Bio.be policy document
Towards a Belgian and Regional Strategy for the
Biobased Economy
June 2013
CONTENT
SUMMARY ......................................................................................................................................................................................... 3
1.
INTRODUCTION ...................................................................................................................................................................... 4
2.
CONTEXT .................................................................................................................................................................................. 5
3.
THE EUROPEAN BIO-ECONOMY STRATEGY ...................................................................................................................... 7
3.1.
Introduction to the Europe an Bio-economy Strategy ............................................................................................... 7
3.2.
Major biobased economy related actions in the EU strategy ................................................................................. 8
4.
BIOBASED ECONOMY STRATEGIES IN OTHER MEMBER STATES AND REGIONS .................................................... 10
4.1.
Germany............................................................................................................................................................................ 10
4.1.1.
National Bio-economy Research Strategy 2030 ............................................................................................... 10
4.1.2.
The Bio-Economy Council ..................................................................................................................................... 10
4.1.3.
Regional clusters .................................................................................................................................................... 11
4.2.
The Netherlands .............................................................................................................................................................. 12
4.2.1.
Vision of the Dutch first Rutte Cabinet (2010 – 2012)..................................................................................... 12
4.2.2.
Innovation Contract Biobased Economy ............................................................................................................ 13
4.2.3.
BE-BASIC................................................................................................................................................................... 14
4.3.
Sweden .............................................................................................................................................................................. 15
4.4.
Denmark............................................................................................................................................................................ 16
4.5.
Finland ............................................................................................................................................................................... 16
4.6.
Ireland................................................................................................................................................................................ 17
4.7.
France ................................................................................................................................................................................ 17
4.7.1.
At national level...................................................................................................................................................... 17
4.7.2.
Regional clusters .................................................................................................................................................... 18
4.8.
Norway .............................................................................................................................................................................. 19
4.9.
UK ....................................................................................................................................................................................... 19
4.10.
Italy..................................................................................................................................................................................... 21
4.11.
Summary ........................................................................................................................................................................... 21
1
5.
THE BIO-ECONOMY STRATEGY IN THE USA.................................................................................................................... 22
6.
THE BIOBASED ECONOMY IN BELGIUM AND THE REGIONS – SWOT ANALYSIS..................................................... 23
7.
TOWARDS A BELGIAN AND REGIONAL STRATEGY FOR THE BIOBASED ECONOMY: RECOMMEN DATIONS ... 31
7.1.
Need for an integrated and holistic approach .......................................................................................................... 31
7.2.
Feedstock supply and availability................................................................................................................................ 32
7.3.
Research and innovation ............................................................................................................................................... 34
7.4.
Stimulating production and consumption ................................................................................................................. 35
7.5.
Visibility and awareness ................................................................................................................................................ 36
8.
OVERVIEW OF THE MAIN RECOMMENDATIONS........................................................................................................... 37
2
Summary
The objective of this document is to propose a framework to policymakers for an integrated strategy for
a competitive and innovative bio-economy in Belgium and it’s Regions. The focus is the so called
biobased economy (from renewable feedstock to biobased products). The biobased economy refers to a
future society that is no longer wholly dependent on fossil fuels and industrial raw materials. Biobased
products are a substitute for certain fossil fuel -based products, and could play a valuable role in
contributing to a more sustainable society, with the potential to reduce greenhouse gas emissions,
generate less waste, and use less fossil fuel and water.
The European Commission recently published a strategy and action plan “Innovating for Sustainable
Growth: a Bio-economy for Europe”. Chapter 3 of this report takes a closer look to this strategy, and
analyses what is in for the biobased industries, so the future Belgian or Regional strategies are in line
with the European one.
Many countries and regions in Europe have already developed or are developing biobased economy
strategies and action plans. Chapter 4 gives an overview of the most important activities in European
member states with the aim to define good practices and benchmarks.
Earlier this year, the White House in the USA published it’s “Bio-economy Blueprint”. In chapter 5, we
will have a closer look to what the United States is proposing.
An efficient strategy for Belgium and it’s Regions should build on the current strengths en develop
further the possible opportunities, taking into account our weaknesses and possible threats. The detailed
SWOT analysis in chapter 6 should support this.
Based on previous, chapter 7 describes in detail some recommendations for a future Belgian and
Regional strategy for the biobased economy. The recommendations are linked to





the need for an integrated and holistic approach
feedstock supply and availability
research and innovation
stimulating consumption and production
visibility and awareness
Finally, in chapter 8, a table summarises the key recommendations and the estimated impact.
3
1. INTRODUCTION
The objective of this document is to develop a framework for a future Bio-economy strategy in Belgium
and it’s Regions. The focus is the so called biobased economy (from renewable feedstock to biobased
products).
Today, several definitions circulate to describe the bio-economy. According the OECD, and also generally
used in the US, the bio-economy is the total economic activity from all sectors of the biotechnology
sector (pharmaceuticals, food & agriculture, industrial biotechnology) . According the European
Commission however, the bio-economy encompasses the sustainable production of renewable biological
resources and their conversion and that of waste streams into food, feed, biobased products such as
bioplastics, biofuels and bioenergy. It includes agriculture, forestry, fisheries, food and pulp and paper
production, as well as parts of chemical, biotechnological and energy industries.
The so-called biobased economy is the conversion of renewable feedstock (biomass and organic waste)
into biobased products. It can be seen as the non-food pillar of the bio-economy, an economy where the
basic building blocks for industry and the raw materials for energy are derived from plant -based (i.e.
renewable) sources, often processed using “industrial biotechnology”.
4
2. Context
Biobased industries are industries, which either use renewable resources and/or apply biobased
processes in their production processes (e.g. food, pulp and paper and other forest -based industries,
starch, biotechnology and chemical industries, eco- and energy industries). The OECD estimates that
biotechnology's share of all chemical production alone is likely to increase from less than 2% in 2005 to
25% in 2025. Significant increase in economic activity is expected to arise from the innovation potential
of industrial biotechnology and biorefineries, which provide the opportunity to develop new biobased
industries, transform existing ones, and open new markets for biobased products
A special focus is foreseen for biorefineries. Biorefineries aim to produce multiple biobased products and
fuels using renewable resources as a carbon source and biobased processes. Ideally, they should adapt
their inputs and outputs in response to market supply of different types of biomass and wastes and to
the demand for biobased products, biofuels and bioenergy. Biorefineries should adopt a cascading
approach to the use of their inputs, favouring highest value added and resource efficient products, such
as biobased products and industrial materials, over bioenergy. The principle of cascad ing use is based on
single or multiple material uses followed by energy use through burning at the end of life of the material,
including taking into account the greenhouse gas emissions (GHG) mitigation potential. By -products and
wastes from one production process are used to feed into other production processes or for energy.
Biorefineries can thus contribute to the principles of a "zero-waste society".
In order to enhance the competitiveness and growth and maintain the leading role of European
industries in the sector of biorefineries, it will be necessary to support pilot and demonstration activities
for up-scaling of products and processes.
Supply of sufficient quantities of good quality renewable raw materials at a competitive price is critical
for the success of biorefineries. A supply chain for feedstock needs to be developed across Europe that
allows compensating fluctuations in one feedstock, by using another. This includes improving
infrastructures for storage and transport, and developing the necessary logistics. Cascading use of
biomass should be possible at regional, national and European level.
Every year, more than 300 million tonnes of biodegradable household and household -like wastes,
industrial wastes and other wastes are generated in the EU and remain largely unexploited. The bioeconomy offers a wide range of added value solutions for the prevention and management of
biodegradable waste streams. As with biomass, waste may not always be directed to the most efficient
and highest value uses. Life cycle thinking and prospective studies will be critical in determining which
use of a waste will be the most efficient in a given context.
Industrial biotechnology can contribute to making production processes more resource efficient and
environmentally friendly. Synthetic biology is highly likely to influence a wide range of areas of our
economy and society. Designing and constructing artificial micro-organisms for a given application could
have a huge potential for biotechnological applications, such as protein design and production,
metabolic engineering, carbon fixation, biomass production, biocatalysis, biofuels and bioremediation.
5
Systems biology aims to understand the operation of biological systems rather than its component parts.
Combined with systems engineering it can assist product and process development, for example through
virtual or in silico set-ups that predict process conditions. This reduces the need for experiments and
saves cost and time. Nanobiotechnology develops nanotechnology products with the basic components
of biomolecules and living cells. This provides innovative scientific and technical approaches to address
existing or to create new applications, especially in the area of biocatalysis, which will contribute to the
development of innovative and cost-efficient biobased products and solutions.
Biobased products are wholly or partly derived from materials of biological origin. The advantages of
these products over conventional products range from more sustainable production p rocesses, to
improved functionalities and characteristics.
The EU is taking an active role in driving the development of clear and unambiguous standards for
biobased products at European and international level (e.g. on biobased content, biodegradability,
sustainability and functionalities) and ensure their consistency across sectors. Standards are also central
for the development of labels for biobased products. Sustainability criteria for biobased products and
biofuels should be comparable and take into account factors, such as the calculation of GHG emissions
and criteria for sustainable biomass production. Labelling can play an important role for the
commercialisation of biobased products. They provide consumers with clear information on the
environmental performance of the products and guide their purchasing behaviour towards sustainable
choices. Labels can also be critical for the uptake of biobased products by green public procurement.
Biobased products create entirely new markets or enter markets domi nated by well-established petrochemicals suppliers. This implies specific challenges both for start-ups and mature companies wanting to
enter a biobased market either as a supplier or a customer. A specialised support infrastructure for
SMEs across the EU would be beneficial. An EU wide approach bringing together suppliers and potential
users downstream in the biobased products value chain would increase chances to alleviate market
failures and earn societal benefits earlier, contributing to a lead market advantage. The BIOCHEM1
project funded under the EU Competitiveness and Innovation Programme (CIP) serve s as a pilot for such
services.
1
http://www.biochem-project.eu/
6
3. THE EUROPEAN BIO-ECONOMY STRATEGY
3.1. Introduction to the European Bio-economy Strategy
In February 2012, the European Commission has adopted a strategy and action plan “Innovating for
Sustainable Growth: a Bio-economy for Europe 2” to shift the European economy towards greater and
more sustainable use of renewable resources. This bio-economy strategy is part of the Europe 20203
flagship initiatives "Innovation Union 4" and "A Resource Efficient Europe 5 ". The goal is a more innovative
and low-emissions economy, reconciling demands for sustainable agriculture and fisheries, food security,
and the sustainable use of renewable biological resources for industrial purposes, while ensuring
biodiversity and environmental protection.
The strategy and action plan outlines a coherent, cross-sectoral and inter-disciplinary approach to the
issue with three key pillars, with as main actions:

