SYMOBIO 2+ (Systematic Monitoring and Modelling of the Bioeconomy)

Brief description:

The research project SYMOBIO develops the scientific foundations for a systemic monitoring and modelling of the German bioeconomy with regard to sustainability aspects, taking into account both national and international perspectives. The development of the monitoring system is aligned with the goals of the Agenda 2030 and is framed by a bioeconomy systems analysis approach. To this end, multiple research institutions across Germany collaborate within the project.

SYMOBIO is embedded in the funding concept “Bioeconomy as Societal Change” of the German Federal Ministry of Research, Technology and Space. Key results of SYMOBIO 1.0 (2017–2021) were published in a pilot report, providing an initial overview of structures and trends in the German bioeconomy. Building on this, SYMOBIO 2.0 (2022–March 2025) resulted in the Bioeconomy Monitoring Report, which further developed indicators and analytical approaches.

SYMOBIO 2PLUS (April 2025–March 2027) consolidates the research conducted in the previous project phases and aims to prepare the ground for a possible continuous bioeconomy monitoring system. The objective is to develop concrete, practical, and specific recommendations on how bioeconomy monitoring should be structured, implemented, and managed in the future.

Work packages (UFZ contribution)
WP 1.6.4 Social change and holistic indicators
Social and behavioural change play a key role in the transformation towards a more sustainable and circular bioeconomy. This work package focuses on identifying and further developing indicators that capture socio-economic dynamics, social change, and holistic sustainability aspects within the bioeconomy monitoring framework. A particular emphasis is placed on dietary change as a key transformation lever, alongside other aspects such as food waste, repair activities, and social innovation. The work builds on existing indicator sets and life cycle sustainability assessment approaches and contributes to closing gaps in the representation of socio-economic impacts in bioeconomy monitoring.

Contact: Enrique Perdomo

WP 2.3 Establishing a stakeholder panel: Checking priorities
This work package builds on stakeholder engagement activities carried out in previous SYMOBIO projects and aims to further strengthen the societal relevance of bioeconomy monitoring. An independent national stakeholder panel is established to provide regular feedback on indicator selection and to discuss emerging trends and priority topics in the bioeconomy. Panel meetings and complementary online surveys support the identification of gaps in existing monitoring approaches and contribute to the further development of indicators.

Contact: Daniela Siedschlag 

WP 4.3 Data mining: Establishing workable links to corresponding monitoring systems
This work package focuses on strengthening the connectivity between existing bioeconomy monitoring initiatives through the development of a semi-automated prototype for identifying and linking indicators from official monitoring and reporting systems. Building on the integration blueprint developed in SYMOBIO 2.0, the prototype assesses the usability and applicability of information across systems, taking into account data quality, methodological aspects, and temporal and spatial coverage. The work complements indicator-focused activities in other work packages and supports a more comprehensive and efficient bioeconomy monitoring framework.

Contact: Enrique Perdomo


The Center for Environmental Systems Research (CESR) at the university of Kassel is coordinating the overall project:

Contact: LINK
Universitaet Kassel / CESR
Wilhelmshoeher Allee 47
D-34117 Kassel
Germany

Project management:
Dr.-Ing. Meghan Beck-O’Brien
meghan.beck-obrien@uni-kassel.de


SYMOBIO main website at CESR 

Funding: