Demonstrating the Fair and Just Transition from GHG-intensive Economies Facing Challenges Towards Circular Bioeconomy Model Regions

Successful proposal will contribute to the expected impacts of the Destination ‘Innovative governance, environmental observations and digital solutions in support of the Green Deal’, and the European policies it supports, by supporting the establishment of the innovative governance models notably to achieve better-informed decision-making processes, social engagement and innovation.

In line with the European Green Deal priorities, the EU’s climate ambition for 2030 and 2050, the objectives of the EU biodiversity strategy for 2030, and the vision of a society that acts within environmental and social boundaries as defined in the bioeconomy strategy, the successful proposal will guide and facilitate the green transition towards a circular bioeconomy model, in regions that lag behind in this process.

Projects results are expected to contribute to all following expected outcomes:

• Showcased solutions in 2-3 selected coal mining regions and/or intensive agriculture regions, ensuring geographical coverage of different regions.
• Development of new bioeconomy structures that generate local green growth in regions currently relying on GHG-intensive economic activities, focusing on coal mining and/or intensive livestock or crop production in agriculture;
• Strengthened interactions and coordination between affected European / Associated Countries regions.

• Demonstrate just and fair bioeconomy solutions in regions that face difficulties in the green transition to leave no person and no place behind.
• Interact with and draw on the logistical support of the CSA “Supporting the fair and just transition from GHG-intensive economies facing challenges towards circular bioeconomy model regions” with the overall goal to demonstrate the transition to a just and fair bioeconomy for in 2-3 selected coal mining regions and/or intensive agriculture regions.
• Demonstrate the feasibility of transforming regions towards sustainable and resource-efficient bioeconomy models, while highlighting the achievement of climate targets, as well as assessing trade-offs (e.g., food security or energy-security, strategic autonomy).
• Social innovation is recommended when the solution is at the socio-technical interface and requires social change, new social practices, social ownership or market uptake.
• Implement the required multi-actor approach by involving a wide diversity of bioeconomy actors and conducting trans-disciplinary research.
• Where relevant, activities should build and expand on the results of past and ongoing research projects.
• This topic requires the effective contribution of SSH disciplines and the involvement of SSH experts, institutions as well as the inclusion of relevant SSH expertise, in order to produce meaningful and significant effects enhancing the societal impact of the related research activities.

Activities are expected to achieve TRL 6-7 by the end of the project – see General Annex B.