BFC
The project is co-funded by the European Union through the Interreg IPA ADRION programme.
- GOEL social cooperative (GOEL) – (IT)
- PORA Regional Development Agency of Koprivnica Križevci County (PORA KKŽ) – (HR)
- Križevci University of Applied Sciences (KUAS) – (HR)
- Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Slovenia (CCIS-ACIS) – (SL)
- Regional economic development agency for Sumadija and Pomoravlje (REDASP) – (SRB)
- Association ‘Digital Fabrication Laboratory’- FabLab B&H (FabLab B&H) – (BA)
- THE FACTORY I.K.E. (JOIST) – (GR)
- Agency for Sustainable Development (ASD) – (AL)
THE AIM
The BioFarms Cluster (BFC) project aims to strengthen the biobased and biopharmaceutical sectors across the Adriatic-Ionian region by fostering collaboration, innovation, and sustainable growth. Through capacity-building activities, knowledge transfer, and networking, BFC connects SMEs, research institutions, public authorities, and other stakeholders to share best practices, adopt new technologies, and respond effectively to market and policy challenges.
As a result, the project will create a robust transnational cluster that supports competitive and environmentally responsible value chains, offers evidence-based policy recommendations, and enhances the overall readiness of regional businesses to face economic, environmental, and technological shifts. In the long term, BFC’s outcomes include improved research-industry linkages, the development of sustainable production models, better-informed policymaking, and an enduring innovation ecosystem that benefits all partners involved.
PROJECT ACTIVITIES
Activity 1: Fine-tuning and Development of Methodologies and Tools
This activity focuses on refining existing methodologies and creating tools to support SMEs in adopting circular and sustainable practices. Key activities include forming a scientific board, conducting a market demand study, and developing the BioFarms Toolkit, which provides step-by-step guidance for exploiting agricultural residues. Knowledge transfer between partners ensures the alignment of efforts, while communication activities disseminate results to stakeholders.
Activity 2: BioFarms Cluster Setting-Up and Implementation
The aim of this activity is to establish seven local Nodes and a transnational Meta-Cluster that connects stakeholders, including SMEs, researchers, and public authorities. Each Node will act as a hub for collaboration and knowledge sharing. Activities include training facilitators, building SME capacity, and launching the Nodes with tailored services and engagement workshops. The BioFarms Transnational Network will develop a joint strategy to guide Cluster activities, supported by awareness campaigns and dissemination efforts to ensure broad adoption of project solutions.
Activity 3: Elaboration and Development of the Pilot, Adoption, and Uptake of New Solutions
This activity centers on testing and validating innovative processes through pilot activities. The first phase focuses on selecting and cultivating plant species for nutraceutical and pharmaceutical applications. The second phase scales up eco-friendly extraction methods to operational environments. Additionally, sustainable business models and digital innovations are developed to integrate agriculture and processing in the supply chain. Results are assessed, standardized protocols are created, and validated solutions are transferred to SMEs and stakeholders through workshops, publications, and a final conference.