Investment in research, innovation and skills for the bio-economy:
1. Ensure substantial EU and national funding as well as private investment and partnering for
bio-economy research and innovation. Support bioclusters for partnering with the private
sector.
2. Increase the share of multi-disciplinary and cross-sectoral research and innovation in order
to address the complexity and inter-connectedness of societal challenges by improving the
existing knowledge-base and developing new technologies.
3. Promote the uptake and diffusion of innovation in bio-economy sectors and create further
feedback mechanisms on regulations and policy measures where necessary.
4. Build the human capacity required to support the growth and further integration of bio economy sectors by organizing university fora for the development of new bio-economy
curricula and vocational training schemes.

Development of markets and competitiveness in bio-economy sectors:
5. Create a Bio-economy Panel that will contribute to enhancing synergies and coherence
between policies, initiatives and economic sectors related to the bio-economy at EU level,
and encourage the creation of similar panels at Member State and regional level .
6. Establish a Bio-economy Observatory in close collaboration with existing information
systems that allows the Commission to regularly assess the progress and impact of the bioeconomy and develop forward-looking and modelling tools.
7. Support the development of regional and national bio-economy strategies by providing a
mapping of existing research and innovation activities, competence centres and
infrastructures.
2
http://ec.europa.eu/research/bioeconomy/press/press_packages/index_en.htm
http://ec.europa.eu/europe2020/index_en.htm
4
http://ec.europa.eu/research/innovation-union/index_en.cfm
5
http://ec.europa.eu/resource-efficient-europe/
3
7
8. Develop international cooperation on bio-economy research and innovation to jointly
address global challenges, such as food security and climate change, as well as the issue of
sustainable biomass supply.

Reinforced policy coordination and stakeholder engagement:
9. Provide the knowledge-base for sustainable intensification of primary production. Improve
the understanding of current, potential and future availability and demand of biomass
(including agricultural and forestry residues and waste) across sectors. Support the future
development of an agreed methodology for the calculation of environmental footprints, e.g.
using life cycle assessments (LCAs).
10. Promote the setting up of networks with the required logistics for integrated and diversified
biorefineries, demonstration and pilot plants across Europe, including the necessary logistics
and supply chains for a cascading use of biomass and waste streams.
11. Support the expansion of new markets by developing standards and standardized
sustainability assessment methodologies for biobased products and food production systems
and supporting scale-up activities. Facilitate green procurement for biobased products by
developing labels, an initial European product information list and specific trainings for
public procurers. Contribute to the long-term competitiveness of bio-economy sectors by
putting in place incentives and mutual learning mechanisms for improved reso urce
efficiency.
12. Develop science-based approaches to inform consumers about product properties and to
promote a healthy and sustainable lifestyle.
3.2. Major biobased economy related actions in the EU strategy

Investment in research, innovation and skills
o Increase EU public funding for research and innovation on bio-economy. Strengthen
coherence and synergies between EU and national/regional programmes.
o Provide scientific advice for informed policy decisions on benefits of bio -economy
solutions.
o Support knowledge acquisition and technology exchange, advisory and support services,
cooperation and training opportunities among all actors of the supply chain and end users, for example new businesses in the biobased product.
o Promote the uptake and diffusion of innovation in bio-economy sectors.
o Stimulate the development of bio-economy skills in higher education.

Reinforced policy interaction and stakeholder engagement
o Engage with civil society and promote informed public debates on bio-economy issues,
research and innovation activities and societal implications, through stakeholders
8
o
o
o
o
o
o

discussion platforms involving scientists, entrepreneurs, policy makers and civil society
at large.
Improve availability and quality of information on bio-economy products and processes,
and on their socio, economic and environmental impacts, to facilitate informed societal
choices.
Review regularly the progress and delivery of EU and national/regional bio-economy
strategies.
Produce regular foresights and forecasts and updates of e x-ante impacts assessments for
the bio-economy, contributing to policies' orientations as well as research and
innovation directions.
Contribute to the mapping of EU, national and regional bio-economy policies, research
and innovation capacities, activities and infrastructures, as well as public and private
investments in research and innovation.
Support the development of regional and national bio-economy strategies.
Promote international cooperation and synergies among R&I programmes related to the
bio-economy in the EU, Member States and strategic third countries.
Enhancement of markets and competitiveness in bio-economy sectors
o Develop tools to aggregate data on biomass and biowaste availability and their use in
biobased industries in order to examine the use of available resources and the need for
imports from third countries.
o Enhance the markets in Europe for quality biomass and waste to provide producers of
biobased products, biofuels and bioenergy with equal accessibility.
o Promote the setting up of networks with the required logistics for integrated and
diversified biorefineries, demonstration and pilot plants across Europe, including the
necessary logistics and supply chains for a cascading use of biomass and waste streams.
o Support the establishment of a network of diversified biorefineries across Europe, as
well as the creation and networking of one or more clusters of integrated and diversified
biorefineries in every Member State.
o Support the expansion of new markets by developing standards and standardised
sustainability assessment methodologies for biobased products and supporting scale-up
activities. Facilitate green procurement for biobased products by developing labels.
o Contribute to the development of methodological standards for biobased products (e.g.
using LCAs) with regard to, e.g. biobased content, biodegradability and functionalities.
o Improve the accessibility to existing and invest into additional pilot plant infrastructures
and activities in order to support the up-scaling of biobased products and processes.
Increase investments in demonstration infrastructures and activities in order to support
the up-scaling of processes for the manufacturing of biobased products.
o
Better integrate research projects with the use of pilot and demonstration activities.
9
4. BIOBASED ECONOMY STRATEGIES IN OTHER MEMBER STATES AND REGIONS
4.1. Germany
4.1.1. National Bio-economy Research Strategy 2030
In 2010, The German Federal Ministry for Education and Research published the “National Research
Strategy Bio-Economy 2030: Our Route towards a biobased economy 6 ”. The central objective is the
optimal utilisation of the chances created by the knowledge -based bio-economy, and to translate these
into enduring economic growth. The research strategy lays out five priority fields of action for further
development towards a knowledge-based, internationally competitive bio-economy: global food
security, sustainable agricultural production, healthy and safe foods, the industrial application of
renewable resources, and the development of biomass-based energy carriers.
4.1.2. The Bio-Economy Council
The Bio-economy Research and Technology Council (BioÖkonomieRat 7), was funded jointly by the
German Ministry of Education and Research and the Ministry of Food, Agriculture and Consum er
Protection, and is an independent advisory body to the German government for all matters relating to
bio-economy. The Council is made up of experts from university and non-university research institutes,
the federal government’s own departmental research, and from research in the private sector. The
mission of the Bio-economy Council is to improve parameters, accelerate the development of innovative
technologies, and identify the need for future research. Another task of the Council is to analyse the
strategic goals of Germany as a whole, the individual Länder (Regions), as well as those set within the EU
and other international partner countries.
The concrete aims of the Bio-Economy Council are:




6
7
To offer an overview of the opportunities and prospects of the bio-economy in Germany
To deliver scientifically-based recommendations for measures to improve parameters
To develop scenarios to create parameters for research, education and training, and student
support
To help strengthen networks of relevant actors from science, business and politics with a view to
achieving maximum harmonisation on strategic questions
http://www.bmbf.de/pub/bioeconomy_2030.pdf
http://www.biooekonomierat.de
10
The findings of the Council’s work are published in reports, recommendations and other publications :

In 2010, the Council published its analytical “Bio-economy Innovation Report8”, placing emphasis
on increasing biomass yield volumes and more efficient production processes in the food and
energy sectors.

