National Transfer and Acceleration Network for the Industrial Bioeconomy

Project background

The bioeconomy uses biological resources and knowledge to develop innovative, environmentally friendly, and climate-neutral products and processes with the help of modern technologies. The goal is a sustainable economic model that combines ecological and economic benefits and is based on natural cycles. In light of climate change and geopolitical tensions, the transition to a bio-based economy is necessary to reduce emissions and decrease dependence on fossil resources. Although Germany possesses extensive technologies and knowledge, their widespread application often fails due to a lack of networking, visibility, and knowledge transfer strategies. 

TransBIB addresses this as a national meta-network funded by the Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Energy to accelerate the industrial bioeconomy. With 18 project partners, over 40 competence hubs, and funding of 5.5 million euros, the network serves as a nationwide platform that initiates collaborations, strategically connects stakeholders, and promotes the exchange of knowledge. Through an AI-supported “one-stop shop,” knowledge, infrastructure, and expertise are pooled, and practical services such as regulatory consulting, certification support, and transformation strategies are provided.

Project objective

The goal of the project is to consolidate information, data, and expertise, as well as to facilitate targeted networking among key players in the bioeconomy. In particular, TransBIB supports companies in rapidly and efficiently scaling up bio-based Innovations to industrial scale, thereby promoting the development of sustainable, bio-based value chains. This unlocks innovation potential and shortens the time-to-market for bio-based innovations. In this way, TransBIB contributes to strengthening the competitiveness of the German and European bioeconomy and to the transformation toward a bio-based economy.

Project procedure

The 36-month project is divided into six work packages and encompasses knowledge capture for scaling, networking and knowledge transfer, stakeholder dialogue on certification and regulation, knowledge management, target-group-specific communication, industry-related training, and central communication.

Rosenheim University of Applied Sciences (THRO) empowers stakeholders and new value-creation networks to assess sustainability in the context of process scaling and market requirements and is developing a structural and data model for a streamlined LCA tool. In addition, foundational knowledge on LCA and streamlined LCA, as well as the requirements of the capital and sales markets, will be provided. To this end, the needs of bioeconomy stakeholders will be identified through analyses of relevant norms and standards, as well as in-depth interviews. In addition, an information and transformation platform is being established to address the current state of sustainability certification in the bioeconomy, including an inventory, gap analysis, and needs assessment.  Handouts, website content, guides, and asynchronous learning resources developed as part of the project complement the offerings for bioeconomy stakeholders. The focus here is on stakeholder dialogue with certification bodies, SMEs, and other stakeholders.&

THRO imparts knowledge in the field of sustainability assessment, thereby enabling actors in the industrial bioeconomy to understand and apply relevant methods and tools. One key focus is on life cycle assessment (LCA). To this end, the technical fundamentals are taught using a “Streamlined LCA” tool developed specifically for this purpose. This provides companies with a low-threshold entry point into the environmental assessment of products and processes.

In addition, THRO analyzes relevant norms, standards, and market requirements, as well as existing certification systems. Through surveys and dialogue with companies, certification bodies, and other stakeholders, needs are identified and practical solutions are developed. The insights gained are compiled into guidelines, training programs, and digital information resources. This supports companies in applying sustainability assessments and promotes the transfer of scientific methods into industrial practice.

Innovation

The unique selling point of TransBIB is the systematic networking of knowledge, expertise, and infrastructures in the industrial bioeconomy at the national level. Instead of establishing new, isolated structures, the project brings together existing initiatives, data, tools, and regional networks and makes them accessible via a central “one-stop shop” for companies, research institutions, and other stakeholders. This significantly facilitates knowledge transfer, collaboration, and the use of existing resources.

Another innovative approach lies in linking technology transfer, sustainability assessment, scaling support, and regulatory requirements. TransBIB helps companies from concept to industrial application more quickly. Furthermore, the economy and society benefit from improved access to knowledge, data, and networks; accelerated implementation of sustainable Innovations; and greater competitiveness of the bioeconomy in Germany.