Our work
5 Years of Bioregions Impact
The Bioregions Facility is a knowledge-led platform dedicated to accelerating the development of a sustainable forest bioeconomy in European regions.
History
On 9 March 2020, the European Forest Institute (EFI) hosted the Bioregions Facility inauguration ceremony and officially launched its Secretariat. The Bioregions’ founding members were the Basque Country (Spain), North Karelia (Finland) and North Rhine-Westphalia (Germany).
The inauguration took place in Bilbao, Spain, with numerous attendees, including Basque President Urkullu and several regional ministers from member regions. They presented insights into the circular bioeconomy, investment and innovation opportunities, regional strategies, and infrastructure.
This marked the first step in years of collaboration across science, innovation, and the public and private sectors. Through events and stakeholder engagement, the Facility aims to align visions and efforts to advance a sustainable forest bioeconomy in European regions – and much more.
Timeline
The Facility secretariat develops actions and activities that make an impact on European and regional levels. Stakeholders such as industrial clusters, policymakers, business support organisations, public agencies, research centres, academia and civil society can access the Facility’s activities.
This helps create a robust regional bioeconomy ecosystem, bringing together different stakeholders to achieve a sustainable forest bioeconomy by aligning their visions and efforts. Check out some of our milestones, and stay tuned as we review more activities.
- Bioregions Facility launches with three member regions: Basque Country (Spain), North Karelia (Finland) and North Rhine-Westphalia (Germany)
- Bio-based product procurement
- Bioregions Facility at LIGNA
- Government and industry’s bioeconomy perceptions survey
- Forestry Speed Dating First Series
- Workshop: Unlocking Regional Bioeconomy Transitions in Leipzig, Germany
- Bioregions Bioregions Open Innovation Challenge
- Forestry Speed Dating Second Series
- Student bioeconomy perceptions survey
Our member regions
Synthesis report
The Bioregions Facility Synthesis Report (2020–2025) highlights the initiative’s efforts to accelerate the transition to a sustainable, forest-based circular bioeconomy in Europe. The Facility has engaged over 700 stakeholders through policy learning, innovation, and awareness programs. Key achievements include fostering regional collaboration, hosting innovation challenges, publishing strategic reports, and increasing bioeconomy visibility across Europe. Through events, networking, and knowledge-sharing, the Facility has strengthened regional ecosystems, supported startups, and influenced EU bioeconomy policy. Looking ahead, it aims to expand its impact by deepening partnerships and scaling its initiatives.
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