D3.6 - BBioNets Knowledge Transfer Activities - initial version

Deliverable 3.6 1 DIMITRIOS MOUSTAKIS (AFS) APRIL 2025 BBioNets Knowledge Transfer Activities - initial version DELIVERABLE D3.6 Deliverable 3.6 2 Views and opinions expressed are those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or the European Research Executive Agency (REA). Neither the European Union nor the granting authority can be held responsible for them. © 2025 by BBioNets consortium is licensed under CC … 4.0. To view a copy of this license, visit https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0. Document information Document ID D3.6 Title BBioNets Knowledge Transfer Activities - initial version Work Package WP3 - Knowledge Creation & Transfer Due Date 30/04/2025 Delivery Date 29/04/2025 Dissemination Level PU - Public Partner Responsible AFS Main Authors Dimitrios Moustakis - AFS Contributors Laura Mirra - CREA; Carmen Dominguez - MTU Peer reviewers Reviewer 1 Iakovos Delioglanis - FOCUS Reviewer 2 Maria Munoz - TEPRO Coordinator Carmen Dominguez - MTU Document history Version Date Main Modifications Author(s) 0.1 10/02/2025 "Executive summary" and "introduction" sections revised AFS 1.0 28/04/2025 Final version ready for submission AFS Deliverable 3.6 3 Table of Contents 1 Introduction ............................................................................................ 7 2 Focus and Key Drivers .............................................................................. 8 3 "BBioNets for Everyone" Concept ............................................................ 9 3.1 Participation Inclusivity ............................................................................................ 9 3.2 Gender Inclusivity .................................................................................................. 10 3.3 Youth Inclusivity .................................................................................................... 11 3.4 Inclusivity for Unemployed and Economically Disadvantaged Individuals ............. 12 4 Knowledge Transfer Activities (KTAs) .................................................... 14 4.1 Info-days ................................................................................................................ 14 4.2 Train-the-Trainers Workshops ............................................................................... 15 4.3 Small-scale Mentoring ........................................................................................... 15 4.4 Final Online Capacity Building Seminar .................................................................. 18 5 Conclusions ........................................................................................... 19 References .................................................................................................... 20 Appendix I: Timeline of Knowledge Transfer Activities .................................. 21 Info-day - Ireland - 1/3 .................................................................................................. 22 Info-day - Italy - 1/3 ....................................................................................................... 26 Info-day - Italy - 2/3 ....................................................................................................... 29 List of Tables Table 1: Info-days conducted as of 30 April 2025 ................................................................................. 15 Table 2: Small-scale Mentoring Beneficiaries Selection Criteria ........................................................... 16 Table 3: Small-scale Mentoring Key Milestones ................................................................................... 17 List of Figures Figure 1: KTAs Gantt Chart & Small-scale Mentoring Activity Key Milestones ..................................... 21 List of Pictures Picture 1: BBioNets 3rd Plenary Meeting, Thessaloniki, Greece, 3-4 April 2025; >60% of female participants ............................................................................................................................................ 10 Picture 2: BBioNets Coordinatior @ Industrial Hemp Conference ....................................................... 22 Picture 3: BBioNets Representatives @ Industrial Hemp Conference .................................................. 23 Picture 4: Industrial Hemp Conference Agenda .................................................................................... 24 Picture 5: BBioNets @ Agricultural Mechanization Fair (MAG) ............................................................ 26 Picture 6: Agricultural Mechanization Fair (MAG) Agenda Mechanization Fair (MAG) Agenda........... 