The Council has delivered its first recommendations already in 2009. The report “Combi ne
disciplines, improve parameters, seek out international partnership 9” suggested for a
restructuring of research funding and recommended incentive systems for private investment.
The Council members supported the establishment of integrative structures i n research within
Germany as in the past these have followed traditional discipline boundaries too strictly. In
addition to the formation of strategic partnerships with other countries and an improvement in
student education, the Council believed that another focus should be the creation of solid legal
frameworks, such as in the area of green gene technology.

In 2011, in its report “Priorities in Bio-economic Research10”, the Bio-Economy Council defined
the priorities with regard to relevance and urgency of the research topics identified in its report
“Bio-economy Innovation” and made recommendations with regard to time scales and financial
backing. The primary objectives are to increase the volume of biomass available for various
applications and to use the limited natural resources efficiently in order to fully exploit potential
and to reduce the likelihood of newly competing demands arising, as for example, between
those of the bio-energy and foodstuff industries. The Bio-economy Council also recommended
that a National Bio-economy Platform be set up to carry out the coordination work and to
provide impetus for the corresponding conversion processes with the relevant actors.
4.1.3. Regional clusters
In 2007, the German Federal Ministry of Education and Research initiated the creation of five German
industrial biotech clusters. Among these clusters is CLIB202111 (cofounded by the Ministry of Innovation,
Science and Research of the German State of NRW) with 32 founding members. Since then the cluster
grew to include more than 70 academic institutes, companies and investors, launched R&D projects with
a total volume of 50 million Euros, founded 5 start-ups and attracted 10% international members.
Another cluster is BioM WB12 with two demonstration plants for cellulosic ethanol and acetic acid, a new
multi-purpose pilot plant for and a degree program of industrial biotechnology at the Technical
University of Munich.
8
http://www.biooekonomierat.de/reports.html?file=files /downloads/092010/bio-economy-innovation-report2010.pdf
9
http://www.biooekonomierat.de/files/downloads/presse/BOER-Empfehlungen2009_en.pdf
10
http://www.biooekonomierat.de/files/downloads/Publikationen/BOER_Recommendations_No%202.pdf
11
http://www.clib2021.de/en/
12
http://www.biom-wb.de/
11
4.2. The Netherlands
4.2.1. Vision of the Dutch first Rutte Cabinet (2010 – 2012)
In the Netherlands, the Cabinet of Economic Affairs, Agriculture and Innovation has decided that the
biobased economy is one of the strong emerging economic pillars to be supported. The High Level
Group Biobased Economy and the Bio-renewable Resources Platform, both Dutch public-private
frameworks of cooperation in the field of the biobased economy, were asked to give input for a future
strategy. In addition, in September 2011, 43 stakeholders (business and NGOs) signed the Manifest
Biobased Economy 13, supporting the development of a sustainable biobased economy.
So the development of the national strategy was the result of an on-going interaction between business,
society, and science, stimulated by policy makers.
In April 2012, the Cabinet presented its “Hoofdlijnennotitie Biobased Economy”14, a mid- and long term
vision and strategy for the biobased economy, as an answer on independent advices of the “Sociaal Economische Raad” (SER) and the “Commissie Duurzaamheidsvraagstukken Biomassa” (CDB). In parallel,
an “innovation contract for the biobased economy” was worked out in collaboration with the industry
and the research organisations.
13
http://www.iucn.nl/actueel/iucn_nl/manifest_biobased_economy_ondertekend/
http://www.rijksoverheid.nl/documenten-en-publicaties/kamerstukken/2012/04/02/hoofdlijnennotitiebiobased-economy.html
14
12
The main headlines of the strategy are:

Sustainable use of biomass: sustainable production of biomass and yield increase; development
of better technologies (e.g. biorefining); development of the cascading principle to use the
biomass; optimal use of side-streams.

Integrated policy: bringing stakeholders (industry, science and policy) together in order to
stimulate interaction between value chains and co-production of products, and to use in a more
efficient way side streams; removing obstacles; development of a coherent policy.
Knowledge and innovation: focus on technological research (e.g. availability and use of biomass
and side streams) as well as on solving social, environmental and economic problems;
stimulating collaboration between, universities; improve participation to European Programmes;
improve valorisation; develop innovation contract with all stakeholders (see 3.2.2)
Clear and transparent sustainability criteria: support development of European sustainability
criteria for biofuels; broaden sustainability criteria to other uses of biomass (via Commissie
Duurzaamheidsvraagstukken Biomassa)
Intensive European and international collaboration: stimulate companies and research
organisations to participate to European Programmes (e.g. Horizon 2020); as a Member State,
politically influence European policies (e.g. resource efficiency, climate change, e nergy and
transport, industrial policy, agricultural policy, regional development); removing obstacles at EU
level (e.g. trade); closer collaboration with third countries (e.g. Brazil, USA, Canada, Malaysia,
Ukraine, Russia); removing trade barriers at international level; organisation of economic
missions (e.g. Germany, USA).



4.2.2. Innovation Contract Biobased Economy
The innovation contract biobased economy “Groene Groei – van biomassa naar business”15 is an joined
agenda developed by the industry and the research organisations. It contains 6 working packages, each
covering the entire innovation chain (from more basic research until valorisation). The working packages
are:






15
Biobased materials
Bio-energy and bio-chemicals
Integrated biorefinery
Cultivation optimisation and biomass production
Recycling and re-use: water, nutrients and soil
Economy, policy and sustainability
http://www.top-sectoren.nl/chemie/sites/default/files/documents/Innovatiecontract%20BBE_0.pdf
13
In total more than 100 companies will participate to the projects, and have committed more than 200
million EUR.
4.2.3. BE-BASIC
BE-Basic16 (Biobased Ecologically Balanced Sustainable Industrial Chemistry) is a public-private
partnership that develops industrial biobased solutions for a sustainable society. BE-Basic is coordinated
by Delft University of Technology and has an R&D budget of more than 120 million euros. Half of this is
funded by the Ministry of Economic Affairs, Agriculture and Innovation. BE-Basic was founded early
2010.
BE-Basic is a consortium of large industries, small and medium enterprises (SME’s), knowledge institutes
and academia. The following partners participate within the BE-Basic consortium:



