BIOSTARS workshop held in Hadžići to foster entrepreneurship in the rural bioeconomy

The Sarajevo Economic Region Development Agency – SERDA, in cooperation with the Municipality of Hadžići and the Association for Growth and Development SARA, organised the workshop with the aim of strengthening the capacities of public institutions and other relevant stakeholders to create an enabling environment for the development of the rural bioeconomy, entrepreneurship and innovation. Particular focus was placed on opportunities to enhance institutional support for entrepreneurs, develop new support models for rural start-ups and social innovation, as well as on available funding sources and practical tools that can be used to develop local and regional bioeconomy ecosystems. During the programme, participants were introduced to key topics related to the development of rural bioeconomy entrepreneurship, including the fundamentals of the circular bioeconomy and the concept of start-up villages in a rural context, the development of rural incubators, accelerators and start-up villages, funding opportunities and sources, support measures for bioeconomy entrepreneurs, as well as the practical application of the BIOSTARS Toolbox and its tools in supporting the development of business and innovation initiatives.

A particularly important part of the workshop was the discussion and exchange of experiences among participants, during which they considered the needs of the local and regional ecosystem, existing support mechanisms, the challenges faced by rural entrepreneurs, and opportunities to improve future support programmes and measures.

BIOSTARS is a project aimed at strengthening rural areas across the Mediterranean through the development of the circular bioeconomy, innovation, entrepreneurship and social innovation. The project brings together public institutions, development organisations, start-ups, social enterprises, investors and other relevant stakeholders with the aim of creating stronger and more sustainable rural ecosystems. One of the project’s key outputs is the BIOSTARS Toolbox, which brings together practical tools and approaches to support the development of bioeconomy and circular business initiatives, particularly in rural areas. Through training and knowledge-transfer activities, BIOSTARS seeks to empower local and regional stakeholders to better recognise the potential of the rural bioeconomy, improve existing support mechanisms and contribute to creating new opportunities for entrepreneurs, start-ups, social enterprises and local communities.

In the coming period, SERDA will continue implementing BIOSTARS project activities, including further efforts to strengthen the local and regional ecosystem supporting rural entrepreneurship and innovation.