28 Deliverable 3.6 4 Picture 7: BBioNets Info-desk @ Agricultural Mechanization Fair (MAG) ............................................ 28 Picture 8: BBioNets @ Cos.No.F Project Final Workshop ..................................................................... 30 Picture 9: Active Ingredients for the Cosmetic Industry from Waste from the Processing of Hazelnuts and Cocoa Beans Agenda ...................................................................................................................... 31 Deliverable 3.6 5 Table of Abbreviations Abbreviation Description BBT Bio-Based Technology ETR European Transnational Regions EU European Union FAN Forest and Agriculture Network KPI Key Performance Indicator KTA Knowledge Transfer Activities NGO Non-Government Organization OG Operational Group RPFA Regional Partner for Forestry and Agriculture RR Represented Region TT Train-the-Trainer Deliverable 3.6 6 Executive Summary This document outlines the BBioNets Project's (BBioNets) Knowledge Transfer Activities (KTAs) and their role in implementing the "BBioNets for Everyone" concept, providing a clear overview of KTAs' objectives and contextual background. At the core of the KTAs are the Operational Groups (OGs) and their potential to support the dissemination and uptake of Bio-Based Technologies (BBTs). These activities aim to engage underrepresented groups -such as unemployed individuals, women, and youththrough the dedicated "BBioNets for Everyone" concept. The KTAs follow a phased approach beginning with broad content targeting general audiences and gradually evolving to address more specialized groups with increasingly tailored content. KTAs planned within the framework of the BBioNets include: · Info-days to: · Promote the concept and highlight the need for and the benefits of establishing OGs at national level; and · Showcase BBTs that have been successfully implemented in the Represented Region (RR). · Train-the-Trainer (TT) workshops with advisors, other multipliers and BBioNets partners meeting to exchange experiences, solutions, concerns, ways to overcome barriers · small-scale mentoring to provide customised support to farmers'/foresters' co-operatives/ associations so as to: · Boost potential collaborations amongst farmers/foresters; · Provide guidance to allow further understanding of BBT specifics; and · Promote OG creation through networking. Deliverable 3.6 7 1 Introduction As part of the BBioNets, three (3) key activities were selected -(i) info-days, (ii) TT workshops, and (iii) small-scale mentoringto support the transfer of knowledge generated and consolidated during the project's implementation. These KTAs follow a phased approach: they begin with broad content aimed at general audiences and progressively evolve to engage more specialized groups with increasingly targeted content. They serve a dual purpose: · An indirect one - to act as a means for implementing the "BBioNets for Everyone" concept; and · Several direct ones - including raising awareness, providing mentorship, enhancing understanding of BBTs and the potential of OGs, and engaging with policymakers and key decision-makers to foster a favourable environment that supports and facilitates further collaboration among farmers and foresters, particularly within the OG framework. The KTAs of the BBioNets are central to implementing the "BBioNets for Everyone" concept, which prioritizes the inclusivity of vulnerable groups such as women, unemployed individuals, youth, and the organizations that represent or support them. Grounded in the core principles of the European Union's (EUs) strategies, policies, and institutional frameworks, these activities translate inclusivity from principle into practice. This inclusive model strengthens both social and economic sustainability, aligning with broader European and global objectives for equitable development. This document initially outlines the theoretical approach to inclusivity within the framework of the BBioNets and subsequently offers a comprehensive overview of the KTAs, including practical guidelines and indicative timelines to support their implementation. Deliverable 3.6 8 2 Focus and Key Drivers Inclusivity seeks to rectify historical inequalities and injustices stemming from varying access to material resources, physical characteristics, and the symbolic significance attributed to individuals. It is an ongoing, aspirational effort that demands continuous engagement, as demographic classifications and frameworks from earlier paradigms continue to shape modern society. Inclusivity is a multidimensional concept, with key components including: · The cognitive and/or professional dimension of inclusivity (different cultures, experience, knowledge, qualifications, skills, training, types