Industrial partners: Amyris, AkzoNobel, Bioclear, BioDetection Systems, Bird Engineering, BLGG
AgroXpertus, DSM, Essent New Energy, Microdish, Microlife Solutions , Purac, Synthon,
Waste2Chemical
Institutes: Deltares, Netherlands Institute of Ecology (NIOO-KNAW), Wageningen UR, Food &
Biobased Research
Academic partners: Delft University of Technology, Imperial College London, Karlsruhe Institute
of Technology, Maastricht University, Radboud University Nijmegen, Technische Universität
Dortmund, University of Amsterdam, University of Groningen, University of Twente, MESA+
Institute for Nanotechnology, Utrecht University, VU University Amsterdam, Wageningen
University
The strong international focus of BE-Basic is reflected by the membership of the consortium of several
leading institutions in the EU. Moreover BE-Basic puts its international focus into practice through
strategic partnerships in a selected number of countries: Brazil, Malaysia, the U.S.A. and Vietnam.
BE-BASIC is constructing a Bioprocess Pilot Facility. Located in Delft, the facility will be a center of
expertise and technology open to researchers and students from all over the world. The Bioprocess Pilot
Facility is funded by universities, companies, the European Union, the Dutch Ministries of Agriculture,
Nature & Food Quality and Economic Affairs, the Province of South Holland and the Municipalities of
Rotterdam, Delft and The Hague. The facility has a modular setup. Users themselves select the process to
be investigated from the available modules, ranging from various methods of biomass pretreatment,
fermentation, recycling and purification to third-generation bioprocesses. In the Bioprocess Pilot Facility
companies and knowledge institutions can develop novel, sustainable and environmentally friendly
production processes based on biomass . Another important aspect of the facility is to provide training
and education.
16
http://www.be-basic.org/
14
4.3. Sweden
In Sweden, Vinnova (The Swedish Governmental Agency for Innovation Systems) in June 2008 granted
SEK 13 million (around 1,2 million Euro) to a project called “The biorefinery of the future” .
In September 2011 the Swedish Government commissioned Formas, in consultation with VINNOVA and
the Swedish Energy Agency, to prepare a national strategy for the generation of a biobased economy
and sustainable development. This resulted in a “Swedish Research and Innovation Strategy for a
Biobased Economy 17”,which was adopted in February 2012.
Following research and development needs were defined:
•
•
•
•
The replacement of fossil-based raw materials with biobased raw materials. Some examples of
this are: intensified production of biobased raw materials, nutrient and fertilizer optimization
systems, crop and animal breeding, cultivation system such as multifunctional farming and
forestry systems, adaptation of seeds, crops and production systems to cope with climate
change, new and improved biomass properties, use of ecosystems other than fields and forests
for biomass production, for example marine ecosystems or urban environments.
Smarter products and smarter use of raw materials. Some examples of this are: further
refinement of biomass products, bi-products and waste products become raw materials, new
products, biorefineries.
Change in consumption habits and attitudes. Some examples of this are: increased product
lifetimes, increased recycling, more efficient transport, distribution and storage, new services,
consumer behaviour.
Prioritisation and choice of measures. Some examples of this are: Environmental consequences,
socio-economic consequences, conflict of objectives, governing policies.
In addition, research and development will be complemented by innovation-fostering initiatives and
measures that specifically address bio-economy challenges. The nature and extent of these challenges
necessitates widespread collaboration among actors and that sectors work together to be able to deal
with the complex issues and demands for solutions that the challenges give rise to. This includes:
•
•
Stimulating cross-industry collaboration in research and development in order to develop and
implement solutions that contribute to a growing biobased economy. Universities and research
institutes play a central role in forging links in such collaborations, but public actors and civilian
society also has important roles.
Stimulating the growth of strong research and innovation environments that contribute with
relevant knowledge and create preconditions for innovation within the area. These strong
17
http://www.formas.se/upload/EPiStorePDF/Swedish%20Researc h%20and%20Innovation%20Strategy%20for%20a
%20Bio-based%20Economy_R3_2012/Strategy_Biobased_Ekonomy_hela.pdf
15
•
•
environments gather together Swedish competence and actors and augment the innovative
capabilities of regions and organisations.
Accelerating development, verification and commercialization of new biobased solutions and
provide continued support for the demonstration of products, systems and services other than
fuels and energy technology solutions.
Offering support to small and medium-sized enterprises for the commercialisation of new
technologies. This particularly applies to collaborations between these and larger companies in
order to accelerate development and innovation.
4.4. Denmark
Denmark has not a yet a specific strategy for the bio-economy, but the Government has signed in 2009
an agreement on Green Growth 18 . The purpose of the Agreement is to ensure that a high level of
environmental, nature and climate protection goes hand in hand with modern and competitive
agriculture and food industries. A total of 1.8 billion EUR funding until 2015 is foreseen, which is a 50%
increase compared to previous initiatives.
4.5. Finland
Also Finland has not yet an official bio-economy strategy. However, in 2011 SITRA (the Finnish Innovation
Fund) prepared a report “ Sustainable Bio-economy: Potential, Challenges and Opportunities in
Finland19 ”. The study claims that the market for small-scale solutions is large, which provides a basis for
mass-production of bio-economic solutions.
Also in Finland, the BioRefine 2007-2012 programme of TEKES has allocated 137 million Euro to the
development of innovative technologies, products and services related to biorefineries and the
processing of biomass in general for the international market.
18
http://www.mim.dk/NR/rdonlyres/54887891-D450-4CD7-B823CD5B12C6867A/0/DanishAgreementonGreenGrowth_300909.pdf
19
http://www.sitra.fi/julkaisut/Selvityksi%C3%A4-sarja/Selvityksi%C3%A4%2051.pdf
16
4.6. Ireland
Although there is no specific Irish bio-economy strategy, some aspects have been defined through two
documents issued by the Irish Governement: “Building Ireland's Smart Economy- A Framework for
Sustainable Economic Renew 20” (2008) and “Developing the Green Economy in Ireland 21” (2009).
The Smart Economy is a ‘Green Economy’ in that it recognises the inter-related challenges of climate
change and energy security. It involves the transition to a low-carbon economy and recognises the
opportunities for investment and jobs in clean industry. The core of the “Green New Deal” is a move
away from fossil-fuel based energy production through investment in renewable energy and increased
energy efficiency to reduce demand, wastage and costs. The five Action Areas of the Framework are:
1. Meeting the Short-term Challenge – Securing the Enterprise Economy and Restoring
Competitiveness;
2. Building the Ideas Economy – Creating ‘The Innovation Island’;
3. Enhancing the Environment and Securing Energy Supplies;
4. Investing in Critical Infrastructure;
5. Providing Efficient and Effective Public Services and Smart Regulation
The key actions of the “Green Economy” strategy are:
1. Promote Green Sectors That Drive Exports And Job Creation (e.g. renewable energy,
energy efficiency and management, waste management, water/wastewater)
2. Deliver Green Zones and a Green international financial services sector (IFSC)
3. Create World-Class Research Centres and Human Capital
4. Remove Hurdles to the Development of the Green Economy (e.g. technical, regulatory
and planning barriers to the development of renewable energy projects; implementing
green public procurement in Ireland; ensuring that green firms can access finance and
developing Ireland’s brand).
4.7. France
4.7.1. At national level
In France the R&D expenditures were increased with the Programme “Investments for the Future 22”
with an growing role for the bio-economy. Within this national programme, around 1,5 billion Euros are
dedicated to the bio-economy for a 10-year period:
20
http://www.taoiseach.gov.ie/eng/Building_Ireland's_Smart_Economy/Building_Ireland's_Smart_Economy__Executive_Summary.pdf
21
http://www.forfas.ie/media/dete091202_green_economy.pdf
22
http://www2.ademe.fr/servlet/KBaseShow?sort=-1&cid=96&m=3&catid=24707
17


