Corporate Responsibility

Horizon Europe welcomed by BIC as a promising bioeconomy programme

 The Bio-based Industries Consortium (BIC) welcomes Horizon Europe, the ambitious new €100 billion research & innovation (R&I) programme recently launched by the EU.

BIC expects Horizon Europe to deliver R&I solutions to market, which would make a real difference in EU citizens’ lives. BIC also hopes the Bio-Based Industries Joint Undertaking (BBI JU), a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) between BIC and the EU which kick-started the European bioeconomy, will continue to support innovative bio-based demonstration and flagship projects.

“Inherently renewable, the bioeconomy helps Europe reach many of its strategic priorities. Horizon Europe is investing in a future BIC wants and we look forward to continue collaborating with the European Institutions on creating a circular bioeconomy. However, it is important that the “new generation of European Partnerships” sets out the right framework for a possible continuation of a BBI JU under this new programme.” says Dirk Carrez, BIC Executive Director.

Bio-based industries play an important role in spurring sustainable growth, creating a circular economy, boosting Europe’s competitiveness and achieving strategic EU goals such as the Paris Climate Agreement and the UN Sustainable Development Goals.

The bioeconomy helps re-industrialise and revitalise rural and coastal areas, create job opportunities and deliver sustainable alternatives to fossil-based products. Since 2014, BBI JU has been a key instrument in setting up new value chains in Europe, bringing together different industrial sectors and stimulating private investment in this economy.