On 9 September 2025, the BIOLOC project came full circle in Greece with a vibrant final local event hosted at the Koventareios Municipal Library of Kozani. Under the theme “Showcasing Actions and Good Practices in the Bioeconomy Sector of Western Macedonia”, the event gathered 35 participants from academia, businesses, public administration, NGOs, and civil society, reflecting the diversity and inclusiveness at the heart of BIOLOC.
A space for knowledge-sharing and collaboration
The event combined focused presentations with an interactive workshop, creating a lively platform where knowledge met practice. The sessions highlighted how academia, businesses, and social enterprises can jointly contribute to inclusive bioeconomy practices. Discussions explored:
Inclusion and entrepreneurship as pathways for empowering marginalised groups
The bioeconomy as a driver for regional resilience and growth
Collaboration and partnerships as transformative tools for systemic change
The programme concluded with a symbolic act of partnership: the handover of equipment from the University of Thessaly to APANEMO, a local social cooperative enterprise, symbolising the long-term cooperation between research and social innovation.
Stories of impact and innovation
Speakers from CERTH, the University of Thessaly, CluBE, APANEMO, and PCM Consultants shared experiences that brought BIOLOC’s results to life. From academic insights in forestry and design to hands-on examples of reuse and product innovation, participants witnessed how social innovation can merge with bioeconomy to create sustainable products and meaningful employment opportunities—especially for people with disabilities.
APANEMO’s case studies of reusing wooden pallets to produce toys, business gifts, and other sustainable items showcased how vulnerable groups can be empowered through circular practices.
Key outcomes and next steps
The event reinforced BIOLOC’s legacy in Western Macedonia:
Strengthening the role of the BIOLOC Hub as a bridge between research, entrepreneurship, and inclusion.
Ensuring continuity through the transition to the Interreg Euro-MED BIOSTARS initiative.
Building commitments among the Municipality of Kozani, CERTH, University of Thessaly, and APANEMO to continue cooperation.
Highlighting the need for inclusive entrepreneurship, ongoing training, and supportive governance to sustain long-term impact.
Feedback from participants emphasised the event’s value in making complex topics tangible through practical examples and interactive dialogue. Many expressed enthusiasm for continuing exchanges within new EU initiatives.
Lessons for the future
The Kozani event offered more than a project closure—it became a celebration of collaboration. It showed that:
Inclusive approaches work best when participatory
Academia and social enterprises together generate both social and economic value
Tangible results build trust among stakeholders
Continuous capacity-building is key to sustainability
BIOLOC’s final event in Greece left participants with a strong sense of ownership and optimism. The seeds planted through the Hub and the partnerships forged are set to grow further under BIOSTARS, ensuring that the spirit of inclusive bioeconomy in Western Macedonia continues to flourish.
