Skills Promotion and Awareness for Regenerative Knowledge

The transition toward a sustainable and circular bio-based economy requires not only technological breakthroughs but also a skilled workforce and societal engagement. BIOSPARK (Skills Promotion and Awareness for Regenerative Knowledge) addresses this challenge by co-developing and deploying innovative, demand-driven curricula across Europe, with a strong emphasis on Widening countries. 18 partners will expand the Bio-based Educational Centres (BBECs) model from six macro-regional hubs to a network covering all EU-27. Through a multi-actor, interdisciplinary approach, BIOSPARK will design 11 curricula actions targeting students (academic and vocational), professionals, and policymakers. These will integrate technical, environmental, digital, business, and social skills, supported by methodologies such as summer schools, internships, online training, supervised projects, and micro-credentials. Piloting with over 380 end-users will ensure relevance and adaptability, while EU-wide actions—including hackathons, awareness workshops, industry visits, and teacher training—will foster mutual learning and raise awareness. BIOSPARK will strengthen connections between academia, industry, and society, contributing to the competitiveness of the European circular bioeconomy. Outcomes include validated curricula, EU-wide capacity building, stronger engagement of Widening countries, and an afterlife plan ensuring long-term sustainability of the BBECs network. By bridging skills gaps, promoting inclusivity, and aligning with EU Green Deal objectives, BIOSPARK will empower Europe’s workforce and communities to drive systemic change toward a regenerative bioeconomy.