1 billion euro in the area of “Decarbonated Energy” with as main projects GreenStar for algae ,
PIVERT for biorefinery and oleochemistry and IFMAS for sustainable chemistry
0.5 billion euro were allocated to 40 R&D projects, industrial demonstrators and dedicated
equipments for biotechnologies, bioresources and bioprocessings.
4.7.2. Regional clusters
In 2005, the French General Directorate for Competitiveness, Industry and Services (DGCIS) has created
the so-called Competitivenes Clusters23, an initiative that brings together companies, research centers
and educational institutions in order to develop synergies and cooperative efforts. The objectives of the
Competitiveness clusters is to strengthen the competitiveness of the French economy and to develop
both growth and jobs in key markets through increased innovation, by encouraging high-value-added
technological and creative activities at a regional level, and by attracting businesses to France thanks to a
higher international profile. Within these competitive clusters, the French Government is particularly
interested in promoting an overall environment favourable to enterprise and innovation, and in
supporting R&D efforts, and accompanies cluster development in the following ways:
•
•
•
•
•
•
By allocating financial support for the best R&D and innovation platform initiatives via calls for
projects
Partial financing for cluster governance structures, alongside local authorities and companies
Financial support for theme-based collective actions initiated by clusters in a wide range of
areas, via the various Regional Directorates for Industry, Research and the Environment (DRIRE)
By carrying out and publishing studies
By involving various partners, such as the Caisse des Dépôts, or the French National Research
Agency (ANR) and OSEO both of which finance R&D projects led by cluster stakeholders
By bringing new means from public research centres.
Following the positive assessment of the first phase of the cluster policy, the French Government has
decided to allocate €1.5bn to the launch of a second phase (2009–2012).
One of the clusters is the “Industries and Agro-Resources” Cluster or IAR24. This cluster unites
stakeholders from research, higher education, industry & agriculture in the Champagne-Ardenne and
Picardy regions of France around a shared goal: the value-added non-food exploitation of plant biomass.
In order to achieve this ambitious objective, the IAR cluster has defined 4 strategic f ields of activity
around the biorefinery concept: bioenergy, biomaterials, biomolecules, and green ingredients. The IAR
cluster's end goal and strategy involve bringing together skills and technologies for the extraction,
transformation and formulation of biomass components, enabling the performance of all the steps from the laboratory to industrial development - of innovative, sustainable development projects:
23
24
http://competitivite.gouv.fr/
http://www.iar-pole.com/
18
•
•
•
•
by intensifying collaboration between the two regions - matching supply and demand in the
industrial, research and agricultural sectors and funding the resulting projects.
by integrating external know-how and opening out to other regions in France or abroad as part
of a collaborative strategy.
by developing a specialized economic intelligence platform focused on opportunities for
substituting fossil carbon and creating new functionalities.
by adapting and mobilizing the plant-based resources required for specific industrial uses.
The IAR cluster is also organizing international trade missions and hosts foreign delegations in order to
forge technological and industrial collaborations in the field of plant biomass exploitation. A large
number of international-scale R&D projects have already been launched covering the four target
markets. A special relationships has been build up with several international clusters in Canada, Finland,
Hungary and elsewhere.
4.8. Norway
In Norway, an official “Norwegian Industrial Biotech Network 25 ” has been set up mid-2012. The main
objective of the Industrial Biotech Network is to stimulate innovation through partnerships and
dissemination of knowledge. The network will connect academia and industry across research
disciplines, industry sectors and geography. The network is the result of a joint initiative by Innovatio n
Norway (a government agency for industry development), The Research Council of Norway, and SIVA
(The Industrial Development Corporation of Norway).
4.9. UK
Industrial biotechnology and the bio-economy
The Technology Strategy Board 26 has created an Industrial Biotechnology Special Interest Group (IB-SIG)
to operate across its networks to implement the recommendations of the 2009 Industrial Biotechnology
Innovation and Growth Team (IB IGT) 27. The Industrial Biotechnology Special Interest Group (IB-SIG)
activities are managed by the Biosciences and Chemistry Innovation Knowledge Transfer Networks 28,
funded by the Department for Business Innovation and Skills via the Technology Strategy Board.
25
http://www.indbiotech.no/
http://www.innovateuk.org/
27
IB 2025 - Maximising UK Opportunities from Industrial Biotechnology in a Low Carbon Economy (2009)
https://connect.innovateuk.org/c/document_library/get_file?p_l_id=79343&folderId=169208&name=DLFE1715.pdf
28
http://www.innovationuk.org/informations/special -area/0004-the-knowledge-transfer-networks.html
26
19
To ensure that biotechnology companies, especially SMEs and start-ups, can overcome market barriers
related to the restrictive cost associated with capital assets needed to test new biotechnologies , a new
BIS co-funded 10,000 litre IB Demonstrator facility has been set up. This pilot plant can provide expertise
and equipment for companies to demonstrate the feasibility of up-scaling their production and
processes to commercial levels.
Also in the UK, the “Integrated Biorefining Research and Technology Club (IBTI Club) 29” was launched in
2009. This group consists of a research and technology partnership involving the Biotechnology and
Biological Sciences Research Council, the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council, industry
and the Bioscience for Business Knowledge Transfer Network (KTN). The club will interface with the
KTN's wider Integrated Biorefinery Technologies Initiative (IBTI) and is investing around £6 million in
industrially relevant, innovative, basic biological, chemical and engineering research in biorefining
technologies.
UK-Norwegian partnership supporting industrial biotechnology
In February 2011, a memorandum of understanding was signed between Innovation Norway and the
Technology Strategy Board in the UK. This collaboration agreement intends to foster transnational
collaboration between industries and research institutions in the area of industrial biotechnology and
biorefining. Beginning of 2012, it was decided to work together to support nine new research and
development projects that will create innovative processes to generate high-value chemicals through
industrial biotechnology and bio-refining. The UK Technology Strategy Board has offered grant funding
totalling £1.82 million to the nine UK-led projects (four full-scale collaborative R&D projects and five
feasibility projects) and four of these will also be supported by Innovation Norway, which is providing
additional funding of £400,000 to the Norwegian businesses that are taking part. The projects will look at
how industrial biotechnology and/or biorefining can be competitively applied to the production of high
value chemicals and will see collaboration between industrial biotechnology developers, higher
education institutions and the chemicals sector.
29
http://www.bbsrc.ac.uk/business/collaborative-research/industry-clubs/ibti/ibti-index.aspx
20
This new funding brings the total investment by the Technology Strategy Board since September 2009 in
R&D using industrial biotechnology to make new or existing chemicals to £7 million, in 42 projects. These
projects may use demonstration facilities in the UK, such as the newly-opened High Value Manufacturing
Catapult30 centre.
4.10. Italy
Since the launch of the EU Bio-economy Strategy, the Minister of Economic Development has set up a
working group on green chemistry with the aim of starting at a national level the elaboration of possible
national strategy. In May 2012 the Minister of Innovation launched a call for implementing clusters
focused on top innovative sectors for the country and one of them is green chemistry.
4.11. Summary
Several Member States and regions have already developed a strategy for the BBE or have started
working on one. It is therefore only natural that the focus may vary from country to country. A number
of countries such as Germany and Finland have taken a broader approach to the bio-economy as a whole
(including the agriculture and food pillars), while most countries - such as the Netherlands, Sweden, and
several regions in France - place the emphasis on the biobased economy itself. Although the most
important action point continuously seems to be “innovation” (in the broadest sense of the word), most
authorities are developing an “integral” policy. The Netherlands places the emphasis on biomass
production, innovation, sustainability and coherent policies, while Sweden is focusing on innovatio n,
market introduction, support for SMEs and general supporting policy. Germany has established a
national “Bio-economy Council” with the focus on the economy, innovation, education and policy. An
important part of most strategies involves establishing and supporting a specific cluster and/or publicprivate partnership (PPP). We have seen a recent increase in the number of cooperation partnerships
between the clusters and PPPs in Europe, or even with regions outside Europe.
30
https://catapult.innovateuk.org/nl_BE/high-value-manufacturing
21
5. THE BIO-ECONOMY STRATEGY IN THE USA
In April 2012, the Obama administration announced a broad plan to foster development of the bio economy, the so-called “National Bio-economy Blueprint”, including the use of renewable resources and
biological manufacturing methods. While the European strategy focuses on sustainable industrial
processes, the White House blueprint is aimed at fostering all biology -based businesses, including
pharmaceuticals and medical devices (White House, 2012).
The National Bio-economy Blueprint describes five strategic objectives for a bio-economy with the
potential to generate economic growth and address societal needs: support R&D investments that will
provide the foundation for the future U.S. bio-economy; facilitate the transition of bioinventions from
research lab to market; develop and reform regulations to reduce barriers, increase the speed and
predictability of regulatory processes, and reduce costs; update training programmes; identify and
support opportunities for the development of public-private partnerships and precompetitive
collaborations.
Specific actions related to biofuels and industrial biotechnology are:
-
-
Strengthening Research and Development: increasing availability of renewable fuels,
intermediate chemicals, and biobased products; expanding the versatility of biofuel energy
solutions; improving of biofuel and bioenergy crops
Transforming manufacturing through bioinnovation: employing biomanufacturing to
enhance economic growth
Unlocking the promise of synthetic biology
Advancing from lab to the market: catalyzing advanced biofuels production through
consortia
Advancing biofuels for military and commercial transportation
Driving innovation and creating jobs in rural america through biobased and sustainable
product procurement
Developing a bio-economy workforce: expanding and enhancing the biomanufacturing
workforce
Fostering partnerships: developing innovative approaches to new biofuels feedstock
Increasing bio-economy agricultural exports
22
6. THE BIOBASEDECONOMY IN BELGIUM AND THE REGIONS – SWOT ANALYSIS
This section gives an overview of the strengths and opportunities, as well as the weaknesses and threats
in Belgium and its Regions concerning the biobased economy. It was developed using existing studies,
and by interviewing different stakeholders.
This SWOT analysis will be used to develop concrete recommendations towards the Belgian and Regional
authorities (see chapter 7).
STRENGTHS

Europe:
- The new EU bio-economy strategy
stimulates member states & regions to
develop national/regional strategies
- Surrounding regions have developed a
strategy for a biobased economy and/or
support financially  opportunities to
collaborate

Location:
- Belgium located between Germany, France
and The Netherlands (which are the
European leaders in the biobased economy)

Logistics:
- Harbors (Antwerp , Ghent and Liege) with
easy access and space for delivery and
storage of feedstock.
- Existing pipelines for ethylene can be used
to transport “bio-ethylene”
- Good connection by road, rail, inland
waterways and seagoing navigation. The
roads link to the crossing of the major
European motorways, the railway tracks
lead to the European railway network.
Belgium is recognized as a leading region in
logistics, with available industrial fields.

Research & Innovation:
- Strong research groups and strong biotech
fundamentals
WEAKNESSES

Organization and visibility:
- Flanders and Wallonia have a relatively
low visibility as “biobased economy
region” (cfr. The Netherlands, German
regions, Champagne-Ardenne Region in
France, etc.)

Feedstock:
- Agricultural sector is (still today) not
enough aware of
possibilities/opportunities of production
of renewable resources for non-food
applications
- The accent of many studies is on
bioenergy (biogas, biofuel, etc.)

Research & innovation:
- The publicly supported public-private
partnerships (clusters) supporting and
financing research projects are of a
smaller scale than BE-BASIC in NL, IAR in
France, CLIB2021 in Germany, etc.
 Public research is too fragmented 
small centres of excellence
 Interdisciplinary research is not enough
stimulated
 No proposals submitted for participation
to ERA-nets (e.g. ERA-Net IB and
EuroTransBio)
 Low level of collaboration between
companies and public research institutes
- Overall low level of collaboration of
23
- BioBase Europe: pilot plant infrastructure

Feedstock:
- Agriculture is (still) an important sector in
Belgium
- Availability of biomass and waste streams 31
well documented, or being analysed32
- Diversity of biomass and crops (including
forestry)

Industry:
Belgian chemical industry accounts for
more than 6% of the total European
turnover in this sector, even though
Belgium’s share of the total EU population
is only 2.1%.
Investment amounted to 1.96 billion EUR
in 2007, representing more than one
quarter of total investment in the
manufacturing sector.
Some larger fermentation plants
(Genencor/Dupont, Citrique Belge,
AlcoBiofuel, BioWanze, Galactic, etc.)
Research centers (Solvay, Cargill, Total,
etc)


Financing:
- VC interested in cleantech
- Academic institutes have a strong
technology transfer mandate, and gained
important expertise in creating VC-backed
spin-offs.
- The regional clusters and projects are
facilitating.
Education & skills
- The existence since many years of a
university degree in bio-engineering,
combining engineering skills with a
fundamental knowledge of life sciences and
biotechnology.
foreign companies with public research
institutes
- Not enough large companies stimulating
research via “open innovation” (cfr
Roquette and Rhodia in France; DSM,
AKZO and PURAC in The Netherlands;
Evonik in Germany) etc),
 Support for valorization and
demonstration projects is low and only
beginning

Industry:
- The chemical industry is an important
sector in Belgium, with many large
companies, but the main R&D centers of
these companies are often not located in
Belgium.
- No big private players in industrial
biotechnology or green chemistry (cfr.
DSM, BASF, Evonik, etc.), and with
research activities in Belgium
- No structured collaboration between
Industrial sectors (food, chemical sector,
etc.), so also no integration of processes
- Slow integration of “bio based” in other
industrial sectors (e.g. textile)

