20/04/2026
Advancing Bio-Based Business Models: Beyond Technology
The transition towards a sustainable bioeconomy is gaining momentum across sectors and regions. While technological innovation remains important, growing evidence shows that the main barriers to developing and scaling bio-based business models lie elsewhere. Challenges related to coordination, trust, and market organisation across the value chain are proving to be more decisive.
During the CBE-JU side event “Sustainable Business Models and Supporting Innovation Uptake by Primary Producers through Cooperation”, held on March 25th, 2026, discussions focused on the key challenges and opportunities for developing and scaling bio-based business models. The event organised under the EU-funded projects C4B, Rootlinks, Bio-Inspire and Bioeconomy GIANTS, brought together a wide range of stakeholders from across the bioeconomy sector, who shared experiences and perspectives on how to better support innovation uptake by primary producers and strengthen collaboration along the value chain.
A key insight from these discussions is the importance of trust and fair value distribution. For bio-based models to succeed, relationships between primary producers and industry need to be transparent and balanced. Tools such as standardised biomass pricing and risk-sharing contracts can help create a more stable and fairer environment. Without these mechanisms, participation remains limited, and scaling efforts often slow down.
Another important point is the need for strong cooperation between different actors and a clear connection to local contexts. Successful initiatives are those that encourage regular interaction between farmers, industry, researchers, and public authorities. Approaches such as living labs, local workshops, and cluster organisations have shown good results in supporting this cooperation. In contrast, top-down or purely technical solutions developed without involving stakeholders often face difficulties in practice.
Experts agreed that capacity building and effective intermediation are also essential. Training activities, advisory services, and knowledge-sharing initiatives help reduce gaps between actors and align expectations. Intermediaries – such as clusters or brokers – play an important role in connecting supply and demand, supporting dialogue, and facilitating agreements across the value chain.
At a broader level, several systemic barriers still limit progress. These include regulatory constraints, lack of flexible funding schemes, and incentives that are not well aligned with diversified and sustainable systems. For example, some subsidies still favour single crops instead of more diverse approaches. Addressing these challenges requires more supportive frameworks, such as regulatory testing environments, innovation support tools, and better access to data and market information.
Overall, these conclusions show that advancing the bioeconomy is not only about technology. It also requires building trust, improving cooperation, and developing solutions that fit local conditions. Creating supportive policies and better market conditions will be key to unlocking the full potential of bio-based business models and helping primary producers adopt new solutions.
