As part of the CARINA project, 10 Policy Innovation Labs (PILs) were organised across partner countries to co-design policies that support more sustainable and diversified bio-based value chains in Europe.
These Labs bring together experts from different sectors – policymakers, researchers, farmers, industry representatives, NGOs, and public authorities – to discuss the opportunities and challenges related to introducing innovative oilseed crops in bio-based value chains.
The PILs follow a creative, design-thinking approach, encouraging collaboration, open dialogue, and experimentation. By involving stakeholders directly in the policy design process, they ensure that new policies are practical, user-centred, and grounded in real-world needs.
Each country’s PIL was tailored to local contexts and included:
The insights gathered were analysed through a multidimensional framework, examining social, technological, economic, environmental, and political factors influencing the bioeconomy. The analysis was also conducted considering differences between countries with varying degrees of value chain consolidation. This process led to the creation of country policy factsheets, which identify key barriers, opportunities, and policy recommendations for each region.
The Policy Innovation Labs have proven to be an effective platform to co-design policies that promote the adoption of sustainable oilseed crops, enhance farm resilience, and strengthen Europe’s bio-based value chains. They will contribute to develop a coordinated EU policy framework supporting the use of certified low indirect land-use change (iLUC) feedstocks, fostering both environmental sustainability and rural innovation.
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Funded by the European Union. Views and opinions expressed are however those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or the European Research Executive Agency. Neither the European Union nor the granting authority can be held responsible for them.
