SYMOBIO 2.0

The project aims to develop the basis for a regular monitoring of the German bioeconomy, including a comprehensive overview and the identification of key drivers and trends. The overarching goal to develop such a monitoring system is part of the National Bioeconomy Strategy in Germany.

The first pilot report on monitoring the German bioeconomy has already identified key trends and developments.

Over recent years, technological progress and political support have led to a significant increase in the use of bio-based resources, both in Germany and worldwide. However, trade-offs and problem shifting have also become apparent. Impacts of increased biomass use manifest at local to global levels and may include pressures on soil, climate, biodiversity and water, as well as on economic viability, income chances and food security.

Similar to trends for economies as a whole, supply chains for the bioeconomy are also becoming more globalised. National strategies to promote the use of bio-based resources may have impacts on land use, environment, and income in other countries. The growing use of biotic resources makes deepened knowledge on global material flows necessary. To that end, a comprehensive data basis and understanding of the systemic relations between resource use and resource availability is needed.

Against this background, SYMOBIO 2.0 aims to continue, strengthen and expand the monitoring and modelling of the German bioeconomy. Furthermore, the project shall foster stakeholder participation in the monitoring process and increase public outreachand understanding of the performance, opportunities and risks of the bioeconomy transition in Germany. In particular, the project objectives include:

•  continue updating indicators such as footprints gathered in SYMOBIO 1.0
•  consolidate the data base and strengthen modelling
• expand the monitoring with biodiversity, water and climate change considerations and indicators
• foster stakeholder participation through workshops as well as targeted communication to related research arenas
• enhance public outreach through a new website, an interactive web-tool, a 2^nd pilot report and policy briefs.