of work, value judgments, etc.); · The social dimension of inclusivity (access to information and dialogue, healthcare guarantees, mobility, remuneration and category/grade/income disparities, status, etc.); and · The societal dimension of inclusivity (age, beliefs, disability, ethics, ethnic and/or social origin, family situation, gender, language, physical appearance, political opinions, etc.). The BBioNets Project is dedicated to fostering inclusivity in all its initiatives, ensuring diverse voices and perspectives are integrated into the development of a sustainable bioeconomy. By emphasizing: (1) participation inclusivity; (2) gender inclusivity; (3) youth inclusivity; and (4) inclusivity for unemployed and economically disadvantaged individuals. BBioNets aims to build a collaborative and equitable framework. Furthermore, BBioNets' primary focus on disseminating knowledge related to BBTs inherently aligns with the cognitive dimension of inclusivity. In line with its commitment to an ecological transition, BBioNets also strives for social sustainability where no one is left behind. By implementing the "BBioNets for Everyone" concept, the project targets a broad audience during KTAs, with a focus on unemployed individuals, women, and young farmers and foresters, as well as organizations representing or supporting them. Knowledge transfer is the process through which: · Experiences - insights gained from past actions or decisions; · Information - data, facts, and structured content; · Practices - methods, processes, and ways of working; · Skills - know-how and practical abilities; and · Values - underlying assumptions or beliefs that shape behaviour; are shared or moved from one person, group, or organization to another. For knowledge transfer to be effective, the activities through which it is carried out must ensure that the right knowledge is available to the right people at the right time. To ensure the relevance of the knowledge, the knowledge transfer process relied heavily on information gathered through the BBioNets "Inventory", which was developed, continuously used, and enhanced under WP2/T2.1. The identification of the appropriate people and the determination of the right timing are addressed in the present document. Deliverable 3.6 9 3 "BBioNets for Everyone" Concept The "BBioNets for Everyone" concept encompasses values, guiding principles, and proposed actions aimed at achieving meaningful engagement of all stakeholders, regardless of their background, in contributing to innovation and sustainability in forestry and agriculture. By prioritizing these values, BBioNets ensures that marginalized voices are heard and that opportunities for growth and empowerment are made accessible to all. 3.1 Participation Inclusivity While participation has been a key element in EU integration for decades, it has often been narrowly applied, involving only selected stakeholders or decision-makers. This approach tends to exclude diverse and often marginalized actors, particularly those who do not govern or participate in (established) organizations with a defined administrative structure. In order to foster collaboration, innovation, and knowledge sharing, BBioNets intends to actively engage a wide range of stakeholders -across sectors, disciplines, and communitiesensuring that diverse perspectives contribute to a bioeconomy with economically viable and sustainable practices. To ensure the highest possible level of stakeholder participation, BBioNets: · Established structured collaboration mechanisms (i.e. Forest and Agriculture Networks (FANs)) that actively engage diverse stakeholders, including farmers/foresters, OGs, researchers and policymakers; and · Designed KTAs that focus on women, unemployed individuals, and young farmers and foresters, as well as organizations representing or supporting them. BBioNets is committed to advance inclusive participation ensuring that its efforts are impactful and aligned with the values of the communities it serves. Therefore: · BBioNets takes a proactive approach to outreach by ensuring that information about its objectives, initiatives, and outcomes is communicated in a way that is understandable to all of its target audiences, and disseminated through a variety of channels to maximize its impact; · KTAs are scheduled and designed in a way that initially target a broad and undifferentiated audience (including policymakers, research institutions, Non-Government Organizations (NGOs) representing vulnerable groups, primary production producers, and community leaders), and gradually more specific relationships are developed between these audiences in order to achieve the maximum possible collaboration, synergies, and