STRONGBIONET launches to strengthen and connect Europe’s bioeconomy networks

The Horizon Europe project STRONGBIONET officially launched with a kick-off meeting in Seville, Spain, bringing together 19 partner organisations from 14 countries committed to strengthening collaboration across Europe’s bioeconomy ecosystem.

Over the next 36 months, the consortium will work to create a stronger, more connected bioeconomy community by engaging stakeholders from research, industry, policy, education, finance and civil society. With a budget of €4.4 million, STRONGBIONET will support the exchange of knowledge, foster new collaborations and help unlock the full potential of existing bioeconomy networks across Europe.

Although Europe already benefits from a wide range of successful bioeconomy initiatives, many of these networks operate independently. STRONGBIONET addresses this challenge by adopting a “network of networks” approach, connecting existing initiatives, encouraging collaboration across sectors and countries, and creating new opportunities for innovation, capacity building and policy dialogue.

One of the project’s main outcomes will be the development of a digital collaboration platform that will act as a central hub for the European bioeconomy community. The platform will provide dedicated spaces for networking, education and skills development, investor engagement and science-policy dialogue, enabling stakeholders to connect, share knowledge and access valuable resources.

Beyond the digital platform, STRONGBIONET will establish thematic Communities of Practice, support education and training activities, strengthen links between innovators and investors, and facilitate evidence-based policymaking. By bridging together diverse actors from across the bioeconomy value chain, the project aims to contribute to a more resilient, sustainable and competitive European bioeconomy, fully aligned with the objectives of the EU Bioeconomy Strategy.

The kick-off meeting provided partners with the opportunity to align on the project’s governance, work plan and first activities, while exchanging views with representatives of the European Commission on the strategic role of stakeholder engagement, international cooperation and science-based policymaking for Europe’s bioeconomy transition.

“Europe’s bioeconomy is built on knowledge, innovation and collaboration. STRONGBIONET will strengthen the connections between existing networks, creating new opportunities for stakeholders to work together, share expertise and accelerate the transition towards a sustainable bioeconomy.”

About STRONGBIONET

STRONGBIONET (Strengthening and Connecting Bioeconomy Networks) is a Horizon Europe Coordination and Support Action (CSA) coordinated by SPRING – Italian Circular Bioeconomy Cluster.

The project runs from June 2026 to May 2029, bringing together 19 partner organisations from 14 countries with a total budget of €4.4 million.