The Podkarpackie Region faces a number of practical challenges linked to circular bioeconomy development. These include the low use of biomass, especially agricultural waste that often remains unused, the high fragmentation of farms, which makes scaling solutions more difficult, social resistance to bioenergy installations, and limited practical experience in implementing bioeconomy models. Within this context, the RIBES Multi-actor Transformative Forum has created a space where different stakeholders can come together to explore solutions in a more coordinated way.
Since the beginning of the project, the Polish MTF has developed from a small initial group into a broader collaboration platform shaped by participant recommendations and a growing willingness to work together. The process has helped build a shared understanding of the bioeconomy, strengthen dialogue across sectors, and generate concrete implementation ideas. Below, the Polish MTF reflects on its journey so far, the most important turning points, and the difference it 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?
The main challenges relate to the low level of utilisation of biomass, especially agricultural waste, which is often left unused. The region is also characterised by a high fragmentation of farms, which makes it difficult to scale solutions. In addition, there are social barriers towards bioenergy installations and a lack of practical experience in implementing bioeconomy models.
2. Why is the work of the MTF important in your regional context?
The MTF is important because it brings together diverse stakeholders around the topic of bioeconomy for the first time, from farmers to public institutions and businesses. It creates a space for collaboration and for testing new solutions that have not previously been developed in a coordinated way.
3. How does your MTF contribute to RIBES’ wider ambition of supporting inclusive and sustainable bio-based entrepreneurship?
The MTF contributes to the development of an inclusive bioeconomy by engaging different stakeholder groups and promoting solutions that are also accessible to small farms. It focuses on practical models that can generate both economic and social value.
4. How has your MTF developed since the beginning of the project?
The MTF was built from scratch. At the beginning, it consisted of around seven members, but thanks to participant recommendations it expanded to 26 members. The process followed a snowball effect, with each participant inviting additional stakeholders.
5. Which stakeholder groups have been involved, and why has their participation been important?
The MTF includes public institutions, such as agricultural support bodies, as well as companies, experts, and civil society organisations. Their participation has been crucial because the development of the bioeconomy requires cross-sectoral cooperation.
6. Have you seen any changes in stakeholder awareness, dialogue, or willingness to collaborate through the MTF process so far?
Yes. Participants have developed a better understanding of the bioeconomy and have become more willing to collaborate. Many of them met for the first time through the MTF and have since started working together.
7. What have been the most important discussions, insights, or turning points within your MTF so far?
A key turning point was the selection of one value chain concept from several proposals. The decision was made democratically, which increased engagement and acceptance among participants.
8. Have any specific barriers or enabling factors emerged regarding social entrepreneurship, circular bioeconomy development, or regional value chain development?
Yes. The barriers identified include the initial difficulty in engaging participants, social resistance to bioenergy installations, and the technological complexity of some solutions, such as hydrogen production. At the same time, several enabling factors emerged, including existing networks, participant recommendations, and an open and collaborative working approach.
9. What would you say are the most meaningful outcomes or lessons learned from your MTF up to this point?
The most important outcome so far has been the creation of a functioning collaboration ecosystem and the development of a shared bioeconomy project concept.
10. Has the MTF helped identify opportunities for better governance, stronger cooperation, or better informed decision-making in your region?
Yes. The MTF enabled more participatory decision-making and helped align actions more closely with regional needs.
11. Have you seen any signs that the MTF is helping create momentum for more inclusive, socially driven, or locally relevant bio-based solutions?
There is growing interest in practical solutions, especially those that can be implemented locally and bring direct benefits to farmers.
12. Is there one example, moment, or exchange that best illustrates the value of your MTF?
A good example is the joint development of the mobile biogas plant concept and the fact that the MTF managed to maintain the engagement of all participants despite selecting only one concept. This illustrates both the collaborative spirit of the process and the ability of the group to move forward together around a shared direction.
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 MTF creates a platform for cooperation and generates concrete implementation ideas. It connects stakeholders and builds a foundation for future bioeconomy investments in the region.