RFAs: Bioeconomy Policy Support Hub for Member States and Regions

Deadline: 17-Sep-2026

The European Commission is requesting grant applications to support Member States and regions in developing, coordinating, and implementing effective bioeconomy policies and strategies across Europe. The initiative will establish a European Bioeconomy Policy Support Hub that provides advisory services, policy support, collaboration platforms, and strategic guidance to accelerate the growth of sustainable bioeconomy systems.

The programme focuses on bioeconomy policy development, regional strategy implementation, cross-sector coordination, stakeholder collaboration, policy innovation, monitoring systems, and scaling bio-based solutions across sectors such as agriculture, food, energy, forestry, chemicals, and textiles. The total available funding for this topic is €3,000,000.

What is the European Bioeconomy Policy Support Hub?

The European Bioeconomy Policy Support Hub is a proposed European-level initiative designed to help governments, regions, and stakeholders strengthen bioeconomy policies and implementation frameworks.

The hub will provide:

• Policy advisory services
• Strategic planning support
• Capacity building
• Monitoring tools
• Collaboration platforms
• Policy dialogue mechanisms
• Bioeconomy implementation guidance

The overall goal is to accelerate the transition toward a sustainable and circular European bioeconomy.

What is the Bioeconomy?

The bioeconomy refers to the production and use of renewable biological resources to create food, materials, products, energy, and services in sustainable ways.

Examples of Bioeconomy Sectors

The bioeconomy includes sectors such as:

• Agriculture
• Forestry
• Food systems
• Fisheries
• Bioenergy
• Biochemicals
• Bio-based materials
• Sustainable textiles
• Circular manufacturing

The bioeconomy supports climate action, resource efficiency, and sustainable economic growth.

Main Objectives of the Funding Programme

The programme seeks to improve how bioeconomy policies are developed, coordinated, and implemented across Europe.

Key Objectives Include:

• Strengthening bioeconomy governance
• Supporting policy implementation
• Encouraging cross-sector coordination
• Scaling bio-based innovations
• Improving policy learning systems
• Building collaboration between stakeholders
• Enhancing monitoring and evaluation systems
• Accelerating sustainable economic transformation

Focus Areas of the Programme

Projects should address strategic areas related to bioeconomy governance and policy development.

Bioeconomy Policy Development and Implementation

The initiative supports:

• National bioeconomy strategies
• Regional bioeconomy roadmaps
• Policy implementation frameworks
• Governance systems
• Strategic planning processes

Cross-Government Coordination

Projects should strengthen collaboration between:

• National ministries
• Regional governments
• Public agencies
• Sectoral authorities
• Local governance structures

Quadruple Helix Collaboration

The programme promotes cooperation between:

• Government
• Research and innovation institutions
• Industry
• Civil society

This collaborative model helps create inclusive and innovation-driven bioeconomy systems.

Policy Dialogue Platforms

Activities may include:

• Stakeholder forums
• Policy discussions
• Multi-sector consultations
• Collaborative governance platforms
• Knowledge exchange mechanisms

Experimentation and Learning Systems

Projects may establish:

• Policy labs
• Innovation testing environments
• Pilot governance approaches
• Adaptive learning systems

Mainstreaming Bioeconomy Across Sectors

The programme encourages integration of bioeconomy principles into sectors such as:

• Food systems
• Agriculture
• Forestry
• Chemicals
• Textiles
• Energy
• Manufacturing
• Service sectors

Skills Development and Awareness Building

Activities may focus on:

• Policymaker training
• Bioeconomy education
• Capacity building
• Public awareness campaigns
• Governance skill development

Expected Role of the Bioeconomy Policy Support Hub

The hub is expected to provide both strategic and operational support to Member States and regions.

Core Functions Include:

• Providing hands-on policy support
• Delivering advisory services
• Supporting implementation planning
• Facilitating structured dialogue
• Encouraging collaboration across initiatives
• Monitoring bioeconomy transformation processes
• Sharing best practices and lessons learned

Development of Monitoring and Assessment Tools

Projects are expected to create tools that assess:

• Bioeconomy policy maturity
• Strategy implementation quality
• Governance effectiveness
• Progress toward bioeconomy goals

The tools should help governments identify strengths, weaknesses, and areas requiring improvement.

Mapping Bioeconomy Solutions and Value Chains

The initiative includes mapping the uptake of bioeconomy solutions across European sectors and value chains.

Areas of Focus May Include:

• Biomass utilisation
• Biological resource management
• Circular production systems
• Bio-based industrial solutions
• Sustainable service-sector integration

The mapping process should identify opportunities for scaling successful bioeconomy practices.

Support for Bioeconomy Councils

The programme aims to support the establishment or strengthening of:

• Local bioeconomy councils
• Regional bioeconomy councils
• Multi-stakeholder governance bodies

These councils are expected to bring together:

• Governments
• Industry representatives
• Universities and researchers
• Civil society organisations

The councils will help guide policy implementation and strategic development.

