STRONGBIONET is a Horizon Europe project that aims to strengthen and connect bioeconomy networks across Europe, improving resilience, competitiveness and sustainable growth. Acting as a true “network of networks”, the project brings together stakeholders from industry, research, education, policy, investment and civil society to accelerate the transition towards a sustainable and circular bioeconomy. Through collaboration, knowledge exchange and innovation, STRONGBIONET will develop a multilingual EU-wide platform serving as a central hub for networking, education, investment readiness and science-policy dialogue.

Although Europe is already home to a wide range of successful bioeconomy initiatives, many of these networks continue to operate in isolation from one another. STRONGBIONET was designed to address exactly this gap: rather than creating another standalone network, the project connects existing initiatives across sectors and countries, unlocking synergies that would otherwise remain untapped. By bridging together diverse actors from across the bioeconomy value chain, STRONGBIONET aims to create new opportunities for innovation, capacity building and policy dialogue, ultimately contributing to a more resilient, sustainable and competitive European bioeconomy.

Beyond the digital platform, STRONGBIONET will establish thematic Communities of Practice, support education and training activities, and strengthen links between innovators and investors. The project also places strong emphasis on evidence-based policymaking, working to ensure that scientific knowledge and stakeholder expertise directly inform decision-making at EU level. Coordinated by SPRING – Italian Circular Bioeconomy Cluster, the initiative brings together 19 partner organisations from 14 countries and will run for 36 months, fully aligned with the objectives of the EU Bioeconomy Strategy.