effectiveness in the dissemination of the BBTs; · Stakeholders are directly engaged facilitating interaction, providing opportunities to understand their motivations, challenges, and interests; and · A blended engagement model is embraced by BBioNets, combining both online and in-person means to reach diverse audiences. This ensures that stakeholders can engage in ways that resonate with their preferences, whether through digital platforms, in-person workshops, or participatory discussions. Deliverable 3.6 16 actively contributing to their skill development. The small-scale mentoring activity aims to offer tailored support to farmers' and foresters' cooperatives and associations, identified by the Regional Partners for Forestry and Agriculture (RPFAs) and their FANs. This effort seeks to strengthen collaboration among farmers and foresters, provide targeted guidance for a deeper understanding of BBT specifics, and foster OG development through networking. BBioNets will implement a structured three-step mentoring approach: understanding, analysis, and personalized counselling. A fundamental step for the successful implementation of small-scale mentoring is the careful selection of beneficiaries. The selection of beneficiaries for small-scale mentoring must be completed by January 31, 2026, based on certain criteria. These criteria may be revised based on insights gained from the preceding KTAs and discussions among partners but must be finalized by November 30, 2025. Table 2: Small-scale Mentoring Beneficiaries Selection Criteria Small-scale Mentoring Beneficiaries Selection Criteria (1) BBT-related criteria (1.1) Access to organic residues compatible with BBTs (1.2) Availability of / Access to the necessary equipment and infrastructure for implementing BBTs (1.3) (Potential for) participation in OGs (2) Inclusivity criteria (2.1) Age (startups, young farmers) (2.2) Gender (2.3) Disadvantaged/Unemployed Individuals (3) Multiplying Potential (3.1) Ability and willingness to promote BBT adoption (3.2) Strong interest in bioeconomy and circular economy (3.3) Engagement in sustainable practices As a first step, beneficiaries selected for small-scale mentoring will be invited in February 2026 to clearly articulate their needs during an on-site or on-line meeting. This interactive and structured approach enables participants to actively define their priorities while receiving targeted guidance, ensuring that the mentoring process is as effective and impactful as possible. Deliverable 3.6 17 The analysis will focus on identifying insights from individual responses, categorizing each beneficiaries’ specific needs and interests. This includes assessing personal challenges, resource requirements, and areas where targeted expertise from OGs or pioneering producers could provide the most value. Additionally, the analysis will consider the availability of relevant resources and expertise, ensuring that the mentoring process is personalized and effectively tailored to each producer's unique situation. To analyse the information gathered, the following tools and techniques can be applied: · Qualitative Analysis – Narrative and discourse analysis of spoken responses · Stakeholder Mapping – Identifying key actors who can support individual producers · Gap Analysis – Assessing the difference between current needs and available resources to provide customized support A short report summarizing the results of the analysis is recommended to be completed by the end of March 2026. The following process is recommended for matching mentees with mentors. (1) Mapping mentees' needs (1st Meeting) Needs are categorized into key themes such as: · Bio-circular practices (e.g., biomass valorisation, composting). · Collaboration and networking (e.g., setting up OGs). · Funding and business models (e.g., access to markets, grants). · Technical knowledge (e.g., regenerative agriculture, low-carbon farming). (2) creation of a mentors' group and categorization based on: · Expertise area (e.g., bio-based materials, agri-business models). · Professional background (e.g., pioneering farmer, academic, entrepreneur). · Networking potential (participation in FANs, OGs, clusters). Table 3: Small-scale Mentoring Key Milestones Key Milestones Due Date Definition of beneficiary selection criteria NOV 2025 Beneficiary selection JAN 2026 Beneficiary invitation and 1st meeting FEB 2026 Short report summarizing the results of the analysis MAR 2026 2nd meeting APR 2026 3rd meeting [optional] MAY 2026 Deliverable 3.6 18 (3) a match score is calculated based on: · Expertise fit (mentor's experience relevant to mentee's needs) · Networking potential (mentor's ability to connect mentee with relevant OGs) · Mentee's preference (mentee's choice of mentor). 