21 May 2026
University of Life Sciences “King Mihai I”, Timișoara, Romania
The policy expert discussion organized as a hybrid event by the BIOEAST Thematic Working Group on Bioeconomy Education and BIOEAST UniNet brought together representatives of the BIOEAST macro-regional community to exchange views on the current status and future priorities of bioeconomy research, innovation and education.
Participants discussed the role of BIOEAST UniNet in strengthening cooperation among universities and research institutions, supporting joint projects, and increasing the visibility of bioeconomy education across the macro-region. Particular attention was given to micro-credentials, lifelong learning and the need for flexible, practice-oriented education pathways for students, professionals, farmers and wider society.
The discussion also highlighted opportunities for cooperation with EIT Knowledge and Innovation Communities, Knowledge Valorization Centres and international partners from Africa, Latin America and the Caribbean. Participants agreed on the importance of open dissemination of project results, better use of existing networks and the collection of international contacts to support future collaboration.
Policy challenges were also addressed, including the need for stronger inter-ministerial coordination, better alignment with EU initiatives such as the Fertilizer Action Plan, and improved national frameworks for quality assurance and recognition of micro-credentials.
The discussion reflected the new EU Bioeconomy Strategy, which highlights the need for a new Research and Innovation Initiative for BIOEAST countries, Ukraine, Moldova and the Western Balkans. Building on the opening presentation of Peter Wehrheim at the Multidisciplinary Conference on Sustainable Development organized by the University of Life Sciences “King Mihai I”, Timișoara, Romania, participants explored how the BIOEAST macro-region can better align national priorities, education systems, research capacities and international cooperation opportunities.
George Sakellaris summarized “… The exchange confirmed that bioeconomy education should be further embedded in national strategies, sustainability agendas and labour market needs.”
Marie Kubankova added “ “This policy expert discussion was the third one organized since December 2025, demonstrating the growing importance of bioeconomy education in the BIOEAST macro-region. As reflected in the new EU Bioeconomy Strategy, policy makers, together with research organizations, have an important role to play in supporting stronger collaboration in R&I and education.”
The debate also used insights from the recent major international agricultural research conference organized by the Bulgarian Agricultural Academy, which gathered more than 250 participants from public sector, research organizations and universities. The strong interest in international cooperation, including Horizon Europe and Erasmus+ opportunities, confirmed the relevance of bioeconomy research and education and research as key drivers for regional competitiveness and sustainable transformation.
The conclusion of the policy expert discussion will be soon provided on the BIOEAST HUB CR website, so stay tuned!
Sofia Galantari
BIOEAST HUB CR