BioEast: Central-Eastern European initiative for knowledge-based agriculture, aquaculture and forestry in the bioeconomy

Abstract

The territory of the Central and Eastern European (CEE) countries mostly belongs to the Continental and Pannonian Bio-geographical Regions. Specific and extreme changes in the weather resulting from the very nature of these Regions can be expected in the near future, and adaptation in agriculture and the bioeconomy is a challenge. Furthermore, in many of these countries the current levels of research, innovation, cooperation and lobbying are substantially below the European Union (EU) average, and this research and innovation divide in Europe hinders both the unlocking of excellence in the CEE region and the development of the European Research Area. BioEast is a new strategic research agenda designed to address these challenges. This paper, firstly, introduces the objectives and focus areas of Bi-oEast; secondly recounts the CEE countries' actions so far; thirdly describes the institutional setup of BioEast; fourthly summarises the conclusions from the BioEast workshop held in Budapest on 21-22 February 2017; and fifthly shows how BioEast can help to focus the EU's agricultural research agenda, especially Horizon 2020, the research and innovation framework programme for the period 2014-2020. Five specific topics are proposed: (a) coordination of bioeconomy-related research and innovation activities; (b) response to climate change and socioeconomic challenges; (c) a buffer zone against pathogens; (d) freshwater fish production; and (e)integrated biomass production. Finally, some future actions for BioEast are suggested.

Organisational Innovation Systems for multi-actor co-innovation in European agriculture, forestry and related sectors: Diversity and common attributes

“…Some initiatives that attempt to redress this imbalance in participation are already in place. For example, BioEast, the Central Eastern European Initiative for Knowledge-based Agriculture, Aquaculture and Forestry in the Bioeconomy (Juhász, 2016) is attempting to raise the priorities given to topics particularly affecting Central and Eastern Europe (such the impact of climate change on continental climates and rural social cohesion in transition economies) in the European research and policy agendas. This is a more thoughtful approach than a simple requirement to achieve geographical balance in the partnership, which can lead to actors being recruited solely for that purpose.…”

Multi-actor co-innovation partnerships in agriculture, forestry and related sectors in Europe: Contrasting approaches to implementation

“…The problem can be mitigated (but not eliminated) with risk assessment and wise planning. BioEast, the Central Eastern European Initiative for Knowledge-based Agriculture, Aquaculture and Forestry in the Bioeconomy (Juhász, 2016), is a government initiative that is attempting to raise the priorities given to topics particularly affecting Central and Eastern Europe such as the impact of climate disruption on continental climates.…”

Research and innovation challenges for better policies in food systems and bioeconomy transitions – evidence from Poland

“…The systemic approach to identify challenges and problem themes for future research and innovation in CEECs, including Poland, involved a triangulation of research methods based primarily on the participatory method. Developing future topics that will advance the transformation of food systems, as well as bioeconomy is a task based primarily on the experience of various expert groups, including not only the administration shaping public policy, but primarily scientists and representatives of practice and entrepreneurs (Juhász and Vásáry, 2017).…”