Adopting the bioeconomy may feel a lonely journey, but it is not! Plenty of people have already implemented bioeconomy practices and initiatives. MainstreamBIO has developed a digital toolkit to help you learn about existing successful cases. It can also estimate the impact bioeconomy could have on your enterprise.

How can MainstreamBIO’s digital toolkit help you?

MainstreamBIO aims to support mainstreaming small-scale bio-based solutions in Europe. The project offers tailor-made support through free technical and business services (see this post). It also has recently launched its digital toolkit, a broad, open online resource gathering 6 features:

1. Catalogue of small-scale bio-based technologies, business models, and social innovations: it provides details about success cases of small-scale rural bioeconomy.
2. Collection of best practices for improved nutrient recycling: it provides information to successfully manage nutrients and recycle organic matter back to soils.
3. Decision Support System: it matches type of biomass and waste streams with small-scale bio-based technologies, business models and social innovations.
4. BioForum: where users can exchange ideas, solutions and good practices.
5. Bioeconomy Repository: it aggregates educational materials from projects on bioeconomy and bio-based initiatives.
6. Tool Library: it provides access to many bioeconomy tools (bioresource mapping, catalogues, side stream value tool, etc.) from other projects relative to bioeconomy.

Moreover, the digital toolkit gathers MainstreamBIO resources, including a profile of the bioeconomy in 7 EU rural communities. MainstreamBIO will organize 7 capacity building workshops to teach how to use the digital toolkit. Subscribe to our newsletter if you want to find out more about the Spanish workshop!

Behind the scenes: creating MainstreamBIO’s digital toolkit

In this blog, we interview DRAXIS, the developer of this digital toolkit. This MainstreamBIO partner is a Greek company specialized in software development. They have participated in several innovative projects, bringing digitalization to fields such as energy supply, environmental monitoring, and bioeconomy.

1. In MainstreamBIO, you are responsible for the development of the digital toolkit. What sets it apart from other available similar toolkits?

The MainstreamBIO digital toolkit is a unique and comprehensive tool in the field of bio-based solutions. Apart from providing technical support, it also fosters cooperation, promotes sustainability, and enhances understanding of the bioeconomy. This holistic approach sets it apart from similar toolkits: the content complements small-scale bio-based technologies with social innovations and nutrient recycling practices, and includes a support system to help decide among various options. It also includes novel educational resources and compiles existing research results and tools.

Finally, this digital toolkit is special in its geographic and time scope. It will be promoted to the large audience of MainstreamBIO, including the 7 regional cooperation groups on rural bioeconomy. Thus, users could potentially collaborate with an established, wide network of agents. Unlike toolkits from other projects, we will maintain the digital toolkit available after the end of MainstreamBIO.

2. What would you say to someone who wants to use the digital toolkit?

We would encourage them to test it themselves! We have developed it with users in mind. We have made the design intuitive to bridge the possible gaps due to language or technical skills. Moreover, we have prepared a formative video explaining how to access and use each of the features. You can access it in the Learning Center section, at the header of the digital toolkit. The Learning Center contains the transcript to facilitate translation. You can also watch the video here:

3. The digital toolkit is up and running since March 2024 and it will evolve with the feedback of stakeholders. How do you envision the feedback and adapting process?

We will rely on two processes: on-site feedback (gathered at the 7 capacity building workshops) and online feedback. For the latter, we have included a Helpful Feedback section in the footer of the digital toolkit. We are hoping that users’ feedback will cover various aspects of the toolkit, including its usability, effectiveness, and impact on their activities.

We will identify and prioritize common suggestions, considering their feasibility, potential impact, and alignment with the project’s goals. We will implement them by modifying existing features, streamlining the use of the toolkit. Implementation will be done in a way that ensures the integrity and functionality of the toolkit.

After testing the changes, we will release the final version made during the project in August 2025. To ensure the digital toolkit remains effective and relevant, we will maintain feedback collection and improvement even after this point. We expect to maximize its economic, social, and environmental impact.

The role of Innovarum

As MainstreamBIO partner, Innovarum leads the delivery of innovation support to small-scale bio-based solutions. As such, we coordinate the support through free technical and business services. We also overview the organization of the capacity building workshops, and organize the Spanish one! Follow us on our social media to know all the details.

Regarding the digital toolkit, Innovarum has led the compilation of bioeconomy business models, included in the catalogue (feature 1). We encourage you to access the digital toolkit and get amazed by the bioeconomy and its potential!