Fraunhofer Institute for Systems and Innovation Research ISI
Fraunhofer Institute for Systems and Innovation Research ISI

Project

Consolidating Systemic Monitoring and Modelling of the Bioeconomy (SYMOBIO 2.0 and SymobioPlus)

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The bioeconomy has the potential to reduce the consumption of non-renewable resources, ensure global food security, and promote local primary sectors (agriculture, forestry, fishing) as well as high-value manufacturing. But, if implemented poorly, it can also lead to harm. For example, increased demand for crops and timber can incentivize land use change that destroys biodiversity, releases carbon dioxide and violates human rights. 

It is therefore very important to continuously monitor the current and potential future development of the bioeconomy and its effects.

 

SYMOBIO developed  the scientific basics for a systemic monitoring and modelling of the German bioeconomy with respect to sustainability aspects, also on an international level between January 2023 and March 2025. The development of the monitoring system goes in line with the goals of the agenda 2030 and is framed by a bioeconomy systems analysis approach. To this end, eight research institutions in Germany collaborate in this project.

The research team used methods such as footprint analyses, remote sensing, life-cycle assessment, stakeholder surveys, case studies, model simulations and patent analyses to develop a holistic picture of the bioeconomy transition. The research project placed great emphasis on communicating policy-relevant findings.

The Fraunhofer ISI was responsible for the analysis of the economic importance and for the analysis of innovations, their potential and possible effects. For this purpose, we provided a scanning and analysis of innovative developments as well as an in-depth consideration of some innovations in case studies. There, the findings on the economic, ecological and social impact were brought together in a synthesis and the development of indicators and links to the modeling activities were checked and tested.

Subsequently, starting in April 2025, Symobio2Plus will develop a set of indicators for the bioeconomy to continuously measure its progress. Fraunhofer ISI is responsible for measuring innovations and supports the development of indicators for the economic dimension and education.

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Duration

Symobio 2.0: 01/2022 - 03/2025

Symobio2Plus: 04/2025 – 03/2027

Client

  • Federal Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF) - now: Federal Ministry of Research, Technology and Space (BMFTR)

Partners

  • University of Kassel (UNI KASSEL) (Lead Partner)
  • Grassland Science and Renewable Plant Resources (GNR)
  • Helmholtz-Centre for Environmental Research GmbH – UFZ
  • Deutsches Biomasseforschungszentrum (DBFZ)
  • Gesellschaft für Wirtschaftliche Strukturforschung mbH (GWS), Institute of Economic Structures Research
  • Öko-Institut, Institute for Applied Ecology (Öko)
  • German Centre for Integrative Biodiversity Research (iDiv) Halle-Jena-Leipzig, Research Group Macroecology & Society
  • GRAS Global Risk Assessment Services GmbH
  • IFEU – Institute for Energy and Environment