The Plovdiv Region has strong foundations for circular bioeconomy development, with a well-established agricultural base, active food-processing industries, and research capacity in agriculture and biotechnology. At the same time, the region faces challenges linked to fragmented collaboration across sectors, limited awareness of circular bioeconomy opportunities, and the underused potential of agricultural residues, food-processing by-products, and other biological resources within local value chains.
Within this context, the RIBES Multi-actor Transformative Forum in Plovdiv creates a space for dialogue and exchange among researchers, businesses, farmers, civil society, and public institutions. Since the beginning of the project, the forum has gradually evolved from an introductory platform into a more strategic space for discussing regional needs, cooperation, governance, and future bioeconomy pathways. Below, the MTF manager for the Plovdiv Region shares reflections on the process so far, the challenges and opportunities identified, and the difference the MTF is beginning to make in the region.
1. In your view, what are the main bioeconomy-related challenges or needs in your region that the MTF is helping to address?
In the Plovdiv region, one of the main challenges related to the development of the bioeconomy is the still limited awareness and understanding of circular bioeconomy opportunities among different stakeholder groups. While the region has strong agricultural traditions, active food-processing industries, and research institutions working in agriculture and biotechnology, the connections between these actors are often fragmented. There is significant potential for better utilisation of agricultural residues, food-processing by-products, and biological resources, yet these opportunities are not always fully explored within regional value chains.
2. Why is the work of the MTF important in your regional context?
In this context, the work of the Multi-Actor Transformative Forum is particularly important. The MTF creates a space where representatives from academia, business, civil society, and public institutions can meet, exchange perspectives, and discuss how the principles of the circular bioeconomy can be applied in the regional context. By facilitating dialogue and cooperation, the MTF helps to build a shared understanding of the opportunities and challenges related to sustainable bio-based innovation.
3. How does your MTF contribute to RIBES’ wider ambition of supporting inclusive and sustainable bio-based entrepreneurship?
Through these activities, our MTF contributes to the wider ambition of the RIBES project by encouraging inclusive and sustainable bio-based entrepreneurship. It provides a platform where entrepreneurs, researchers, farmers, NGOs, and policy actors can jointly reflect on how to develop business models that combine economic viability with environmental sustainability and social impact.
4. How has your MTF developed since the beginning of the project?
The development of the MTF in the Plovdiv region has followed a gradual process, moving from initial familiarisation with the RIBES project to more strategic discussions on regional bioeconomy development. The first meeting focused on introducing the project, clarifying the roles of the MTF members, and discussing the bioeconomy profile of the region together with examples of innovative bio-based businesses such as Cupffee. In the following meetings, the focus shifted towards mapping regional bioeconomy value chains, analysing the governance framework for circular bioeconomy development, and applying the Theory of Change methodology to explore future development pathways for the region. Most recently, the co-creation workshop helped define a shared long-term vision for the circular bioeconomy in the Plovdiv region and identify practical actions for its implementation.
5. Which stakeholder groups have been involved, and why has their participation been important?
The MTF brings together a diverse group of regional stakeholders, including researchers from universities and research centres, farmers and agricultural organisations, SMEs from the agri-food sector, NGOs, regional development organisations, and representatives of public institutions. Their participation has been essential because the development of the circular bioeconomy requires cooperation across different sectors. Farmers and businesses contribute practical experience from production and value chains, researchers provide scientific knowledge and innovation capacity, while public authorities and NGOs help connect these initiatives with regional development priorities and policy frameworks.
6. Have you seen any changes in stakeholder awareness, dialogue, or willingness to collaborate through the MTF process so far?
The MTF process has clearly contributed to greater awareness and dialogue among stakeholders. At the beginning, many participants were mainly interested in understanding the concept of the circular bioeconomy and its relevance for the region. Through the meetings and workshops, discussions have gradually become more interactive and strategic, focusing on regional value chains, governance mechanisms, and concrete actions to support bio-based entrepreneurship. Stakeholders have shown increasing openness to knowledge exchange and collaboration, and the co-creation workshop in particular helped build a shared understanding of the challenges and opportunities for developing a circular bioeconomy in the Plovdiv region.
7. What have been the most important discussions, insights, or turning points within your MTF so far?
The discussions within the MTF have generated several important insights about the opportunities and barriers for developing circular bioeconomy initiatives in the region. One recurring theme has been the potential for better valorisation of agricultural residues and food-processing by-products. Participants have explored how these resources could be integrated into new value chains, contributing to more efficient and sustainable use of biological resources.
8. Have any specific barriers or enabling factors emerged regarding social entrepreneurship, circular bioeconomy development, or regional value chain development?
Stakeholders have identified a number of challenges. These include limited access to funding for innovative bio-based initiatives, insufficient awareness of circular business models, and the need for stronger collaboration between research institutions and industry. At the same time, the discussions have also highlighted several enabling factors, such as the strong research capacity in the region, increasing interest in sustainable agricultural practices, and the growing policy support for bioeconomy development at the European level.
9. What would you say are the most meaningful outcomes or lessons learned from your MTF up to this point?
One of the most meaningful outcomes of the MTF so far has been the strengthening of dialogue between different actors in the regional innovation ecosystem. The platform has encouraged participants to reflect more strategically on how regional governance, cooperation mechanisms, and knowledge exchange can support the transition toward a circular bioeconomy. In this sense, the MTF contributes not only to identifying opportunities but also to improving the overall ecosystem for innovation and entrepreneurship.
10. Has the MTF helped identify opportunities for better governance, stronger cooperation, or better informed decision-making in your region?
Yes, the MTF has helped identify opportunities in all three areas. Through the discussions, participants have reflected more strategically on governance, cooperation mechanisms, and knowledge exchange, while also exploring how different actors can work together more effectively to support circular bioeconomy development in the region. In this way, the forum is helping create better conditions for stronger cooperation and more informed regional decision-making.
11. Have you seen any signs that the MTF is helping create momentum for more inclusive, socially driven, or locally relevant bio-based solutions?
Although the process is still ongoing, we can already see signs that the MTF is helping to create momentum for more inclusive and locally relevant bio-based solutions. Participants are increasingly interested in exploring approaches that combine economic development with environmental sustainability and social benefits, particularly in rural areas.
12. Is there one example, moment, or exchange that best illustrates the value of your MTF?
One moment that illustrates the value of the MTF occurred during a discussion on the potential use of agricultural residues within new value chains. Representatives from academia, agricultural producers, and small businesses shared their perspectives and began exploring practical ways in which research results could be translated into entrepreneurial initiatives. This exchange demonstrated how bringing together diverse actors can generate new ideas and open possibilities for collaboration.
13. If you had to explain in two or three sentences what difference your MTF is making in your region, what would you say?
If I had to summarise the difference the MTF is making in the region, I would say that it helps to connect people who share an interest in sustainable innovation but may not otherwise have the opportunity to collaborate. By facilitating dialogue and knowledge exchange, the MTF strengthens the regional ecosystem for circular bioeconomy development and encourages stakeholders to think collectively about future opportunities