Bioeconomy and circular economy

Circular economy is becoming increasingly important for the development of rural areas. New products and uses for biogenic raw materials and materials produced in rural areas also offer new perspectives and income opportunities. Protecting the environment and resources while maintaining the competitiveness of rural businesses and increasing the resilience of regions to resource bottlenecks are increasingly on the political agenda. Circular economy offers an integrated approach for the entire economic system, which is accompanied by a wide range of regional development potentials.
In both research and implementation-oriented model projects, we deal with innovative ways of using biogenic residues, the development of recyclable products and their economic viability. However, we also focus on political control instruments as well as on necessary social innovations, societal changes and changes in user behaviour. Within the framework of regional participation processes, we develop model strategies for promoting circular economies, while we aim to strengthen the knowledge and skills of rural stakeholders in this area through educational activities.

Contact person at IfLS: Dr. Ulrich Gehrlein (gehrlein[at]ifls.de)