Policies and incentives:
- Public policy supporting bio based
economy is not visible enough.
- Policies and incentives mainly focused on
bioenergy/biofuels
- No long term vision, and no integration of
federal and regional initiatives
- Lack of a certification & labeling system
for bio based products
31
VITO (2012) – studie in opdracht van de FOD Volksgezondheid – DG Leefmilieu, ter kwantificering van de
biomassastromen, geproduceerd en geïmporteerd in het territorium van het Belgisch koninkrijk met het oog op de
productie van energie en van industriële producten
32
OVAM biomassa inventory; VIS traject “Visions” (Valorisatie organisch biologische nevenstromen), ValBi om
(2010) Inventory of the Walloon biomass for use as renewable resource for energy (as a part of the National
Renewable Action Plan)
24
- Cross border access to specialized technical
training facilities for operators (Bio Base
Europe Training Center) .
- Regional clusters or projects organize also
training programs
SPECIFIC FOR THE FEDERAL LEVEL

Policy
- A system for biofuels is in place
- The federal strategies on Sustainable
Development, Biodiversity and Climate
Change have aspects linked to biomass use
and the biobased economy as well as
programmes implementing EU programs on
resource efficiency and green economy
(ecolabel, ecodesign)
SPECIFIC FOR FLANDERS REGION

33
34
40
Existing initiatives:
- FISCH33 (the Flanders Innovation Hub for
Sustainable Chemistry) has a number of
programs that are focusing on the biobased
economy and this is increasing
- Ghent Bioeconomy Valley as public-private
partnership promoting the biobased
activities of the Ghent region
- International Conference on Renewable
Resources and Biorefineries 34 organized
yearly by the Ghent University
- CINBIOS (Flemish cluster for industrial
biotechnology): collaboration between
FlandersBio, essenscia and GBEV (Ghent
Bioeconomy Valley)
- SYMBIOSE: project with essenscia
Vlaanderen, FEBEM, PlanC, and OVAM as
partners: a partnering platform to exchange
industrial side streams
- Plastic Vision : bioplastics are covered
SPECIFIC FOR THE FEDERAL LEVEL

Policy
There is a lack of coordinated vision on the
bio based economy between the relevant
departments (economy, environment,
finance, science policy)
SPECIFIC FOR FLANDERS REGION

Policy
- Biobased economy not very visible in
“Vlaanderen in Actie 40” or “Nieuw
Industrieel Beleid41”

Organization:
- CINBIOS mainly focused on “internal”
networking” and innovation, but no lobby
and proactive contact with authorities
(cfr. ACDV 42 in France)
- Ghent Bioeconomy Valley43: main focus
on bioenergy
www.fi -sch.be
http://www.rrbconference.com/
http://vlaandereninactie.be/
http://www.ewi-vlaanderen.be/ewi/wat-doen-we/programmas-subsidies/industrieel -beleid/nieuw-industrieelbeleid
42
http://www.chimieduvegetal.com/
43
http://www.gbev.org/
41
25
•
Feedstock
A large part of the Flemish territory is
covered by agriculture – with extensive
related technical/scientific knowledge and
experience

Centre of excellence:
- Biotechnology for a sustainable economy
(Ghent Bio-Economy35)
- R&D excellence in agro & biotech (VIB, ILVO)

Logistics
- The Port of Ghent made the biobased
economy as one of its key priorities. The
new Kluizendok is ideal for seagoing vessels
and moreover inland navigation can reach
the extensive European network of rivers
and canals from here. In this way, a vast
hinterland can be served, among which the
North of France and in the future also Paris
(via the future canal in the direction of Paris,
the 'Seine-Nord' project).

Policy
- The Government has created “an
interdepartmental working group to
promote the biobased economy” and this
wg is preparing a strategy
- Biobased economy became one of the
pillars of the “Vlaams
Materialenprogramma”36
- IIBN37 with support of UNIDO
SPECIFIC FOR WALLOON REGION
SPECIFIC FOR WALLOON REGION
•

Policy
- The “Marshall Plan 2.0 Vert” is explicitly
supporting “Environmental Technologies”.
The creation of a sixth competitiveness
cluster dedicated to the green economy
“GreenWin” includes a focus on biobased
chemistry. The Walloon Export and Foreign
Policy:
- Biobased economy not visible enough in
Marshall 44 plan
- Outcomes of ongoing initiatives from
GreenWin-ValBiom-Awex still expected.
35
http://www.ugent.be/ghent-bio-economy/en
http://www.plan-c.eu/blog/2012/06/06/vlaams -materialenprogramma-zet-in-op-9-hefbomen-vmp2020/
37
http://indbiotech.net/
44
http://planmarshall2vert.wallonie.be/
36
26
Investment Agency also appointed a
dedicated expert to green economy
- The industrial ecology initiative “Next” was
launched by the Walloon Ministry of
Economy and Technology.

-
Feedstock
A large part of the Walloon territory is
covered by agriculture and forestry – with
extensive related technical/scientific
knowledge and experience .

Existing initiatives:
- “Biobased economy” is one of the strategic
priority of GreenWin38, the green cluster
created in the framework of the “Marshall
Plan 2.0 Vert” for Wallonia.
- ValBiom39 (association that promotes the
use of biomass for non-food applications) is
very active in the study and promotion of
the biobased economy.
- Existing dynamic clusters in bioeconomy
related fields such as plastics (Plastiwin), life
science (Biowin), renewable energy
(Tweed), agro-industy (Wagralim).
- On-going ValBiom-GreenWin-Awex project
“Le coq vert: towards a biobased economy
in Wallonia”.
- “Technose,” an excellence research program
on biorefinery and several other projects
and inititiatives in the field of biobased
economy already financed in Wallonia.

Centre of excellence:
- The Gembloux Agro-Bio Tech Faculty (part
of the University of Liege) has developed a
specific expertise in the biobased area.
- The MateriaNova research centre and the
University of Mons ( biobased materials).
Logistics
- Wallonia has developed a leading position in
logistics. Its availability in industrial fields, its
direct connection to largest European
markets and its proximity to biomass
sources – by rail, inland waterways and air –

38
39

Feedstock
- Lack of cooperation spirit among the
Walloon agricultural upstream. The
investments required to achieve the
organization of agricultural supply chains
(that play a critical role in structuring
relationships between the farmers and
the buyers of raw materials) would
succeed more easily in a cooperative
environment rather than in an individual
environment.
http://www.greenwin.be/en/presentation
http://www.valbiom.be/
27
makes it an ideal place for the development
of a biobased economy. The newly equipped
Liege Trilogiport platform is an additional
asset.
OPPORTUNITIES
THREATS

Europe
- Review of some important actions plans and
directives at EU level (e.g. Resource
efficiency, recycling of waste streams, ecodesign directive, sustainable consumption &
production, etc)

Feedstock:
- Extra income, extra production, more stable
income for farmers
- Flanders is second biggest flax producer in
Europe; demo project started with flax as

renewable resource
- Flanders biggest importer and transformer
of linseed to oil in the EU, which brings
many “side streams”
- Diversification of crops: Walloon company
projects starting with hemp as renewable

raw material have materialized.
- Import and storage capacity of biomass
available (e.g. Port of Ghent and Port of
Liege), and can even be expanded
- high degree of recycling used paper in
Belgium
- OVAM, VITO and VALBIOM made several
studies on biomass, eco-efficiency, etc.
- increasing oil price
Industry:
- Growing interest from the chemical industry
in the utilization of renewable resources
(e.g. Total, Solvay re-interested in the bioeconomy due to the takeover of Rhodia 45,
etc.), and several new players in the field
(cfr Proviron, Futerro), including several

SMEs (cfr Wetland Engineering)
- Food and sugar industry become interested

45
51

Competition in Europe:
- Growing competition in NL (esp Delft
region, new pilot plant, BE-Basic, etc.),
and France (esp. Champagne-Ardenne
regions) and growing collaborations
between the Dutch Regions/Provinces
- Growing competition for BioBase Europe
Pilot Plant (e.g. Delft, ARD in Reims, CBPLeuna51, etc.)
Feedstock:
- Extra demand for wood biomass
increases also outside of Belgium
- Fluctuations in demand and offer of
biomass leads to unstable biomass price
Policies:
- Fragmented policy towards bio-economy
and no coordination between the federal
and regional levels (more organized and
streamlined in NL, D and F)
- Trade and import barriers (e.g. ethanol ,
cheap shale gaz availibility in the US )
- low public investments in biobased
compared to other sectors
- incentives to stimulate green heat and
power leads to competition for
renewable resources
- unstable political and economic climate
 inhibiting a the implementation of a
long term vision and investments
Industry:
- chemical industry: change within large
companies is rather slow, especially in
http://www.solvay.com/EN/INNOVATION/NEWBUSINESSDEVELOPMENT/greenchemistry.aspx
http://www.cbp.fraunhofer.de/en.html
28
-
-
(giving added value to waste
streams)(Puratos, Adcuram/Citrique Belge,
Tiense suiker, Iscal Dugar, Nutrilab)
important textile en chemical industrial
sectors
An already established biofuel sector that
could move to the simultaneous production
of biobased products (biorefinery concept).
10 producers of paper & pulp located in
Belgium46
Many plastics producers in Belgium
Belgian Biopackaging47: “in 2015, 15% of all
packaging should be biobased”. Presence of
biobased packaging producers

Research & innovation:
- Large sectorial research centers (e.g.
Centexbel 48 )

Logistics:
- Transport of final products (central place
in Western Europe) via harbors, railway,
waterways, etc.)

