Develop and deploy new curricula and knowledge exchange practices relevant to bio-based systems

• Tangible contribution to the EU Initiative on Biotechnology and Biomanufacturing, the EU Bioeconomy Strategy and its action plan, the Zero Pollution Action Plan, the EU strategy for a Sustainable Blue Economy, and the CBE JU Widening Strategy and Action Plan

• Development and validation of high-quality, interdisciplinary curricula supporting skills development for sustainable bio-based systems and enhanced circularity

• Deployment of EU-wide actions that facilitate acquisition of new and advanced skills critical for the sustainable and circular bio-based economy

• Close collaboration between higher education institutions and industry to support innovation and competitiveness in the circular bioeconomy sector

• Training and re/up/skilling of future and current bioeconomy professionals across higher education, vocational, postgraduate and executive courses

• Inclusion of key technical skills (digital, biotech/biomanufacturing, environmental sustainability assessment, circularity, toxicology/risk assessment, ecodesign, safe-and-sustainable-by-design, business and process development) and soft/cross-sectoral skills and cultural openness

• Establishment of a broad network of universities, RTOs and industry partners, with active engagement of ‘Widening’ countries and incorporation of their specific needs

• Mutual learning pathways with rural and coastal/blue bioeconomy actors, including primary producers

• Co-creation of STEM and SSH curricula capitalising on existing best practices and international success stories

• Piloting and testing of the curricula with representative student and professional groups

• Consideration and deployment of multiple pedagogical methodologies (laboratory, field work, internships, simulation, case studies, PBL, supervised projects, vocational training, online modalities)

• Proposals must explicitly connect to existing initiatives and partnerships (European Bioeconomy University Alliance, Pact for Skills, BIOEAST, NEBA Alliance, Advanced Materials Academy) to maximise synergies and avoid duplication