Biobord platform developed in BSR Interreg project RDI2CluB, connects bioeconomy innovation networks around the Baltic Sea Region to share ideas, find partners and work together to create business opportunities in bioeconomy.

Someone might ask whether this is an appropriate time to talk about the bioeconomy and future of regions when the world is focused on a microscopic, but powerful threat that has been able to halt humans' plans and actions temporarily, reduce access to financial resources and freeze development intentions. 

The bioeconomy will play a significant role in the green transition as it enables a shift from a fossil fuels-based economy to one based on renewable biological resources. It has gained traction in numerous sectors and industries, which have shaped the world and will arguably have an even greater impact in the coming decade.

The actions of the EU Strategy for the Baltic Sea Region are implemented by means of Flagships. Flagships demonstrate the progress of the Strategy, and may serve as pilot examples for desired action in a given field. In May, five new flagships were approved in the National Coordinators' meeting. We contacted the projects and asked what the status means to them.

In the beginning of this year, Interreg South Baltic Programme promoted their Flagships in a Facebook campaign. The campaign is a great compilation of the work carried out within the EUSBSR but also good inspiration to all those thinking of running a social media campaign.

Let’s take a look at the Flagships and their results!

Clear facts about bioeconomy help decision makers form a clearer picture of their own performance and create ambitious, yet realistic goals for their bioeconomy. Facts provide a solid base for a regional strategy. This sounds very simple, but that is not the case.

The sun lovers of the Baltic Sea countries were bathed in the much awaited heat wave in summer 2018. But too often the perfect summer day at the beach or sailing boat was spoilt by toxic blue green algae in the sea. In many coastal countries, emotions ran high on traditional and social media to find the culprits to the algae overload. Manure was one of the accused.

Made of Courage is a short video series produced by the PA Bioeconomy. The series consists of five videos telling stories of people driving the development of the bioeconomy in the Baltic Sea Region. It celebrates entrepreneurial spirit, disruptive innovation and those who challenge the use of fossil and artificial resources by creating viable options that already work.

A new Flagship project was approved by the National Coordinators under Horizontal Action Climate. The actions of the EU Strategy for the Baltic Sea Region are implemented by means of Flagships. Flagships demonstrate the progress of the Strategy, and may serve as pilot examples for desired action in a given field. What does the Flagship status mean for the newly approved project?

The bioeconomy can deliver many of the solutions that will limit global warming and bring about a fair, prosperous and equal world for all. But to succeed, the bioeconomy must be sustainable. The Nordic Council of Ministers is leading initiatives in the Baltic Sea Region, encouraging industries to develop innovative solutions for a greener future. One example of this is the five principles for a sustainable bioeconomy that will be launched at COP23 in Bonn.