Society:
- good image/perception of white
biotech/biobased compared to green
biotech/GMOs
production
- possible competition between bio based
sectors

Society:
- Public opinion (green biotech vs. green
economy, impact of ILUC discussion, food
vs. fuel discussions, synthetic biology,
etc.)
SPECIFIC FOR THE FEDERAL LEVEL
-
-
The establishment of a common strategy on
the bio economy by the Economy
administration in cooperation with
Environment
Involvement in different EU initiatives under
Horizon 2020 (eg. sustainability criteria for
solid biomass)
SPECIFIC FOR FLANDERS REGION

Logistics and infrastructure:
- Support of the Port of Ghent : 80 ha
46
http://www.cobelpa.be/nlmembres.html
http://www.belgianbiopackaging.be/
48
http://www.centexbel.be/
47
29
reserved for biobased industries in the new
Kluyzendok
- BioBase Europe Pilot Plant could become a
real “demo plant” with additional 100m 3
fermenter

Feedstock:
- On-going inventory of organic waste and
side streams in Flanders, and set-up of
“offer and demand” matching activities
through the VIS-VISIONS 49project and the
SYMBIOSE platform
- “reststromenplatform Vlaanderen”50
- ILVO (agriculture research institute)
launched a program on the use of biomass
waste

Policy
- Creation of an interdepartmental task force
for the biobased economy in cooperation
with CINBIOS, Ghent Bioenergy Valley,
FlandersBio, essenscia Vlaanderen
- Possibility to integrate Bio-economy in
“Nieuw industrieel beleid Vlaanderen”
- Greening the economy/low carbon economy
is one of the political objectives
SPECIFIC FOR WALLOON REGION


49
50
Logistics and infrastructure:
- Support of local logistic players.
- Futerro Plant in Escanaffles and/or
NeoChim plant in Feluy could
become starting points for further
developments in biobased
economy.
Feedstock:
- On-going initiative in Wallonia (“Le
coq vert”, GreenWin-ValBiomAWEX) to make existing knowledge
on Walloon biomass resources
available to potential biobased
economy players and ongoing
http://www.bbeu.org/visions
http://www.planning.ugent.be/onderzoekecoclusters.php
30
Industrial Ecology project “NEXT”.

