Karl Franzens University Graz has taken over the project management for the new BIG Bio project, which aims to strengthen cooperation between research institutions and corporate partners in the bio-based industry. Our consortium partner Holzcluster Steiermark and numerous network partners of Bioeconomy Austria are involved. The main objective of BIG Bio is to develop and implement sustainable bio-based innovations (e.g. products, processes, business models) sustainable and circular business models.
The project focuses on the analysis and evaluation of recycling processes, the modelling of business-related carbon flows and the life cycle assessment comparison of bio-based product systems, such as furniture or flooring. The knowledge gained is intended to support companies and their employees in carrying out life cycle analyses in order to develop sustainable business models and align their product range with sustainability aspects.
BIG Bio imparts competences for the sustainable design of bio-based innovations, including the assessment of possible consequences and their integration into product and process development. This is done through specific case studies implemented by the corporate partners in cooperation with research institutions. The acquired competences are to be passed on both by producing company partners and by service companies in advising other companies.
The BIG Bio project contributes to closing the gap between innovation management and sustainability aspects in education and training. In addition, the documents and experiences generated in the project are to be used for the development of further training courses on the topic of sustainability-driven innovation. In this way, BIG Bio makes an important contribution to the implementation of the European Green Deal and to the transformation of our economy and society in terms of sustainable development.