TransBIB presents: Euroregion Gelderland
Over the past two decades, the Dutch province of Gelderland has established itself as one of the leading European regions in the field of bioeconomy. Building on a strong agricultural tradition and an excellent research landscape, the region is pursuing a consistent course towards sustainable value creation and a circular economy. In doing so, it successfully links science, industry and politics - creating an innovation-driven ecosystem that sets standards in Europe.
Scientifically based departure: the initial spark
The strategic development of Gelderland as a bioeconomy region is closely linked to the international appeal of Wageningen University & Research (WUR). It established itself early on as a scientific hub for agricultural and environmental sciences, bio-based materials and biotechnological processes. Since the 2000s, political support measures and economic investments have flanked the targeted transformation towards bio-based value chains.
With the founding of Food Valley NL, an innovation network was created that specifically supports the transfer of knowledge between research and industry in the field of sustainable food systems. Other strategic clusters such as the Dutch Biorefinery Cluster or Stichting BEON ensure that bio-based processes are firmly established across the board - particularly in the utilisation of agricultural residues and the development of green energy and chemical solutions.
Economic engine with political backing
Gelderland is now one of the most important agricultural regions in the Netherlands and combines tradition with technological innovation. The regional government is supporting the transformation through targeted investments, cluster funding and a strategically coordinated innovation policy. The economic weight of the bioeconomy is significant: over 60,000 employees, several billion euros in annual turnover and numerous bio-based industrial plants - including for bioplastics, alternative proteins, biofuels and green chemicals - speak for themselves.
The material utilisation of biomass and energy recovery through biogas, pyrolysis oil and green hydrogen are fundamental building blocks of the regional circular economy. Non-traditional raw materials such as paper fibre sludge, chicken manure and wood waste are also increasingly coming into focus - a sign of the ongoing diversification of bio-based resource streams.
Research, networks, scaling: an integrated innovation system
In addition to the WUR, specialised institutions such as the Biotechnology Fermentation Factory (BFF) in Ede, NIZO Food Research and the HAN University of Applied Sciences form the scientific basis. They offer transfer platforms for innovative technologies - for example in the field of fermentation, protein development or sustainable packaging solutions - and form a closely interlinked innovation ecosystem together with industry.
Science and business are not only networked locally, but also have a European and international focus. Gelderland is actively involved in EU research projects, participates in transnational cluster structures and is increasingly profiling itself as an application region for pilot and demonstration projects on an industrial scale.
Perspective: From the bioeconomy to circular industry
With its clear commitment to the further development of industrial biotechnologies, the expansion of bio-based production capacities and the reduction of fossil raw materials, Gelderland is positioning itself as a model region for a new type of European bioeconomy. In future, the focus will increasingly be on system integration - for example through cross-sectoral value creation networks, data-driven resource efficiency and the further development of sustainable food systems.
The strong anchoring of the bioeconomy in science, business and politics makes Gelderland a leading location for bio-based innovations in Europe today - and a key player in the climate-neutral industry of tomorrow.