4.4 Final Online Capacity Building Seminar The final structure of the online capacity-building seminar will be determined by February 2026. This event will bring together key multipliers from various European Transnational Region (ETR) countries, fostering cross-regional exchange and collaboration. It will serve as a platform to disseminate BBioNets outputs, strengthen networking opportunities, and support the development of OGs. Additionally, participants will discuss forestry and agriculture challenges, sharing region-specific insights on BBTs to enhance the effectiveness of sub-networks. The seminar’s design will ensure meaningful engagement and long-term impact, aligning with the broader goals of knowledge transfer and sustainable innovation. Deliverable 3.6 19 5 Conclusions The "BBioNets for Everyone" concept provides a structured approach to fostering inclusivity within the bioeconomy, ensuring that vulnerable groups can actively participate in and benefit from biobased innovations. Grounded in key EU principles and policies, the initiative translates high-level strategies into concrete actions tailored to the BBioNets framework. Key conclusions include: · Integrating inclusivity into bio-economy networks By embedding inclusivity within BBioNets, the initiative ensures that vulnerable groups are not only considered but actively engaged in the development of bio-based solutions. · Enhancing capacity through knowledge transfer Structured KTAs serve as a key enabler for participation, equipping individuals and communities with the necessary skills to contribute to and benefit from the bioeconomy. KTAs constitute a pivotal task within the BBioNets Project, as they bring together the outputs of previous tasks and integrate them through a dedicated methodology. This synthesis is designed to serve both indirect goals -such as promoting inclusivityand direct ones, including the showcasing of BBTs and highlighting the role of OGs. · Strengthening socioeconomic and environmental sustainability By broadening participation, the initiative fosters a more resilient bioeconomy that balances economic viability with social responsibility and environmental stewardship. Deliverable 3.6 20 References European Commission. (2020). Gender Equality Strategy 2020-2025. Retrieved from https://commission.europa.eu/strategy-and-policy/policies/justice-and-fundamentalrights/gender-equality/gender-equality-strategy_en European Commission. (2018). A Sustainable Bioeconomy for Europe: Strengthening the Connection Between Economy, Society and the Environment (COM/2018/673 final). Retrieved from https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/en/TXT/?uri=CELEX:52018DC0269 European Commission. (2024). Proposal for a Regulation on the European Disability Card and European Parking Card for Persons with Disabilities (COM/2024/599 final). Retrieved from https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/HTML/?uri=CELEX:52024PC0599 Elsevier. (2023). Inclusivity. In Comprehensive Guide to Social Sciences (ISBN: 978-0-12-818629-9). Retrieved from https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/social-sciences/inclusivity Deliverable 3.6 21 Appendix I: Timeline of Knowledge Transfer Activities The Gantt Chart below presents the timeline of the Knowledge Transfer Activities along with the key milestones of the Small-scale Mentoring Activity. Figure 1: KTAs Gantt Chart & Small-scale Mentoring Activity Key Milestones Deliverable 3.6 22 Appendix II: BBioNets Knowledge Transfer Activities Reporting Info-day - Ireland - 1/3 0.1. General and Activity Information 1.1. Reporting Partners: MTU; Teagasc 1.2. Contact Persons: Carmen Giron Dominguez (Carmen.Doming[email protected]); Husain Sadeqi (Husain.Sade[email protected]); Thomas McCarthy ([email protected]) 1.3. Date of the Activity: 27/02/2025 1.4. Location [Physical venue]: Teagasc Ashtown, Dublin, Ireland 1.5. Type of Activity: Info-day 1.6. Title of the Activity: Industrial Hemp Conference 1.7. Duration: 0930-1615 1.8. Agenda: 0930 Registration and Networking 1000 Opening Remarks 1020 Keynote Address 1100 Growing Hemp in an Irish Climate 1120 Economics of Irish Agriculture 1145 Panel Discussion One: Shaping the Future of Eco-Friendly Building 1215 Q&A Session 1240 Before Lunch Speaker 1300 Lunch 1345 Panel Discussion Two: Bioplastic to Bioeconomy - Hemp's Role in Sustainable Transformation Carmen Dominguez - BBioNets Picture 2: BBioNets Coordinatior @ Industrial Hemp Conference Deliverable 3.6 23 1500 Panel Discussion Three: Innovating with Hemp - Exploring Alternative Uses and Shaping the Policy Landscape 1600 Closing Remarks 1615 Networking Reception 0.2. Participants' Information/List/Contact Info 2.1. Total Number of Participants: approx. 