Across the Western Balkans, circular bioeconomy development faces a number of shared challenges, particularly in relation to waste management, stakeholder awareness, and the need for stronger cooperation across sectors and countries. One of the most pressing issues is the lack of structured waste management systems, including the almost non-existent practice of waste separation at source. At the same time, there is growing interest among businesses, practitioners, and circular economy actors to explore more practical and locally relevant bio-based solutions. Within this context, the RIBES Multi-actor Transformative Forum provides a regional space for learning, exchange, and collaboration.
Since its establishment, the Western Balkans MTF has grown into a network of 21 members, mainly from North Macedonia, with additional participants from Bosnia and Herzegovina and Albania. Over time, it has developed into a platform where motivated businesses, consultants, and practitioners can connect, share experiences, and begin shaping more concrete cooperation around circular bioeconomy opportunities in the region. Below, the Western Balkans MTF reflects on the process so far, the main discussions and lessons learned, and the difference the forum is beginning to make.
1. In your view, what are the main bioeconomy-related challenges or needs in your region that the MTF is helping to address?
One of the biggest challenges in the Western Balkans is the lack of structured waste management systems, including the almost non-existent practice of waste separation at source. This is accompanied by low public awareness and limited understanding of circular bioeconomy opportunities among stakeholders. The MTF helps address these gaps by bringing together different actors to exchange knowledge, share practices, and identify regional solutions.
2. Why is the work of the MTF important in your regional context?
The MTF is important because it creates a space for networking, learning, and collaboration across the Western Balkans. It enables stakeholders to learn about ongoing initiatives, gain inspiration from regional examples, and raise awareness about circular bioeconomy opportunities. It also supports the establishment of cooperation among businesses, experts, and other actors.
3. How does your MTF contribute to RIBES’ wider ambition of supporting inclusive and sustainable bio-based entrepreneurship?
The MTF contributes by connecting diverse stakeholders, including consultants, bio-based businesses, biogas initiatives, and circular economy practitioners, and encouraging collaboration across countries. This helps promote inclusive participation and supports the development of sustainable bio-based entrepreneurial initiatives in the region.
4. How has your MTF developed since the beginning of the project?
Since its establishment, the Western Balkans MTF has grown into a group of 21 members, primarily from North Macedonia, with additional participants from Bosnia and Herzegovina and Albania. Over time, a core group of members has remained active, demonstrating strong interest in cooperation and in contributing to regional bioeconomy development.
5. Which stakeholder groups have been involved, and why has their participation been important?
Most members represent businesses, consultants, and practitioners working in circular bioeconomy sectors, including biogas and bio-based solutions. Their participation is important because they bring practical knowledge, real-life examples, and implementation experience. However, engagement from decision-makers remains limited, which is one of the challenges moving forward.
6. Have you seen any changes in stakeholder awareness, dialogue, or willingness to collaborate through the MTF process so far?
Yes, there has been increased willingness among members to collaborate and share experiences. Some members have already expressed interest in hosting visits to their businesses and practices, indicating growing engagement and openness for practical cooperation.
7. What have been the most important discussions, insights, or turning points within your MTF so far?
Key discussions have focused on waste management gaps, circular bioeconomy opportunities, and regional cooperation possibilities. One important turning point has been the shift from general discussions towards concrete collaboration ideas, such as organising field visits and learning exchanges.
8. Have any specific barriers or enabling factors emerged regarding social entrepreneurship, circular bioeconomy development, or regional value-chain development?
Major barriers include the lack of waste separation systems, low public awareness, and limited engagement from decision-makers. Enabling factors include strong interest from businesses, emerging regional cooperation, and the availability of practical examples within the MTF network.
9. What would you say are the most meaningful outcomes or lessons learned from your MTF up to this point?
A key lesson is that businesses and practitioners are ready to collaborate and drive change when given a platform. Another important outcome is the creation of a regional network of motivated stakeholders interested in circular bioeconomy solutions.
10. Has the MTF helped identify opportunities for better governance, stronger cooperation, or better-informed decision-making in your region?
Yes, the MTF has highlighted the need for stronger cooperation between businesses and public authorities, as well as improved governance frameworks for waste management and circular bioeconomy development.
11. Have you seen any signs that the MTF is helping create momentum for more inclusive, socially driven, or locally relevant bio-based solutions?
Yes, the continued engagement of members and their willingness to share experiences and host field visits demonstrates growing momentum towards practical and locally relevant bio-based solutions.
12. Is there one example, moment, or exchange that best illustrates the value of your MTF?
The expression of interest from several members to organise visits to their facilities and showcase their circular bioeconomy practices is a strong example of how the MTF is moving from dialogue to concrete 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?
The Western Balkans MTF is creating a regional platform for cooperation, learning, and inspiration around circular bioeconomy. It connects motivated businesses and stakeholders, builds awareness, and supports the development of practical, locally driven bio-based solutions