Why BioMonitor?

Over the last twenty years, EU policy makers have prioritized the expansion of bio-based value chains through various EU policy initiatives and research programmes. As a consequence to the growing popularity of the bioeconomy in Europe, its information and statistics are lagging behind in various ways.

These include the lack of comprehensive database and statistics for bio-based industries, missing transparent methodology for bio-based data collection and a lack of integrated value chain data and indicators that illustrate the flows of different bio-based materials’ processing system.

Fostering an evidence-based bioeconomy

The BioMonitor project will establish a sustainable and robust framework different stakeholders can use to monitor and measure the bioeconomy and its various impacts in relation to the EU and its Member States.

How can BioMonitor be beneficial to stakeholders from different sectors?

The task of statistical and customs officers will be made easier. With BioMonitor, statistical officers will have access to a comprehensive data sets and new indicators on the bioeconomy. Moreover, custom officers will be kept up-to-date regarding the standards and certifications that will be used when dealing with emerging bio-based products and materials.

Policy makers will be able to draft more effective bioeconomy strategies. Using the solid data sets and indicators established within the BioMonitor framework, EU and national policy makers will be able to understand the bigger picture and make informed decisions by asking the right questions – in terms of job demand and opportunities and consumption of bio-based products.

Bio-based industries can promote a more evidence-based business planning through effective and transparent communication of bio-based items. BioMonitor will encourage mutual understanding between the industries and the statistical and customs officers. In this way, data from both parties will sustain transparency and accountability of businesses in the bioeconomy sector.

The BioMonitor consortium is composed of a team of universities, statistical and standardisation institutes as well as consultancies and data modelling experts. The project is coordinated by Wageningen University and Research.