100 · Advisors/Trainers: 10% · FAN Member: 2% · Farmer/Forester Associations/Cooperatives: N/A · Government Bodies and Policy Makers: 2% · Industry Representatives: 10% · OG Members/Representative: NA · Research Institutions and Universities: 20% · Unemployed Individuals: N/A · Women: 40% · Young Farmers/Foresters: 20% · General Public: N/A 0.3. Key Takeaways and Outcomes BBioNets was invited to speak about the hemp-related Operational Groups featured in the catalogue. The event was organised by the Hemp Department of Teagasc, and BBioNets participated as a guest speaker. In addition, a booth with BBioNets materials was set up, providing an opportunity to engage directly with farmers and foresters interested in bio-based technologies related to hemp. Picture 3: BBioNets Representatives @ Industrial Hemp Conference Deliverable 3.6 24 3.1. Main Messages Conveyed: MTU participated in the panel discussion and had a table/booth for farmers and other stakeholders in the hemp industry to reach to and learn from the outcomes of the project. MTU highlighted in the panel discussion the outputs of SCARABEO OG and COBRAF operational group, leading to farmers to take interest in the outputs of these projects and reaching to join the Irish FAN. It was highlighted that the outputs of the BBT Assessment Tool for the Irish region showed that amongst the first 20 BBTs prioritised for Ireland, the third one was SCARABEO, an organic and quick water retting technology to extract hemp fibers within 1 or 2 days. Moreover, it was introduced to the audience the importance of the EIP-AGRI OGs, some of them were not familiar with this funding, while others already knew. Questions were asked about the SCARABEO OG, and introductions were made after the event to the OG owner, so collaborations could be made. 3.2. Impact Assessment: Farmers and foresters joined the FAN directly on-site by approaching the BBioNets booth. In addition, representatives from the industry and new farmers shared their contact details with BBioNets Irish representatives, expressing interest in being invited to the Irish FAN. Flyers and brochures were distributed, providing information about the project and upcoming Knowledge Transfer Activities. Particular emphasis was placed on the hemp sector as a promising and viable biomass source for Ireland, especially given that the BBT assessment tool identified a hemp-processing BBT (ranked third). Stakeholders -including farmers, foresters, industry representatives, and government officialsshowed specific interest in this BBT, known as SCARABEO OG. The importance of establishing OGs was also highlighted, as these locally grounded projects follow a short supply chain model, making them well-suited to support the still-developing hemp sector in Ireland. 0.4. Supporting Documentation 4.1. Photos/Screenshots from the Event Picture 4: Industrial Hemp Conference Agenda Deliverable 3.6 25 4.2. Dissemination Materials: Fliers (approx. 40) about the next Knowledge Transfer Activities to develop were distributed, as well as the project's brochure (approx. 30) and the branding materials (shopping bags, pouches, coasters and pens) made with sustainable materials (over 100 total materials). Deliverable 3.6 32 4.1. Photos/Screenshots from the Event 4.2. Dissemination Materials Distributed Deliverable 3.6 33 Document information Title BBioNets – Creation and promotion of Forest and Agriculture Networks to boost Bio-Based Technologies adoption and Value Chain development (GA No 101133904) Start – end date 1/11/2023 – 31/10/2026 (36 months) Project type Coordination and Support Action Programme Horizon Europe – Cluster 6 Funding 1,998,636.20 € Coordinator Munster Technological University Ms. Carmen Girón Domínguez ([email protected]) Project overview BBioNets constitutes a thematic network that relies on, promotes, and further advances the work carried out by EIPAGRI Operational Groups (OGs) with respect to management and/or processing of agricultural and forest biomass with Bio-Based Technologies (BBTs). The project has set up 6 regional Forest and Agriculture Networks – FANs (IE, ES, IT, EL, PL, CZ) that identify local needs, prioritise specific BBTs and share BBT knowledge ready for practice to farmers and foresters, boosting the (re)definition of value chains, stimulating crossfertilisation beyond borders, and bringing Europe to the forefront of farming, forestry and bioeconomy with economically viable and sustainable practices. Consortium @bbionets-eu.bsky.social P716TB11bA#y1 [email protected] P689TB18bA#y1 www.bbionets.eu P7 7T 9bA#y /bbionets-eu P7 7T 0bA#y /bbionets.eu P7 7T bA#y @bbionets_eu P7 8T bA#y @bbionets_eu P7 8T 3bA#y @BBioNetsE U