A successful transition towards the bioeconomy can profoundly transform the way we produce and consume so as to better respect the ecological boundaries of our planet. In light of the different environmental and socio-economic benefits that the bioeconomy offers, Transition2Bio created three toolkits to provide tailored actionable knowledge tools and contents to all stakeholders targeted by the project, namely the demand, supply side and multipliers/supportive environment. The Transition2Bio toolkits are action-oriented compilations of related information, tools, databases, videos, presentations, platforms and good practices that together can inform users and guide different groups through the bioeconomy.
In line with one of the central objectives of the project, the Transition2BIO toolkits build upon the most relevant EU funded bioeconomy projects and other relevant initiatives. While a wealth of resources exists online, it can be challenging for many to find the most relevant and useful tools for them. All three toolkits promote the bioeconomy from different perspectives and objectives, producing a package of knowledge and supportive media that can be used together or separately.
Toolkit 1: An introduction to the bioeconomy and its benefits for all of society, provides answers to the central question: “what is the bioeconomy?”. This toolkit aims at raising awareness and educating the general public about the bioeconomy at large and its benefits for them through the use of user-friendly, interactive, practical and inspiring examples and stories about the bioeconomy.
Toolkit 2: The bioeconomy and its contribution to more sustainable production, focuses on the supply side of the bioeconomy and what bioeconomy opportunities exist for businesses. For example: “what are promising regional business models or ways of valorising residues
that can contribute to the transition to a more sustainable production?” A primary producer, SME or start-up involved in the bio-based sector can jump to Toolkit 2 for more targeted information.
For multipliers and those part of the vast supportive environment of the bioeconomy, namely NGOs, workers, researchers, teachers, or policy makers, Toolkit 3: Communicating and supporting the bioeconomy, centralizes a number of helpful resources on how to best communicate about the social, environmental and economic benefits of the bioeconomy. Perhaps you are a teacher interested in introducing the bioeconomy to your students, but do not know where to start. Not only will you find an engaging and inspiring overview of the bioeconomy itself in Toolkit 1, you will also be provided with direct links to methodologies and practical tools for educators in Toolkit 3.
The toolkits are based on a conceptual framework and a report on the collection of existing contents, tools and good practices developed by the University of Bologna. The toolkits will be validated during a focus group workshop, involving the Advisory Board Members, providing their expertise in all sectors of the bioeconomy. A second version of the toolkits will then be produced in the fall of 2022.
