Back
A recent scientific report helps various organizations, including municipalities, businesses, and development centers, to map and develop circular bioeconomy opportunities in their regions. It provides a methodological framework for creating regional circular bioeconomy roadmaps.
This practical tool, developed as a result of interdisciplinary research, focuses on the use of local bioresources while considering the needs and opportunities of communities and local governments. The report offers guidance for planning activities that support local initiatives and collaboration, thereby increasing the added value and sustainability of the regional bioeconomy.
“An interdisciplinary approach to creating circular bioeconomy roadmaps ensures that local resources are utilized fairly, taking into account both ecological and social value,” explains Kai Pata, a member of the research team and Professor of Adult Education and Non-Formal Learning at Tallinn University.
The research report “Methodological Framework for Developing a Regional Circular Bioeconomy Roadmap”, developed within the KEKO cluster at Tallinn University, is now also available in English. “We found it necessary to make the circular bioeconomy roadmap methodology, which supports the development of regional roadmaps, openly accessible to a wider international audience,” notes Pata.
Promoting the circular bioeconomy is part of the European Green Deal’s objectives, requiring changes in the economy, lifestyle, and societal norms. The bioeconomy, which includes sectors such as agriculture, forestry, and the food industry, plays a crucial role in the green transition. The developed methodology integrates circular economy principles with the bioeconomy to replace fossil-based materials with sustainable, bio-based alternatives.
Creating regional roadmaps enables the alignment of circular bioeconomy development directions with broader strategic goals, such as Estonia 2035 and achieving climate neutrality by 2050. Additionally, the methodology takes into account global megatrends, including climate change, digitalization, geopolitical polarization, and cultural shifts.
The roadmap development process involves several stages, from recognizing the need and establishing a vision to planning specific actions and monitoring progress. Broad-based cooperation between businesses, municipalities, and communities is essential for identifying the best solutions for the sustainable use of bioresources.
To test the methodology, its implementation is planned in selected regions of Estonia to assess its effectiveness and adapt it based on practical experience. This innovative approach is expected to help position Estonia as a leader in circular bioeconomy development in Europe.
At the beginning of this year, Tallinn University also launched a five-year research project, SustainERA, which explores sustainability from an interdisciplinary perspective. Pata emphasizes that circular bioeconomy-based learning and collaboration between different stakeholders in society and business are fundamental to sustainability in this new project as well.
This article was originally published on the webpage of Tallinn University.
If this spin on the circular economy has you going in circles (in a good way!), don’t waste the momentum! Recycle your curiosity into our next article and rea more about how Useless eggshells could be used to make artificial joints!
