H2020 BioMonitor Project: Monitoring the Bioeconomy
- Type Project
- Status Filled
- Execution 2018 -2022
- Assigned Budget 5.983.857,5 €
- Scope Europeo
- Main source of financing H2020
- Project website Proyecto BioMonitor
The BioMonitor project has advanced prior knowledge on bioeconomy measurement and monitoring in several important dimensions. First, we established input- and output-based methodologies to quantify the size of the bioeconomies of individual EU Member States (and the EU as a whole). We provide empirical estimates of their sizes using data from publicly available sources. The results can be viewed in the JRC DataM in the form of user-friendly dashboards. Second, we have developed a new analytical framework to assess the development and dynamics of bioeconomies in the EU using data provided by Eurostat. An advantage of our framework is that it can incorporate any number of well-defined quantitative bioeconomy indicators.
The results are presented in a coherent manner and can be used by policymakers to assess the direction of bioeconomy development in different EU Member States. Third, we have developed a new economic model for analyzing bio-based materials in the EU (BioMAT). In addition, we have advanced existing (economic) models (e.g., MAGNET, EFI_GMT) both in the direction of dividing the most important sectors and in the use of new data. These activities will prepare these models for future analyses in the field of the bioeconomy. Fourth, we have conducted a series of diverse case studies on various aspects of the bioeconomy (e.g., novel products, data collection methodology), which provide unique and new insights that help paint a better picture of the EU bioeconomy. Last but not least, we have collaborated with various bioeconomy stakeholders (e.g., policymakers, researchers, and businesses) to raise awareness about new methodologies for monitoring and measuring the EU bioeconomy. Our results have served as an important input into national-level discussions in EU Member States developing their bioeconomy strategies and seeking to manage the development of their bioeconomies more efficiently.
The first half of the project was dedicated to developing a theoretical framework for the EU bioeconomy (i.e., what it is and which sectors fall under it), as well as mapping what data and data sources exist and their quality. We also took stock of existing models related to the bioeconomy. The Court focused on raising awareness of the project among EU policymakers and stakeholders (e.g., the private sector, customs offices, research institutes, ministries). In the second half of the project, we built on the qualitative work from the first period.
More specifically, the focus was on modeling work, the development of potential future scenarios, lessons learned from case studies, and the dissemination of project results. The BioMonitor model toolbox was enhanced based on identified gaps in development needs for bioeconomy modeling and the design of the BioMonitor toolbox through newly developed and improved analysis tools for bio-based materials and biochemicals. Some results related to monitoring the EU bioeconomy have been stored on the DataM platform managed by the JRC and are updated based on data availability. A BioMonitor reference scenario for the EU bioeconomy was developed and analyzed. In this regard, the objective was to develop narratives for the future development of the bioeconomy in Europe.
The Court analyzed three scenarios:
- Go it alone (the EU is pursuing its vision of a sustainable bioeconomy).
- Hand in hand (the EU does not act alone, but many of the Go-It-Alone initiatives are implemented globally).
- BioEcoResilience (explores the resilience and opportunities offered to the bioeconomy as a result of a greener world order that not only considers the material uses of biomass, but also considers greater use of biomass for energy applications).
We conducted a comparative analysis of the case studies conducted to identify common and divergent challenges encountered when attempting to monitor the bioeconomy.
Case study fact sheets were developed, presenting the main findings of each study in an accessible format. We also conducted a Delphi study among experts to help investigate the most common data gaps and needs. The results were used to develop a consensus on data collection strategies and priorities for the bioeconomy. To generate greater impact, the project results were effectively disseminated throughout the project's duration across Europe and within relevant professional communities. Dissemination activities included (but were not limited to): - Production of information materials - Communication with a wide audience online and through social media - Organization of events and stakeholder activities
Over the past twenty years, EU policymakers have given high priority to expanding bio-based value chains based on indigenous raw materials to reduce the use of petrochemicals, mitigate climate change, reduce import dependence, and boost local economies.
This is evident in a multitude of EU policy initiatives and research programs. While data and methods measuring the bioeconomy's contribution to societal goals are relatively well developed for traditional sectors and products (i.e., food, feed, pulp and paper, and bioenergy chains), the same is not the case for emerging innovative industries, such as the chemicals and materials sectors that process biomass into bio-based intermediate and final products. To understand the development of the bioeconomy and the trade-offs caused by different (often contradictory) policies, it is important to monitor their economic, environmental, and social impacts; measure the different types of biomass used and needed; and develop future scenarios with adjusted conditions. To achieve this, we need appropriate data and ways to analyze them.
Therefore, the overall objective of the BioMonitor project was to establish a stakeholder-supported statistical and modeling framework for the bioeconomy, compatible with and applicable to existing systems of statistical and customs offices, laboratories, and industries. The BioMonitor framework allows for the quantification of the bioeconomy and its economic, environmental, and social impacts in the EU and its Member States through various indicators. We successfully built the BioMonitor Model Toolbox, which contains newly developed (BioMAT) and improved (e.g., MAGNET, AGMEMOD, EFI-GTM, and EFISCEN) analysis tools for bio-based materials and biochemicals. In addition, we completed a series of case studies that provided important inputs to the quantitative models and helped contextualize their outputs.
The overall objective of the Bioeconomy Monitoring (BioMonitor) project is to establish a sustainable data and modeling framework for the bioeconomy. This will be achieved by developing and implementing a data and modeling framework that is both effective (supported by a stakeholder platform) and robust (implementable in existing systems of statistical and customs offices, laboratories, and industries). The framework will make it possible to quantify the bioeconomy and its economic, environmental, and social impacts in the EU and its Member States.
From the outset, the project will establish links with CEN's ongoing standardization work related to products of biological origin. BioMonitor's contributions are threefold.
First, the project will close data gaps in bioeconomy measurement by updating and improving currently used data sets. BioMonitor will ensure the inclusion of new bio-based products and emerging industries by developing appropriate tools and strategies.
Second, the improved data will be used to enhance new and established modeling tools, integrated into the BioMonitor toolbox, to guide responsible industries and governments in implementing consistent, coherent, long-term strategies with desirable consequences for multiple objectives.
Third, a BioMonitor platform will be created for stakeholder engagement and training to design, test (through industrial and national case studies), and disseminate the results of the improved datasets and modeling capacity. The platform will inform the formulation of strategies and policies that guide the bioeconomy toward achieving its economic, environmental, and social policy objectives in accordance with the EC Bioeconomy Strategy and Action Plan. Awareness of the importance of measuring the bioeconomy within the industry will be raised through tailored training on bioeconomy standards and the measurement of sustainability indicators for SMEs in the sector.
- WAGENINGEN UNIVERSITY (WU)
Related projects
