BIOSTARS project partners meet in L’Aquila, Italy – Strengthening rural bioeconomy innovation

The meeting was hosted by the University Consortium for Industrial and Managerial Economy (CUEIM). During the working sessions, particular attention was given to the official presentation of the BIOSTARS Toolbox – a tool for developing the circular bioeconomy – as well as to the organisation of training activities for representatives of public administrations and entrepreneurs, and support activities for SMEs, start-ups and social enterprises. Participants also discussed strategies for further scaling up project results and transferring good practices across the Mediterranean region.

Municipality Hadžići also participated in the meeting as an associated partner of the project from Bosnia and Herzegovina. Its participation in the BIOSTARS project represents an important opportunity to strengthen local capacities in the areas of green transition, sustainable rural development and bioeconomy through cooperation with international partners and the exchange of innovative approaches to local community development. Through its involvement in BIOSTARS, Municipality Hadžići confirms its commitment to European development trends, sustainability and the creation of new opportunities for local development, with a particular focus on innovation, young people and the sustainable management of natural resources.

Through the BIOSTARS project, activities are supported that focus on developing local initiatives based on the sustainable use of natural resources, strengthening entrepreneurship and innovation, and providing support to young people, start-ups and local businesses. The project also contributes to improving cooperation between the public sector, businesses and educational institutions, promoting rural areas as places for innovation and sustainable development, and providing access to new knowledge, tools and examples of good practice from Mediterranean countries.

A particular focus of the meeting was also placed on the development of the BIOSTARS youth platform, which aims to increase young people’s participation in the development of a smart bioeconomy and the creation of new sustainable business models in rural areas.

On the second day of the meeting, participants visited the Subequana Valley, where they had the opportunity to learn about examples of good practice in sustainable rural development and innovation in the bioeconomy sector. The field visit further contributed to the exchange of experiences and strengthened cooperation among project partners.