solution represents a unique opportunity to drive sustainable development and create value from regional resources.

In the next months, the SCALE-UP Innovation Support Programme will provide dedicated innovation support services, including market assessments and business model designs, to the selected innovators. The programme emphasizes co-creation, transparency, and open innovation, aiming to empower regional stakeholders and facilitate the successful implementation of bio-based solutions.

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SCALE-UP Extends Deadline for Call for Expressions of Interest to Boost Regional Bio-Based Solutions Innovation

The SCALE-UP project is excited to announce that the deadline for its Call for Expressions of Interest has been extended until June 16th. This extension provides aspiring entrepreneurs and innovators with an additional opportunity to accelerate their bio-based solutions journey.

The initiative focuses on empowering entrepreneurs to bring their innovative bio-based products and services to market, while fostering research and development within the value chain. By creating a sustainable and thriving bio-based industry, SCALE-UP aims to drive positive change in the field.

Entrepreneur initiatives with small-scale bio-based products or services are invited to apply. The eligible regions include Northern Sweden, Poland (Mazovia), The Atlantic Arc of France, Upper Austria, North Macedonia (Strumica), and Spain (Andalusia). Interested parties must also commit to the memorandum of understanding (MoU).

Selected applicants will receive comprehensive support in critical areas such as market access, business plan development, and funding. Detailed information regarding the Call for Expressions of Interest and the necessary documents, including the MoU, can be found on the project's website.

Don't miss out on this opportunity to accelerate your bio-based solutions innovation journey. Apply now to SCALE-UP's Call for Expressions of Interest: Northern Sweden, Poland (Mazovia), The Atlantic Arc of France, Upper Austria, North Macedonia (Strumica), and Spain (Andalusia).

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SCALE-UP Project Showcased at Expobiomasa Professional Fair

The SCALE-UP project was featured at the recent Expobiomasa professional fair held from May 9th to May 11th, 2023 at Feria de Valladolid (Avda. Valladolid). Organized by the Spanish Biomass Association (AVEBIOM), the fair brought together over 350 exhibitors and attracted an average of 12,000 visitors from more than 30 countries.

During the event, CTA consultant María García presented three European projects related to biomass, including BIOTRANSFORM, ROBIN, and SCALE-UP. The goal of the presentations was to generate new synergies and introduce new formulas for the use of biomass. The conference had the collaboration of more than 10 national and European innovation projects.

The SCALE-UP project aims to support sustainable rural development and identify innovative business models based on bioeconomy, providing regional actors with the tools to identify and develop these models. The project is focused on creating networks for private businesses, governments, policymakers, civil society organizations, and researchers to build innovative and sustainable bio-based value chains that build on regional resources.

The Expobiomasa professional fair provided an excellent platform to learn more about the innovative projects taking place in the biomass sector. For more information, please visit: https://expobiomasa.com/actividades-paralelas/innovaciones.

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Second Regional Platform Meeting for Bioeconomy Held in Strumica, North Macedonia

The second meeting (meeting minutes) for the regional platform in Strumica was organized on March 28, 2023, in the Regional Center for Sustainable Development in Strumica and Vasilevo situated in the municipality of Strumica. Thirteen representatives from the Municipality of Strumica, NGO Planetum, NGO Hortieko, the High School "Dimitar Vlahov" and SDEWES-Skopje were participating in this meeting. The event consisted of three parts: a meeting with the mayor’s official representative and the signing of the Memorandum for collaboration in the premises of the municipality of Strumica, info session for SCALE-UP promotion with the local TV media; and a second meeting with the regional platform for bioeconomy in Strumica in the premises of the Regional Center for sustainable development of Strumica and Vasilevo.

The first part of the event was dedicated to the official establishment of collaboration between SDEWES-Skopje and the Municipality of Strumica. Hence, with this, the regional platform for bioeconomy in Strumica is rightfully incorporated as part of the Environment Department within the municipality. On this occasion, SCALE-UP’s aim and activities were presented, and potential synergies with other ongoing projects at the municipal level were communicated. The municipality of Strumica expressed their willingness to strengthen the collaboration, support the SCALE-UP project and enhance the bioeconomy on a regional level. In order to increase the visibility of the SCALE-UP project on a regional level, TV VIS was invited to be part of the promotional session of the project and to conduct an interview for further media dissemination about the regional platform for bioeconomy and the potential for the development of an innovative bio-based business model utilizing the local agricultural residues by creating added value products and services. Additionally, the promotional video was disseminated on national level as part of the news on TV Telma.

Nonetheless, the purpose of the second meeting of the regional platform was to discuss the ongoing activities and, thus, to welcome on board five additional members. Moreover, the results and next steps of the analysis of the needs of the bioeconomy in the Strumica region by introduction of the training of 7 workstreams, their promotion, and a discussion of possible speakers and participants. Additionally, the biomass availability and overview of available documents and studies were exchanged in order to prepare for the mapping of the primary – agricultural producers and secondary – processing industries for a quantitative and qualitative overview of the available bio-based residues. Considering the importance of the development of a plan for the bio-based value chain and business models for composting, the call for identification of regional bio-based solutions by the Program for support of innovative bio-based value chain was introduced and will be additionally promoted for all interested entrepreneurs and stakeholders. The event was concluded by defining the following activities for the regional platform for bioeconomy in the municipality of Strumica and enhancing SCALE-UP promotion.