Author: LIFT Team

Overview report on functionality testing

Posted on by LIFT Team

Report on functionality testing for demonstrating the functionality of novel bio-based products. Key mechanical properties, key chemical/thermal parameters and additional functionalities that ensure the functionality of the bio-based project over its entire product life were defined. This implies testing before and after use or before and after ageing.

Additionally, specific characteristics of the bio-based products that differ from existing petrochemical products were addressed.

Report on needs and challenges of SME companies in the bioeconomy in NW Europe

Posted on by LIFT Team

Lack of policies related to investment and demand in the bio-based products remain large barriers to small and medium-sized enterprises working in the bioeconomy in North-West Europe. This is the conclusion of a survey carried out as part of the BioBase4SME project in 2018. The project, co-financed by InterregNWE, aimed to support SMEs in the bioeconomy with funded technical and business services, as well as training.
For the survey, bioeconomy SMEs in six countries of North-West Europe were presented with a list of barriers and asked to rate them on how they impact their business development. The SMEs were asked to rate the barrier from 1 to 5, with 5 being a barrier actively preventing business development. The questions were the same as in a survey carried out in 2014 as part of a previous project, Bio Base NWE, also co-financed by InterregNWE. This allows the two surveys to be compared and offers an insight into the progress of the bioeconomy as well as the impact of
bioeconomy policy in NW Europe.

Training Guide Social Acceptance – Developing dialogue with your stakeholders. Applying social acceptance tools to avoid barriers in bio-based projects

Posted on by LIFT Team

Many companies implementing emerging technologies encounter barriers or objections from consumers or local stakeholders. “Social acceptance” is the result of a process where stakeholders and project leaders work together to find solutions to these barriers and objections. It is important to be aware that the stakeholders affected by a new product or process go way beyond the SME’s customer base. Involving stakeholders in a series of activities to establish relationships is essential – there are tools for this. Tools will enable SMEs to achieve legitimacy and credibility regarding the stakeholder, form a strong and well-communicated company mission statement and clear long-term vision and set up long-term connections with their stakeholders, resulting in trust. This guide takes you through the context and the theory behind the social acceptance concept. It addresses SME managers and business support organisations, presenting a number of tools which can be useful for those launching new products or services in the bio-based economy, and beyond.

The CommBeBiz Bioeconomy Photo Competition

Posted on by LIFT Team

The CommBeBiz Bioeconomy Photo Competition is an annual competition which has run for the duration of the CommBeBiz project. Each year we have asked researchers across Europe to submit exciting and imaginative images which convey some aspect of research in the bioeconomy within Europe.