Written by: Dafni Delioglani, FOCUS STC

On 27 January 2026, the Greek BBioNets partners – the Innovation Hub of the American Farm School (AFS) and FOCUS STC – hosted a policy event to address regional challenges in agriculture and forestry. The primary objective was to explore ways for encouraging stakeholders to adopt and implement Bio-Based Technologies (BBTs).

Held at the Region of Central Macedonia facilities in Thessaloniki, the event successfully gathered a diverse group of stakeholders representing the quintuple helix model. Participants included members of the Greek Forest and Agriculture Network (FAN), such as advisors, researchers, policymakers and of course, primary producers themselves. This broad spectrum of expertise fostered a dynamic dialogue, offering multifaceted perspectives on the factors driving the circular bioeconomy in Greece.

Key Policy Conclusions

The discussions highlighted several systemic hurdles that currently limit the expansion of BBTs. To move forward, the following areas were identified as critical for reform:

• Policy Decentralisation: There is currently a strong central policy framework but very little regional flexibility. Participants called for greater autonomy in regional policymaking to better address local needs.
• Resource Scarcity: A significant lack of time, capital, and specialised knowledge remains a barrier. Continuous, hands-on support for producers is essential for long-term success.
• Cultural Shifts: The prevailing organisational culture is often resistant to change. Overcoming this inertia is vital for the integration of innovative BBTs.