On October 2, 2024, ZSI facilitated a workshop an interactive Mutual Learning Workshop brought together hubs from two EU funded projects, RuralBioUp and BIOMODEL4REGIONS, in Bologna. This dynamic event aimed to foster knowledge sharing and reflection, showcase innovative practices, and highlight the projects’ contributions to the bioeconomy and regional development. Participants engaged in lively discussions blending professional insights with cultural and regional flair.
The workshop adopted a marketspace format, where hubs from both projects showcased their approaches to advancing the bioeconomy and regional innovation. The event unfolded in two rounds, first highlighting RuralBioUp hubs and then BIOMODEL4REGIONS hubs. Each hub delivered a two-minute pitch, sparking interest and setting the stage for deeper discussions. Stations were arranged in a circular layout, featuring posters and traditional goods from each hub’s country, immersing attendees in the cultural and regional contexts of their work. At the heart of each display, three glass jars represented key themes: impact on the bioeconomy, innovation, and stakeholder adaptability.
Upon arrival, each visitor received a bag of smarties (chocolates). After the pitches, visitors could choose two stands to visit. Visitors were encouraged to ask questions on their own initiative. In addition to facilitate conversations, each table was equipped with five thematic questions to guide and support the discussions.
Following the discussions, visitors were asked to distribute their five smarties among the three jars, reflecting what they believed to be the hub’s strongest contributions. For example, if they felt a hub had the most impact on bioeconomy, they might place three smarties in that jar and distribute the remaining two across the other jars as they saw fit.
To ensure the richness of the dialogue was captured, each stand had a designated note-keeper to document key ideas and comments discussed during the visits. By the end of the session, the workshop had not only showcased the exceptional work of the hubs but also sparked new ideas and strategies for future development, solidifying its role as a platform for innovation and cooperation in the bioeconomy and regional modeling space.
