International dimension of the circular bio-based economy: seeking win-win opportunities

Overview

Supports projects that analyze and strengthen international cooperation in the circular bio-based economy, focusing on governance, stakeholder engagement, and win-win solutions for climate and biodiversity goals. Targets consortia involving research institutions, industry, civil society, and international organizations.

Who Can Apply

Eligible applicants include legal entities from EU Member States, Horizon Europe Associated Countries, and non-associated third countries (with exceptions for funding eligibility). Consortia must involve multiple stakeholders, such as research organizations, industry, civil society, and international partners (e.g., from South Africa, Latin America, or the Caribbean).

Funding Details

• Maximum grant amount: €6,000,000 per project.
• Funding type: Lump sum.
• Total budget: Not specified.
• Co-funding: Not required, but international cooperation is strongly encouraged.

What Is Funded

Projects must address:

• Bottlenecks and opportunities in international cooperation for sustainable and fair bio-based circular innovation, including socio-economic and environmental impacts.
• Key focus areas: biorefining, biotechnology (industrial, agro-food, environmental, or marine sectors), biomanufacturing, circularity of bio-based economies, intellectual property, global biomass trade, and infrastructure mapping.
• Development of inclusive networking approaches, stakeholder engagement, and trust-building measures (e.g., co-creation, best practice sharing).
• Creation of a roadmap for international cooperation, policy recommendations, and long-term impact strategies, including digital tools (e.g., webinars, social media).
• Synergies with existing initiatives (e.g., Circular Bio-based Europe Joint Undertaking, Global Bioeconomy Summit) and alignment with UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs 8, 9, and 12).

Technology / Maturity Requirements

No explicit Technology Readiness Level (TRL) range specified. Projects should focus on applied research, policy development, and stakeholder engagement rather than technological development.

Key Dates

• Open date: 2027-02-03.
• Deadline: 2027-05-10T22:00:00Z.

Application Process (High-Level)

• Single-stage submission via the [Funding & Tenders Portal](https://ec.europa.eu/info/funding-tenders/opportunities/portal).
• Proposals must adhere to page limits and layout requirements outlined in the Horizon Europe Work Programme General Annexes.

Post-Award Obligations

• Reporting and dissemination requirements as per Horizon Europe standard grant agreements.
• Projects must ensure transparency, stakeholder engagement, and alignment with policy recommendations.

Geographic Scope & Language

• Eligible countries: EU Member States, Horizon Europe Associated Countries, and non-associated third countries (with funding restrictions for the latter).
• Language: English.

Notes

• Projects must involve Social Sciences and Humanities (SSH) disciplines.
• International cooperation, particularly with South Africa, Latin America, and the Caribbean, is strongly encouraged.
• Proposals should avoid overlap with Horizon Europe Cluster 1 (health biotechnology) and Cluster 5 (bioenergy, unless cascading biomass use is ensured).
• Lump sum funding applies; detailed budget justification is not required, but cost estimates must be realistic and justified in the proposal.