With the support of EU funding, the Andalusian Circular Bioeconomy Strategy (ACBS) project is promoting sustainable growth and development in Spain’s Andalusia region by fostering the production of renewable and biological products and processes.
- 17 June 2020
By combining the efforts of biomass producers and industry transformation and knowledge transfer entities, the Andalusian Circular Bioeconomy Strategy project is bringing innovation, new added value, and new opportunities to the region.
As one of six model demonstrator regions for sustainable chemical production, this EU-funded project focuses on developing Andalusia’s bioeconomy. By doing so, the project aims to increase the availability of sustainable biomass, expand the number of bioindustries and biorefineries in Andalusia, and support the uptake of bioproducts and bioenergy within the region. The Andalusian Circular Bioeconomy Strategy (ACBS) project is part of an EU-wide strategy for promoting sustainable chemical production in Europe.
A long-term view
At the core of the project is an effort to increase the competitiveness of the Andalusian bioeconomy sector by promoting cooperation and entrepreneurship. Knowing that change does not happen overnight, the project is working to implement such measures over the next 10 years.
During this timeframe, the project is set to carry out over 40 actions. These include conducting a feasibility study on the economic, social, and environmental factors of a bioeconomy; implementing a strategic communication plan (website, social media platforms, community engagement, etc.); and designing a panel of specific indicators for monitoring and evaluating the ACBS.
In addition, best practices and a portfolio of success projects, technological innovations, business ideas, and patents relating to creating a circular bioeconomy will be established. Regulatory areas that could represent either a barrier or opportunity for the region will be identified, the formation of an Andalusian Circular Bioeconomy Cluster will be promoted and the project will participate in relevant European-wide initiatives.
By the time the project closes in 2030, the goal is to have created a critical mass of private companies, academia, research centres, and SMEs within the chemicals sector. It is hoped that this will help establish a vibrant bioeconomy hub within the Andalusia region.
Already seeing results
Although still a work-in-progress, ACBS project coordinators say they are already seeing results. For instance, as stakeholders from the chemistry, biology, and engineering sectors increase their cooperation, the region is benefiting from an increase in bioeconomy-related innovation. Coordinators say they are seeing more start-ups and SMEs setting up their bioeconomy business in the Andalusia region.
Total investment and EU funding
Total investment for the project “Andalusian Circular Bioeconomy Strategy 2030” is EUR 172 700, with the EU’s European Regional Development Fund contributing EUR 116 000 through the “Andalucía” Operational Programme for the 2014-2020 programming period. The investment falls under the priority “Research and innovation”.