RIBES builds on the principle of co-creation, involving stakeholders early and actively in designing and implementing policies and services. This bottom-up approach leverages local knowledge and expertise to develop context-specific, inclusive, and sustainable solutions. Based on this governance assessment, RIBES will identify strengths and weaknesses in existing schemes, leading to policy recommendations for enhanced effectiveness and robustness.

To do so, RIBES will follow the following steps:

1. Establish multi-actor Transformative Forums (MTFs) to drive cooperation among local actors that function as platforms for open innovation. These forums will engage a diverse range of regional stakeholders in collaborative governance and innovation processes.

2. Engage regional actors in co-creating governance models and practices that overcome local barriers and seize opportunities. These schemes will be tested in nine pilot regions, with the goal of replication in similar regions across the EU.

3. Develop the RIBES Toolkit that will include practical tools for developing collaborative circular bioeconomy governance models, policy monitoring systems, and environmental protection plans. It will help regional actors enhance their capacity to create innovative business models and adopt good governance practices.

4.  Focus on social sustainability by empowering all actors to participate equally. Address regional needs and engage vulnerable groups, integrating social innovation into business models while providing training, capacity building, and business support to accelerate small-scale circular and bio-based enterprises.