Policy
- Opportunity to develop the existing
“Coq Vert” platform into a larger
taskforce for the biobased economy
with Greenwin, Valbio and Awex
- Possibility to further integrate Bioeconomy in public initiatives.
- Greening the economy/low carbon
economy is one of the political
objectives of the Walloon
government.
7. TOWARDS A BELGIAN AND REGIONAL STRATEGY FOR THE BIOBASED
ECONOMY: RECOMMENDATIONS
7.1. Need for an integrated and holistic approach
Policy making for the biobased economy is complex and touches on several policy areas. The OECD
mentioned several measures and incentives that could support biobased products52:
 political objectives concerning future utilization
 tax legislation
 preferential treatment of products in public procurement programmes
 simplified special regulations in waste legislation
 opening of community recovery systems for biowaste for compostable bioplastics
 government R&D programmes for the co-financing of industry and university projects
 activities related to communication and market introduction
 agricultural policy.
Today, mainly bioenergy and biofuels receive strong support during commercial production via quotas,
tax incentives, green electricity regulations and others. The biobased products markets will only grow
strongly and quickly if strong instruments are implemented in a political frame work to rebalance the
support of energy and material use. Biobased products need at least a level playing field in order to get
started.
In order to stimulate the development of a competitive biobased economy in Belgium and the Regions, a
broad and holistic approach is needed..
52
OECD (2011) – Future prospects for industrial biotechnology.
31
A regional Bio-economy Board could be set up to “guide” the development and implementation of a
possible new strategy. This Board should include the above mentioned departments and stakeholders.
In order to avoid fragmentation and stimulate synergies, a regional integrated strategy should be
developed. Such integrated strategy should be well balanced between bioenergy/biofuel and
biochemicals/biomaterials.
During the development, a special focus should be given to :
- a coherent policy on feedstock supply, availability and utilisation
- a coherent cascading policy
- the inventory of existing projects and initiatives, with the aim of searching synergy between
them
- assessing and stimulating collaboration with surrounding regions
- the establishment of a process, where feedback is given to the government on actions to take , in
general but also when gaps or hurdles are defined.
- communication to the public
On a regular basis, a coordination within between the federal and regional level should be organized to
bring in line their policies and the Belgian position at the European and international level. Therefor a
cooperation between the federal departments should first be established. Both can be done under the
existing structures of CCIM/CCPIE (Coordination of International Environmental Policy) and ENOVER
(Coordination of International Energy Policy).
The establishment of a ‘one office’ centralized approach for getting information would be an added
value for the companies.
7.2. Feedstock supply and availability
In order to develop a robust biobased economy in Belgium, it will be important to have access to
renewable feedstock in sufficient quantity, of good and guaranteed quality, and at competitive price.
This can only occur in a concerted action by the government (national and regional), the farmers (and
their associations), the involved industrial sectors and research institutions. Bringing together all
important stakeholders can make sure that the government, the industry, the agriculture sector and the
academic world cooperate towards a common goal.
In order to stimulate the development of local biorefineries and to support rural development, it is
important to develop and support a reliable upstream supply chain able to mobilize a sufficient level of
feedstock for conversion. This must of course be achieved without negative impacts on either food
production or land use. For this reason, it is also important to invest in local and regional infrastructures
and logistical capabilities to allow all biomass, including agricultural, forestry and waste-based raw
material, to be utilised.
32
In order to develop and secure a supply for the biobased economy, it is important considering measures
to increase agricultural production. Meeting this challenge without hindering the production of food
and without negatively impacting the environment also requires optimising production per hectare of
land through increased crop productivity and land management. Sustainability (i.e. without major
agricultural land extension) of biomass supply lies in increased productivity by developing:
 the crops themselves (traditional crops as well as ‘energy’ or ligno-cellulosic crops)
 the cropping system
 new biorefining technologies to make more out of the biomass.
The growth of non-traditional crops for industrial use and perennial crops could be further encouraged
by developing a series of measures to encourage farmers to increase the production of perennial crops.
Although the cultivation of perennial crops is a long term policy, from an industry perspective this could
create the possibility to have access to feedstock the whole year round rather than only in specific
seasons. Furthermore, from an environmental point of view, the cultivation of perennial crops could
stimulate diversification of agriculture, lower the environmental impact of agriculture, and optimise land
use efficiency (including using unutilised land more effectively).
The use of agro-food by-products and wastes should be strongly encouraged. They are representing
huge amounts of biomass already available and at low costs. Using such matrices as feedstock for
biobased products would bring a two-fold benefit: the sustainable disposal of impacting wastes, and the
generation of added value bioproducts with remarkable improvements of the sustainability of the agrofood industry. Investments in developing and optimizing infrastructures and logistics capacities are
crucial to ensure that all the biomass that can be mobilized in a sustainable way (both from an
environment and economic point of view) is actually used.
Innovative political instruments should be developed which could secure access to sustainable
renewable feedstock, well balanced between bioenergy and biobased products. "Cascading utilization"
(the sequential utilization of renewable raw materials for material and energy uses) could be one option
for future support.
It is essential that the new European Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) promotes sustainable and
competitive agricultural production, and that it ensures balanced access to raw materials for the food
and feed sectors, as well as for industrial applications without disrupting food supply. The new CAP
should introduce specific financial incentives to improve the logistical capabilities to collect biomass
residues (e.g. agricultural residues and forestry waste).
Finally, the security of supply of renewable feedstock for industrial use, at a competitive price compared
to world market price levels, can only be achieved in a sustainable way by removing some trade barriers
on agricultural products for industrial applications. By industrial applications is meant that the
agricultural product is transformed into another substance similar to the use of crude oil as a feedstock
for the production of biobased products such as chemical substances, materials or enzymes. Even if the
regional, national and even European supply of biobased raw materials is the preferred choice, having
access on a permanent basis of these feedstock from other regions is a must to secure the supply.
To measure the fluxes of production, import and export, the federal environmental department should
continue and update their biomass database in cooperation with the Economy administration and the
regional waste agencies.
33
7.3. Research and innovation
In order to make a fast shift towards developing more innovative and sustainable biobased products, and
integrated and sustainable production and processing systems, the level of R&D funding in the biobased
economy should be increased through multidisciplinary research programmes.
In Europe, improved coordination and collaboration between member state, regional and European
public programmes for research and innovation is the only way to avoid overlap and fragmentation and
to keep track of the massive research programmes elsewhere in the world. For this reason it is important
that the regions participate in the related ERA-NETs and stimulate the participation of companies and
research institutes to EU research projects.
In order to better align academic knowledge to industry needs, industry will need to develop an earlier
understanding of the application potential of new technologies provided by academia. Similarly,
academic researchers will need a sharper focus on industry’s needs and specifications. Therefore,
building competence networks between industry and academia could be key to overcoming the
knowledge gap and competence hurdle that currently exists. In addition, better interdisciplinary and
collaborative research would also lead to new business activities.
One of industry’s remaining major challenges is to translate research to products, including the
development of new product applications. Setting up a public-private partnership (regional biobased
economy clusters) would result in a pooling of resources, thus allowing more ambitious goals to be set in
terms of reducing the time-to-market. Such public-private partnerships should finance larger
interdisciplinary research projects, and should also optimize knowledge transfer and dissemination of
knowledge towards SME’s. In Wallonia, the recently created “GreenWin” competitiveness cluster is
already focusing its efforts on biobased chemistry. This cluster has already supported and financed
several ambitious R&D collaborative projects related to the bio-economy and this focus should be
further amplified. In Flanders the FISCH PPP is taking this up.
Create a “Regional Biobased Economy Research and Innovation Task Force”: such task force should
develop regional research and innovation roadmaps in the area of the biobased economy and
biorefineries in order to :
• develop leadership in technologies related to conversion processes for existing and new
feedstocks (foodcrops, lignocellulosic and herbaceous crops, agricultural and forest residues,
food waste, etc.)
• ensure competitive feedstock supply for biorefineries (improved crops, sustainable agricultural
technologies, post-harvest technologies, logistical solutions, etc.)
• enable smart use of biomass, prioritizing high-value applications with use of residual biomass for
ones with lower added value
• overcome lack of cross-sectoral integration of biobased industries by bundling innovation efforts
• stimulate biorefinery development by integrating actively companies and SMEs
• develop valorization and demonstration programmes (e.g. scaling up, proof of concept projects)
in order to shorten time to market
• better align the content of public funded research programmes with industry needs (see figure).
• stimulate collaboration with other regions within as outside Belgium.
34
•
provide a long-term innovation agenda ensuring upfront commitment on investments from
private partners
FISCH and Greenwin are both dealing with the recommendations above, but not in the same extent and
some proposals can still be improved.
Figure: Comparing the areas of interest of industry and research programmes (ERA-NET IB)
7.4. Stimulating production and consumption
Biobased products can offer significant growth to our economy and confer a competitive advantage in
the chemicals and plastics industry, and the industry can create new green jobs. However producing
chemicals through bio-chemical routes is currently still more expensive compared to traditional
production routes. In addition, existing production facilities for chemical syntheses cannot be conver ted
to biotechnological production without massive new investments, and in many cases there are clear
economic restrictions in biotechnological production processes due to higher operating costs and higher
levels of R&D costs and investments. Investments required for building a new bio-industrial facility
presents a significant barrier. In addition, as result of the worldwide credit crunch, it has become even
more difficult to obtain bank loans and funding required for investing into building new, full -scale
35
commercial plants and infrastructure. For this reason the federal and regional governments wishing to
support biorefineries and sustainable production processes for reasons of environmental protection,
energy security and innovation leadership need to support market growth and to carefully regulate the
industrialization process, in order to trigger private sector investments. As a conclusion, federal and
regional policy should provide strong support for research, development, and commercialization of
innovative biobased products, including grants and loans for developing new technologies and for
investment in infrastructure (e.g. construction of biorefineries), and incentives for pioneering
commercial production, based on sustainable criteria.
The development of technical standards and labeling in an early stage should also be recommended.
7.5. Visibility and awareness
In general, there is a lack of awareness of the biobased economy’s potential both in the manufacturing
industry and amongst policy makers, consumers and even investors 53 . To facilitate the long-term
development and implementation of the technologies, the government should develop a strategy for
communication and stakeholder involvement. This would help to raise awareness of the technologies
and their benefits (e.g. based on LCA, life cycle analysis). Stakeholders must be involved and engaged in
order to raise further awareness. Sustainability, characterised by the triple bottom line of People,
Planet and Profit, should be made more visible as the core value driving the development process.
Regional Bio-economy Clusters (eg FISCH & Cinbios; Greenwin & Valbiom) should further focus on
bringing together the different stakeholders of the value and innovation chain
- to create awareness amongst SMEs
- to find new opportunities for organic waste
- to stimulate cross sectorial collaboration
- to increase the visibility of the Regional biobased economy
- to attract foreign investors.
They should also improve education in order to develop a highly skilled workforce.. For a successful bioeconomy, it is necessary to have a multi- and interdisciplinary work force, remaining up-to-date on new
knowledge and developments. To achieve this multidisciplinary education, good training programmes
and efficient lifelong learning will be necessary.
53
EuropaBio (2006) - Industrial or White Biotechnology: a policy agenda for Europe
36
8. Overview of the main recommendations
Recommendation
Estimated
impact
Policy level
Need for an integrated and holistic approach
1. Set up a regional Bio-economy Board to “guide” the
development and implementation of a strategy
Regional
This Board should Involve the relevant administrations ,
such as research and innovation, agriculture, environment,
education, economy and energy;
as well as the following stakeholders ( industrial associations
, scientists, NGOs)
2. Develop regional integrated strategies for the biobased
economy;
With a special focus on :
- a coherent policy on feedstock supply, availability and
utilisation
- a coherent cascading policy
- the inventory of existing projects and initiatives, with the
aim of searching synergie between them
- assessing and stimulating collaboration with surrounding
regions
- the establishment of a process , where feedback is given
to the government on actions to take (e.g. to stimulate
the biobased economy and when gaps or hurdles are
defined)
- communication to the public
Regional
3. Organize a coordination between the federal en regional
level to bring in line their policies and the Belgian position at
the European and international level;
Federal/Regional
Therefor a cooperation between the federal departments
(economy, environment, finance, sciences) should first be
established.
4. Organize a ‘one office’ centralized approach for getting
information
Federal
Federal/Regional
37
Feedstock supply and availability
1. Support renewable feedstock for industrial use in the new
CAP:
-
the new CAP should introduce specific financial
incentives to improve the logistical capabilities to collect
biomass residues (e.g. agricultural residues and forestry
waste).
2. Develop programmes to increase agricultural and land
productivity (research programmes, regional development,
land management programmes, new biorefining
technologies, etc.), and encourage the growth of nontraditional crops for industrial use and perennial crops, and
stimulate the use of agro-food by-products and wastes
3. Remove trade barriers on agricultural material for industrial
use
4. Focus on Industrial Biomass Utilisation
5. Invest in local and regional infrastructures and logistical
capabilities to allow all biomass, including agricultural,
forestry and waste-based raw material, to be utilised.
6. Develop and stimulate "Cascading utilization" (the sequential
utilization of renewable raw materials for material and
energy uses) of biomass.
Continue and update the federal biomass database on
production, import and export
Europe
(Federal)
(Regional)
Regional
(Federal)
Federal
(Europe)
Regional
Regional
Regional
Federal
Research and innovation
7. Create a “Regional Biobased Economy Research and
Innovation Task Force”. The Task Force should develop
regional research and innovation roadmaps in the area of
the biobased economy and biorefineries, and better align
the content of public funded research programmes with
Regional
(FISCH/Greenwin)
38
industry needs
Regional
8. Make necessary funding available for multidisciplinary
research programmes
Regional
(FiSCH/Greenwin)
9. Regions should participate in the related ERA-NETs and
stimulate the participation of companies and research
institutes to EU research projects
10. Build competence networks between industry and academia
to overcome the knowledge gap and competence hurdle
that currently exists
11. Set up a public-private partnership (regional biobased
economy clusters), which should finance larger
interdisciplinary research projects, optimise knowledge
transfer and stimulate dissemination of knowledge towards
SME’s
Regional
(FISCH/GREENWIN)
(Federal)
Regional
(FiSCH/Greenwin)
Stimulating production and consumption
12. Develop specific grants and loans for developing new
technologies and for investment in to infrastructure (eg
construction of biorefineries), and incentives for pioneering
commercial production, based on sustainable criteria.
13. Develop technical standards and labeling in an early stage.
Regional/Federal
Federal
(Europe)
Visibility and awareness
14. Regional Bio-economy Clusters, should further focus on
bringing together the different stakeholders of the value and
innovation chain
-
Regional
(FiSCH/Cinbios;
Greenwin/Valbiom)
to create awareness amongst SMEs
39
-
to find new opportunities for organic waste
-
to stimulate cross sectorial collaboration
-
to increase the visibility of the Regional biobased
economy
-
to attract foreign investors;
15. and they should develop multidisciplinary education, good
training programmes and efficient lifelong learning
programmes in the area of the bio-economy
16. The government should develop a strategy for
communication and stakeholder involvement, in order to
raise awareness of the technologies and their benefits (e.g.
LCA, life cycle analysis)
Regional
(FiSCH/Cinbios;
Greenwin/Valbiom)
Regional/Federal
40
essenscia/bio.be
Belgian Biotechnology Industry Organisation
Diamant Building
Boulevard Auguste Reyerslaan 80
1030 Brussel/Bruxelles
+32 2 238 98 44
41
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