In the framework of a collaboration agreement with the French Pays de la Loire region, ACR+ set up a working group on circular bioeconomy with a particular focus on governance. The objective of the working group was to support the development of local or regional (intended as sub-national) roadmaps on circular bioeconomy, whereby public authorities have a strong role in terms of steering and supporting the development of circular bioeconomy in their territory.

This publication is the result of ACR+ activities implemented via the working group. These activities included:
 

• desk research on the EU framework relevant to circular bioeconomy as well as case studies that were published within EU-funded projects or various studies and that could include significant level of details on the governance of circular bioeconomy strategies at local or regional level;
• interviews with experts involved in EU projects and/or in the development of circular bioeconomy strategy or related activities in their territory;
• a meeting of the working group participants on 21 September 2020, including a presentation of three case studies from Bavaria, Flanders and Navarre.

The publication starts with a clarification of the concept of circular bioeconomy and the EU framework (including policy aspects, institutional responsibility and financial opportunities) that influences the development of such strategies at local or regional level. The three detailed case studies provide information about the development and implementation of circular bioeconomy strategies in different contexts as well as lessons learned. These case studies were chosen based on their geographical diversity, the degree of maturity of the strategy, the diverse approach followed in each case, and the significant role of public authorities.

One of the main conclusions from the three case studies is that bioeconomy should be considered as part of the circular economy strategy, and that public authorities should take the lead in the development and coordination of circular bioeconomy in their territory. It is also key to ensure an integrative approach and that a participatory and inclusive process is set up to bring all relevant stakeholders around the table, from both an ‘internal’ perspective (relevant policy departments, particularly agriculture and fisheries, environment, economic development, and research and innovation) and an ‘external’ perspective (particularly public authorities, private sector, research organisations and civil society representatives).

This paper covers the integration of multiple stakeholders from multiple sectors with the aim of moving towards a circular bioeconomy, hence it is relevant for Circular Systemic Solutions.