Research and development are fundamental for the desired structural change towards a bioeconomy. In Baden-Württemberg a strategy council of experienced scientists from all relevant disciplines was created in 2012 to develop a promising bioeconomy research strategy for the state. The Bioeconomy Research Program Baden-Württemberg was launched in 2013 to implement this research strategy.
Our research activities and establishing a graduate academy for young researchers shall contribute to the development of innovative and sustainable economic strategies that use biomass instead of fossil resources while at the same time avoid negative effects on the environment, climate, and society.
An interdisciplinary and systemic approach is necessary to develop sustainable products and processes. This systemic approach is applied to the analysis of entire value chains including genotype/biomass selection, biomass production and conversion, and product development as well as analysis of economic, ecological, ethical, and societal aspects.
Due to increasing biomass demands worldwide emerging competition between food, feed, fuel, and new products will intensify. The interrelations between these economic sectors and their direct and indirect impacts will be analyzed using simulation models. Biomass production could improve by selecting and breeding suitable strains. Development of new extraction and processing methods likewise may improve utilization of biomass for production of valuable materials as well as utilization of a higher share of components. Even components that have so far been considered waste products can now be used for production of platform chemicals and biofuels. New materials and products have to be evaluated carefully for health, climate, and social impacts. Consumer acceptance of new products and processes is crucial for the economic perspectives of innovations
The systemic approach of our research program integrates various disciplines, competences, and perceptions. Through close collaboration of universities and research institutions in Baden-Württemberg expertise is combined to focus on common goals.
At the same time we are open for national and international collaborations, and interaction with partners from enterprises and industry.
