March 2026

On 3 February 2026, regional authorities, researchers, cluster managers and policymakers gathered in Brussels for BIO2REG Connect, a flagship event organised by the BIO2REG project team. The event addressed the key question of how Europe’s ambitions for the bioeconomy can be implemented at the regional level.

Across Europe, many regions are facing structural transformation pressures driven by climate change, biodiversity loss, economic uncertainty and demographic shifts. Regions with carbon-intensive industries or resource-based sectors are particularly affected. Against this backdrop, BIO2REG Connect set out to explore how the circular bioeconomy can help these regions rethink resource use, industrial processes, and value chains while building stronger, more resilient local economies.

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How can multi-actor collaboration drive real impact in regional bioeconomy initiatives?

12 March 2026, 3:30 - 4:30pm

This webinar brings together three inspiring initiatives with hands-on experience in building collaborative networks for bioeconomy development. Through guided discussion and Q&A, panellists will share their strategies for stakeholder engagement and addressing complex challenges in their regional contexts.

Spotlight on emerging bioeconomy model region: Sweden

Source: Södra

Sweden’s bioeconomy stands out for its innovative use of abundant domestic raw materials, particularly its extensive forests. Wood is the central feedstock for companies such as Södra, which has set the ambition to become the world’s largest producer of kraft lignin. In Timrå, Biorefinery Östrand (a SCA-St1 joint venture) is advancing toward commercial operation to convert wood residues into sustainable aviation fuels. At the same time, a new generation of urban construction projects is redefining wood’s traditional role: Stockholm Wood City, the globe's biggest wooden urban district, and Sara Kulturhus, one of the tallest timber buildings in the world.

Sara Kulturhuset
Source: Sven Burman/Visit Skellefteå

Across the country, six specialised bioeconomy clusters bring together expertise in forest-based industries, bio-based materials, marine resources, pharmaceuticals, agriculture and food, and bioenergy.

Key research and demonstration infrastructures support this development. RISE Research Institutes of Sweden operates LignoCity near Kristinehamn, a flexible testbed for customised lignin production that combines pilot facilities, laboratories and start-up support. In Örnsköldsvik, the BioEconomy Arena provides a demonstration environment for scaling bio-based processes. 

Despite these strengths, the region faces structural challenges, such as fragmented actors, logistical hurdles in remote areas, and balancing rising biomass demand with sustainable supply. A national bioeconomy strategy proposed in 2023 fosters growth through clusters in forest-based, biobased materials, marine, pharmaceuticals, agricultural/food, and bioenergy sectors, promoting stakeholder collaboration across policy, industry, science, and society.

Best practices guide

Download the guide showcasing 64 best practices across Europe on key transition topics, e.g. strategy and action plans, value chains, social sustainability, funding and many more.

Webinar recordings

Missed one of the recent sessions in our network webinar series? The recordings are now available for you to watch at any time - for network members only. You can now access both webinars and revisit the key insights and discussions.

Views and opinions expressed are however those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or European Research Executive Agency (REA). Neither the European Union nor REA can be held responsible for them.