BIOVALUE HUB - EU Thematic Knowledge Hub on Biomass Valorisation for Diversified Bio-Based Supply Chains

1. Context and Rationale
Biomass valorisation is a cornerstone of the circular bioeconomy, yet its potential remains underused due to fragmented knowledge, weak cooperation within AKIS, and scarce access to practice-oriented information. Farmers, SMEs, and advisors face difficulties identifying viable valorisation pathways that match sustainability standards, local feedstock, and market demand.

The BIOVALUE Hub will act as the EU Thematic Knowledge Hub for Area C, enhancing knowledge flows, advisory capacity, and innovation uptake. It will deliver tailored, multilingual, and interoperable knowledge services, bridging research, policy, and practice across Europe.

2. Objectives
BIOVALUE will:

• Strengthen cooperation among advisors, practitioners, and researchers for sustainable biomass valorisation.

• Facilitate flows of actionable and localised knowledge on biomass use, conversion, and market diversification.

• Empower regional actors to co-develop and adopt circular business models.

• Secure long-term interoperability and open access to knowledge in line with CAP digitalisation.

3. Innovation Concept
BIOVALUE introduces a “Knowledge-to-Action Architecture” combining:

• AI-supported Knowledge Graphs to interlink biomass solutions from Horizon, CAP, and EIP-AGRI sources.

• Living Labs engaging farmers, SMEs, and cooperatives to test scalable valorisation routes (e.g. agri-food residues, lignocellulosic waste, algae).

• Advisor Training & Certification, offering case studies, techno-economic models, and policy tools in all EU languages.

• Supply Chain Mapper, connecting biomass sources to end-markets through open data, integrated with EU-FarmBook, ATTRACTISS, and modernAKIS.

• AKIS Circles, fostering peer-to-peer learning across at least 14 Member States.

4. Methodological Approach
The project will apply the multi-actor approach, ensuring active participation of advisors, SMEs, farmers, and policymakers.

Main activities:

1. Knowledge Integration & Gap Analysis – consolidate Horizon and CAP outcomes and regional needs.

2. Co-creation & Validation – pilot actions in 10 test regions with diverse biomass systems.

3. Digital Hub Development – interoperable online platform ensuring post-project continuity.

4. Capacity Building – training and knowledge materials deployed through national AKIS bodies.

5. Outreach & Policy Interface – alignment with the EU Bioeconomy Strategy, Circular Economy, and CAP frameworks.

5. Expected Impacts

• Increased resilience and competitiveness of biomass-based value chains.

• Over 2,000 advisors trained and integrated in the Hub.

• Higher uptake of bio-based innovations in 14+ EU countries.

• Stronger integration between research, practice, and policy in AKIS.

• Sustainable knowledge flow secured through integration with EU-FarmBook and AKISConnect.

6. Consortium and Governance
The consortium will gather:

• RTOs in biomass valorisation and circular economy.

• AKIS coordination bodies and advisory networks from 14+ countries.

• SMEs and cooperatives in bio-based industries.

• Policy and data partners ensuring compliance with EU frameworks.
  The JRC will act as associate partner for methodological alignment.

7. Long-Term Vision
BIOVALUE Hub will become the EU’s permanent reference point for biomass valorisation knowledge. Its open, interoperable platform will sustain cross-border collaboration and drive the uptake of innovative, circular bio-based supply chains across Europe.