BIOINNOVATION STRATEGIC AGENDA 1
INTRODUCTION BioInnovation – research and innovat
ion for sustainable development Climate change as a result of fossil emissions is one of the major challenges of our time. As the population of the world grows and economic opportunities increase, the demand for goods and services also grows. The accelerating consumption in society requires more natural resources, but resource consumption depletes our planet. Succeeding in creating economic growth without increasing climate emissions, and without depleting the resources of the earth, is absolutely crucial if we are to achieve sustainable production and consumption in the future. Going forward, development is dependent on the use of more renewable and bio-based raw materials, resource-efficient manufacturing processes, and that we create materials with a low environmental impact throughout their whole life cycle. It also requires changes in consumer behaviour and circular systems. Put simply, the way forward is the circular bioeconomy. The business sector has enormous potential for creating increased growth in the bioeconomy, but in addition within Sweden there is strong research and innovation in this area. Together, we can make new technological advances and develop competitive bio-based solutions as a basis for new investments in a sustainable economy. The climate and the environment will be the winners, as Swedish competitiveness and exports will be too. BioInnovation is one of 17 strategic innovation programs in Sweden. The aim of the program is to promote bio-based development and innovation in three priority areas: Chemicals & Energy, Materials, and Construction & Design. This is a meeting place for companies and researchers from different industries and businesses and disciplines to develop together. By allowing knowledge, competence and development to form strong, value chains, new business opportunities are created. The innovation program was initiated by the Swedish Forest Industries Federation, IKEM – the Innovation and Chemical Industries in Sweden and TEKO – Swedish Textile and Clothing Industries Association. Working together, these industries have created a common arena for bio-based development and innovation. The program is a public-private partnership funded by Vinnova, the Swedish Energy Agency and Formas, as well as participating stakeholders from business, academia, institutes and the public sector. BioInnovation finances projects and initiatives that focus on bio-based chemicals, materials and products. During the project period, BioInnovation offers support and the opportunity for systematic learning within the various projects. The program also serves as a forum for the dissemination of the results of initiatives that have been implemented, and creates new meeting places for networking and the exchange of knowledge. There are currently 50 stakeholders contributing to a growing bioeconomy. So far, over 300 actors have been involved in our projects. In total, we invest SEK 50 million in research and innovation projects, each year. Our mission is to create the best conditions for the development of the Swedish bio-based sector, and to create sustainable solutions for a global market. Our vision is that Sweden will have converted to a bioeconomy by 2050! In BioInnovation's Strategic Agenda, we take a closer look at the circular bioeconomy as a concept, and the bioeconomy area in general. In addition, we look at the conditions and requirements that will lay the foundation for the design of upcoming calls for proposals, and activities within the program. Please read and enjoy! Anna Wiberg, Program Manager Photo: Johan Olsson 3