Written by: Sofia Galantari, HUB-CR

BBioNets Train-the-Trainers Series Strengthens Knowledge Exchange and Collaboration for Bio-Based Technologies

Between November 2025 and February 2026, HUB-CR, representing the Czech Forest and Agriculture Network (FAN), successfully organised a series of three “Train-the-Trainers” (TtT) workshops, bringing together stakeholders from research institutions, advisory services, farming organisations, policy bodies, and local communities. Through interactive discussions, practical demonstrations, and collaborative exercises, the workshops aimed to strengthen capacity building and support the wider adoption of Bio-Based Technologies (BBTs).

The series began on 27 November 2025 in Brno with the workshop “Bio-Breakthroughs: Regional Paths to Circular Growth”, which introduced participants to the BBioNets approach for identifying and promoting regionally suitable BBTs. The session focused particularly on technologies based on organic residues, presenting practical examples such as compost optimisation, biochar integration, and residue valorisation. Participants also took part in a barrier-mapping exercise, identifying key challenges related to regulation, financing, infrastructure, land availability, and fragmented knowledge systems. The workshop highlighted that successful implementation of BBTs depends not only on technology itself, but also on effective advisory systems, strong cooperation, and adaptation to regional needs.

Building on these discussions, the second TtT workshop took place on 22 January 2026 in Troubsko and focused on practical knowledge exchange and the sharing of real-world experiences. Participants discussed barriers they had encountered while implementing BBTs, including financial limitations, infrastructure gaps, market challenges, and regulatory complexity. At the same time, the workshop highlighted practical solutions such as cooperation between farmers and municipalities, the use of local side streams, and the application of small-scale technologies including composting, slurry separation, digestate treatment, and fermentation. Demonstration activities and peer-to-peer learning were identified as essential tools for building trust and encouraging wider adoption of bio-based solutions.

The third workshop, held on 24 February 2026 in Troubsko, further strengthened the participatory approach of BBioNets by focusing on collaborative problem-solving. Through a reverse brainstorming session, participants explored the reasons why BBT implementation can fail, identifying issues such as unclear procedures, limited resources, and weak stakeholder coordination. In a subsequent Action Lab exercise, participants worked together to co-develop practical and locally relevant solutions, emphasising clearer guidance, stronger local collaboration, improved information sharing, and accessible community-level technologies. The workshop demonstrated how structured dialogue can help transform identified barriers into actionable strategies that support implementation on the ground.

Taken together, the three Train-the-Trainers workshops demonstrated the importance of continuous knowledge exchange, participatory learning, and cross-sector collaboration in advancing the transition towards a circular bioeconomy. Throughout the series, participants consistently highlighted the need for practical advisory support, stronger regional cooperation, demonstration activities, and locally adapted solutions to facilitate the uptake of Bio-Based Technologies. The insights and recommendations gathered during the workshops will contribute to shaping future BBioNets activities, strengthening capacity-building efforts, and supporting more effective implementation of sustainable bio-based innovations across Europe.