Bio-Economy
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.
Co-Leading Regions
Lombardia
Randstad Region
Participating Regions
Asturias
Baden – Württemberg
Basque Country
East Netherlands
Emilia-Romagna
Flanders
Małopolska
North Rhine-Westphalia
Scotland
Skåne
Tampere Region
Värmland
Wallonia
Pilot Contacts
Ilaria Re
Lombardy region
Demo Cases
Bio-aromatics
Turning waste gas into value
Bio-Aviation Fuel
Biogas Beyond Energy Production
Bio-Aviation Fuel
Bio-Economy: VI Pilots
Bio‑Economy Pilot
Latest Updates
Integrated Eu Industrial Innovation Policy Based Interconnected Regional Ecosystems
In its recently published Policy Position Paper, the Vanguard Initiative (VI) calls for an integrated EU industrial & innovation policy based on interconnected regional ecosystems. The network is advocating for a new industrial & innovation policy toolbox addressing industrial competitiveness challe…
Delegation Dutch Ministry Economic Affairs Visits East Netherlands Insights I3 Program
On February 14th, representatives of the Ministry of Economic Affairs and Climate (EZK) and Foreign Affairs paid a working visit to the East Netherlands region. The purpose of this visit was the new Interregional Innovation Investment (I3) program, a European program that has already enabled four pr…
Smart Health Rich Online Plenary Meeting Fruitful Year 2024 Field Personalised Medicine
On 5 February, the first 2024 online plenary meeting of the Smart Health Pilot was held and aimed at setting the basis for the annual activities to be carried out to support the pilot’s long-term objective : Accelerating the implementation of Personalised Medicine across Europe.For 2024, the Smart H…
Vi Launches Its Innovative Interregional Funding Mechanism Vinnovate
On 5 December, 16 Vanguard regionssigned a letter of Intent at the Official Launch Ceremony of VInnovate, marking their commitment to participate in its pilot call to be launched in 2024.This novel interregional funding instrument is aimed at enabling the funding of interregional projects in the con…
Vanguard Initiative Celebrates Its 10 Year Anniversary Leading Example Take European Regional
On 5 December, the Vanguard Initiative (VI) organised a 10-year Anniversary conference in Brussels to celebrate a decade of fostering innovation, collaboration, and industrial growth across Europe. The event served as a platform to share VI’s insights on its achievements and milestones. It reached g…
Vanguard Initiative Smart Health Pilot Meeting Bologna Event Showcase Power Collaboration
The VI Smart Health pilot event 2023 was held in an incubator managed by ART-ER (a territorial and innovation agency that coordinates the work of several incubators and provides training and networking services to regional SMEs) in Bologna, Emilia-Romagna, on 18 and 19 October 2023.This event, co-or…
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.