Collaboration with European Initiatives

The hub is expected to collaborate with several European initiatives and networks.

Key Collaborating Initiatives Include:

• Circular Bio-based Europe Joint Undertaking
• European University Alliances
• European Circular Economy Stakeholder Platform
• BIOEAST initiative

These collaborations aim to strengthen coordination and scale bioeconomy transformation efforts across Europe.

Funding Available

Total Funding Allocation

The available funding for this topic is:

• €3,000,000

Funding will support activities related to:

• Policy coordination
• Advisory services
• Capacity building
• Monitoring systems
• Stakeholder engagement
• Governance innovation

Who is Eligible?

Eligibility is open to a wide range of organisations and entities.

Eligible Applicants Include:

• Universities
• Research institutions
• Public authorities
• Policy organisations
• Nonprofit organisations
• Industry associations
• International organisations
• Innovation agencies
• NGOs
• Private sector entities

International Eligibility

Applications are open to:

• EU Member States
• Associated countries
• Non-associated third countries
• International organisations

Applicants must comply with Horizon Europe Regulation requirements and all applicable eligibility conditions.

What is a Legal Entity?

A legal entity refers to:

• A recognised natural or legal person with legal personality

OR

• An organisation without legal personality capable of exercising legal rights and obligations

Why This Programme Matters

Accelerates Europe’s Bioeconomy Transition

The initiative helps governments and regions move toward more sustainable and circular economic systems.

Improves Policy Coordination

The programme strengthens collaboration across governance levels and economic sectors.

Supports Sustainable Industrial Transformation

Bioeconomy systems contribute to:

• Climate neutrality
• Resource efficiency
• Circular economy goals
• Green industrial development

Encourages Innovation and Knowledge Sharing

The hub creates opportunities for policy learning, experimentation, and exchange of best practices.

Builds Long-Term Governance Capacity

The programme strengthens institutional capacity for designing and implementing future bioeconomy strategies.

How to Apply

Step 1: Develop a Bioeconomy Support Concept

Design a project that supports policy coordination, governance, monitoring, or strategy implementation.

Step 2: Build a Strong Consortium

Collaborate with:

• Governments
• Universities
• Research organisations
• Industry stakeholders
• Civil society groups

Step 3: Define Policy and Governance Objectives

Clearly explain:

• Policy gaps being addressed
• Governance improvements
• Stakeholder engagement methods
• Expected transformation outcomes

Step 4: Develop Monitoring and Support Tools

Describe how the project will assess policy maturity and implementation progress.

Step 5: Align with European Priorities

Demonstrate consistency with:

• EU Bioeconomy Strategy
• Circular economy objectives
• Green Deal priorities
• Sustainable development goals

Step 6: Prepare the Proposal

Include:

• Methodology
• Work plan
• Stakeholder engagement strategy
• Budget
• Impact framework
• Dissemination activities

Step 7: Submit the Application

Complete the Horizon Europe application process before the official deadline.

Tips for a Strong Proposal

• Demonstrate strong policy expertise
• Include multidisciplinary partnerships
• Show practical implementation pathways
• Address cross-sector coordination clearly
• Include measurable governance outcomes
• Build strong stakeholder engagement mechanisms
• Demonstrate scalability and European relevance

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Weak policy implementation strategies
• Limited stakeholder participation
• Overly theoretical approaches
• Lack of measurable outcomes
• Poor coordination planning
• Insufficient regional engagement
• Weak alignment with EU bioeconomy priorities

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What is the purpose of the European Bioeconomy Policy Support Hub?

The hub will support Member States and regions in developing and implementing effective bioeconomy policies and strategies.

How much funding is available?

The total funding available under this topic is €3,000,000.

What sectors are involved in the bioeconomy?

The bioeconomy includes agriculture, forestry, food systems, energy, chemicals, textiles, bio-based materials, and related sectors.

Who can apply?

Any eligible legal entity, including universities, NGOs, public authorities, research institutions, companies, and international organisations, may apply.

What is quadruple helix collaboration?

It refers to cooperation between government, research institutions, industry, and civil society.

What are bioeconomy councils?

Bioeconomy councils are collaborative governance bodies bringing together stakeholders to guide bioeconomy strategy and implementation.

Can organisations from outside Europe apply?

Yes. Non-associated third countries and international organisations may participate if they meet Horizon Europe eligibility requirements.

Final Thoughts

The European Commission Bioeconomy Policy Support Hub Grants 2026 provide a major opportunity to strengthen Europe’s transition toward a sustainable, circular, and innovation-driven bioeconomy.

By supporting policy coordination, governance innovation, stakeholder collaboration, and strategic implementation, the initiative aims to accelerate sustainable transformation across European industries, regions, and value chains while advancing long-term environmental and economic resilience.

For more information, visit European Commission.