A business model is like a blueprint that outlines how a company creates, delivers, and captures value. It's essentially a plan that describes how a business operates, makes money, and sustains itself. Think of it as the way a company structures its activities, resources, and relationships to achieve its goals and generate profit. A good business model takes into account the products or services offered, target customers, revenue streams, cost structure, and the overall strategy to ensure long-term success. It's like the strategic foundation that guides a business in its journey to be both effective and profitable.
ROBOCOOP-EU aims to bring about a breakthrough shift in the agricultural sector by introducing
Innovative
Regional
Circular
Bio-based Business Models.
The focus is on valorizing waste streams from three specific agricultural sectors: grape, olive, and stone fruit.
To facilitate this transformation, the project has established "Living Labs" – dynamic spaces where diverse participants can collaboratively brainstorm and test pioneering business models. These models serve as blueprints, outlining ways in which farms can enhance sustainability while boosting financial returns.
The 4 main business models under consideration are:
Business Model 1 - Upgrade:
Strategizing ways to optimize the utilization of agricultural by-products that are typically underutilized.
Business Model 2 – Biomass:
Creating specialized bio-refineries with a focus on producing high-value products from biomass.
Business Model 3 - Cooperative Model:
Establishing farms owned and operated collectively by a group of individuals working together.
Business Model 4 - Industry Cluster Model:
Forming collaborative networks of businesses within the agricultural sector.
Through 3 Living Labs, in 3 regional HUBS, we provide a real-world testing ground, enabling participants, ranging from farmers to external experts, to experiment with and refine these groundbreaking ideas.
These HUBS are set in Extremadura - Spain, Apulia - Italy and Western Macedonia - Greece
All this will be done in Work Package 7 of the project under the responsibility of CLUBE .
The key objectives of WP 7 include:
Value Chain Analysis:
Analyzing value chains to identify added value for both primary and secondary actors in the agricultural sectors.
Living Labs Establishment:
Setting up regional living labs to co-create and test new business models tailored to each specific agro-system.
Business Plan Development:
Drafting comprehensive business plans for each regional hub, considering the unique characteristics of the circular bio-economy in each area.
The project leverages insights from previous work packages, particularly technological feasibility (WP4) and product or service development (WP5), to inform and guide the development of these innovative business models.
Ultimately, the objective is a paradigm shift in agricultural practices, fostering partnerships, optimizing resource utilization, and establishing frameworks that support and sustain positive changes. It's a sophisticated makeover for agriculture, aiming to benefit both stakeholders and the environment.