About the Pilot

The Bioeconomy Pilot, initiated in 2016 and led by Lombardy and Randstad, is an ambitious collaboration initiative focused on establishing interregional value chains within the bioeconomy sector. With over €50 million in mobilised investments, we have united 19 regions, along with 50+ industries, universities, and research institutions from across the Vanguard Members.

Our primary aim is to foster the development of new industrial applications and high added-value bio-based products that surpass conventional uses in food, feed, and fiber. By harnessing the potential of terrestrial and marine biological resources, as well as waste, we unlock new business opportunities, attract private investments, and drive the market adoption of sustainable business models.

Strategic partnerships for collaborative advancement of bio-based innovation.

We prioritise creating new integrated bio-based value chains and fostering collaboration across chemistry, agro-food, bioenergy, and biofuels sectors. Through matchmaking events and engagement with potential users and technology providers, we facilitate synergies and foster innovation in the bioeconomy.

Collaborating with the Biobased Industry Consortium, representing the private sector of the Bio-Based Industry Joint Technology Initiative (JTI), we maximise resources and enable common activities. Additionally, we leverage European Commission (EC) initiatives via the Industrial Modernisation platform and the European Cluster Collaboration Platform.

Activities & Long Term Goals

From Demonstration to Commercial Success.

Our focus extends to encouraging projects, in particular less mature ones, at the demonstration stage to upgrade and fully exploit their business potential. Through targeted initiatives, funding, and expertise, we assist in designing robust business models and identifying financing opportunities from European Regional Development Fund (ERDF), to venture capital firms, business angels and blended finance approaches. Our objective is twofold: to accelerate the commercialisation of bioeconomy innovations and increase their replicability across new use cases.

Shaping Policies for Sustainable Growth.

We actively engage in shaping policies to create an enabling environment for bioeconomy growth. By advocating for favourable market and policy frameworks and collaborating with policymakers, we drive the development of sustainable bio-based solutions, addressing societal challenges and supporting a sustainable and prosperous future.

Co-Leading Regions
Lombardia
Randstad Region
Pilot Contacts
Ilaria Re

Lombardy region

Participating Regions
Asturias
Baden - Württemberg
Basque Country
East Netherlands
Emilia-Romagna
Flanders
Małopolska
Navarra
North Rhine-Westphalia
Scotland
Skåne
Tampere Region
Värmland
Wallonia
View More

Demo Cases

European Week of Regions and Cities: Vanguard Initiative Regions boosting the Green Transition

VI regions hosted a seminar during the European Week of Regions and Cities, to present how they lead by example in achieving the Green Transition and sup

investment, concept, business
Cross- regional Cooperation in the Alpine Regions: the ARDIA_NET Project or how to share capacities and bring together funding

the ARDIA-Net project stands for Alpine space Research, Development and Innovation Area.

cup, podium, trophy
The evaluation results of the SME Success Stories are out!

The Vanguard Initiative SME Success Stories evaluation results are finally out and we are proud to announce the winners of this new Vanguard support scheme.

Bioeconomy upcoming event

Good practices and built capacities for cross-regional cooperation in the Alpine Region and beyond Milan 11 M

Progress update from the Bioeconomy pilot

General Assembly of the Bioeconomy Pilot celebrates the first Natural Fibertastic lustrum at Biobased Delta Biobased Delta hoste

Bioeconomy Pilot - Plenary meeting

The Bioeconomy Pilot will hold its plenary meeting on Thursday 30 September

Action Plan 2024: Bioeconomy

The Action Plan is available here.

Annual Report 2023: Bioeconomy

The report is available here.

Action Plan 2023: Bioeconomy

The Action Plan is available

Annual Report 2022: Bioeconomy

The report is available

Annual Report 2021: Bioeconomy

The report is available here.

Action Plan 2022: Bioeconomy

The document is available here.

VI Bio-economy Pilot session to support VInnovate project development

The meeting aims to introduce the VInnovate funding scheme for the bioeconomy and green chemistry sector.

The Bioeconomy in East and North Finland. Boosting the green transition across the Vanguard initiative network.

The Bioeconomy Pilot, in collaboration with regions of East and North Finland, joining the Vanguard network at the beginning of 2024, promotes two events to present the state-of-t

The Bioeconomy in East and North Finland. Boosting the green transition across the Vanguard initiative network.

The Bioeconomy Pilot, in collaboration with regions of East and North Finland, joining the Vanguard network at the beginning of 2024, promotes two events to present the state-of-t

VI Bioeconomy meeting

Hybrid meeting – open to an online audience via MS Teams.

Shaping bio-based value chains through cross-regional cooperation

The transition toward a greener and more circular production form based on renewable raw materials represents an essential step toward competitive and su

GOOD PRACTICES AND BUILT CAPACITIES FOR CROSS-REGIONAL COOPERATION IN THE ALPINE REGION AND BEYOND

GOOD PRACTICES AND BUILT CAPACITIES FOR CROSS-REGIONAL COOPERATION IN THE ALPINE REGION AND BEYOND MILAN 11 M

Resources
Test Resources