At the first step to relaunch ROBOCOOP‑EU project after taking over coordination by CIHEAM Bari we are pleased to announce our active participation in the SuSChemE–SUSTENS2 International Conference, held in Athens, Greece, from 28–30 June 2026, where it serves as an official sponsor of the event. This strategic engagement reflects CIHEAM Bari’s long‑standing commitment to Euro-Mediterranean cooperation, sustainable innovation, and the advancement of circular bioeconomy models across the region.
As part of this institutional presence, CIHEAM Bari is represented through its partnership in the ROBOCOOP‑EU project, which is officially relaunching its activities following the successful approval of the project amendment under the Circular Bio‑based Europe Joint Undertaking (CBE JU). The conference marks the first public milestone of this renewed phase, with updated communication materials and project dissemination tools showcased at the ROBOCOOP‑EU stand.
Alongside the scientific programme, 29 June afternoon, the CIHEAM Bari convened the ROBOCOOP‑EU closed‑door coordination meeting. Partners attending both in‑person and remotely actively contributed to strategic discussions on dynamic next steps, priority activities, and key messages to be delivered in the coming months, reinforcing the consortium’s alignment during the project’s reactivation phase.
The ROBOCOOP‑EU stand showcased updated communication materials and project insights, offering opportunities for collaboration with researchers, policymakers, and industry representatives committed to advancing sustainable innovation across Mediterranean agri‑food systems.
Scientific Contribution: ROBOCOOP‑EU Oral Presentation
During the conference, CIHEAM Bari expert Dr. Noureddin Driouech delivered an oral presentation titled: “Co‑creating Circular Bioeconomy Business Models for Agro‑Cooperatives: Case of ROBOCOOP‑EU and Evidence from a Living Lab in the Apulia Hub (Italy)”
The presentation explored how Living Labs, stakeholder co‑creation, and cooperative‑driven innovation can accelerate the transition toward circular bioeconomy business models in rural territories. Drawing on evidence from the ROBOCOOP‑EU Apulia Living Lab, the discussion highlighted how farmers, cooperatives, researchers, industry, and public actors can jointly develop sustainable and profitable pathways for the valorisation of olive and grape by‑products through innovative circular biorefinery approaches.
ROBOCOOP‑EU Ambitions Highlighted at SuSChemE–SUSTENS2
The project’s renewed phase emphasises several strategic ambitions:
These priorities were presented to conference participants, alongside updated project materials and opportunities for collaboration.
Institutional Presence and Sponsorship
As an official sponsor, CIHEAM Bari contributed to the visibility and success of SuSChemE–SUSTENS2, reinforcing its strategic role in promoting innovation, co‑creation, and sustainability in Euro-Mediterranean agri‑food systems. The ROBOCOOP‑EU booth provided a dedicated space for scientific exchange, partner engagement, and dissemination of the project’s revitalised work plan.
The conference also offered an important opportunity to reconnect with consortium partners, strengthen collaborations an synergies with sister Project FLEXIZYME, and discuss future pathways for circular bioeconomy deployment across Europe.
Project Reference
101112407 — ROBOCOOP‑EU — HORIZON‑JU‑CBE‑2022
Institutional Hashtags #CIHEAMBari #ROBOCOOPEU #SuSChemE_SUSTENS2 #FLEXIZYME #CircularBioeconomy #AgroCooperatives #LivingLabs #Biorefinery #GreenTechnologies #MediterraneanInnovation #HorizonEurope #CBEJU #Sustainability #CoCreation #GreenTransition #AgrifoodInnovation #BioDistrettodelleLame
