Abstract:

BioGov.net project is a three-year project funded by the Horizon Europe programme, composed of 10 experienced partners that will operationalise the project’s activities in 8 EU countries: Estonia, Italy, the Netherlands, Greece, Slovakia, Czech Republic, Portugal and Germany. It aims at contributing to establishing innovative governance models in the bioeconomy education, with a special focus on vocational training and life-long learning.
One of the key characteristics of the project is the use of art in its different forms and applications to develop systemic thinking, attract towards study and work careers in the bioeconomy, as well as to communicate these topics to a large public and facilitate inclusion.

In fact, there is a need for exploring new paths to govern the transition process, in particular by:
• making information and knowledge available and accessible
• assessing the regional needs and good practices to define targeted strategies towards fostering bioeconomy education and capacity building
• bringing the various stakeholders together to co-create guidelines for bioeconomy training and mentoring
• using arts in their different forms and applications to develop systemic thinking, encourage to pursue a career in the bioeconomy, facilitate inclusion and awareness.

To respond to these needs, BioGov.net seeks to explore innovative governance models for the bioeconomy education and co-create guidelines for bioeconomy training and mentoring, through a multistakeholder approach which will mobilise 8 European Communities of Practice, while integrating humanities, art, design and culture to foster the transition to an innovative and inclusive bioeconomy. With this in mind, the project has defined a sound methodology for bridging knowledge, capacity-building, and good governance in the bioeconomy, while ensuring synergies, transparency of actions and inclusiveness of all actors, including socially vulnerable groups.

This paper will describe the methodological approach developed in the project to link art to bioeconomy education, based on different innovative formats and case studies stemming from the intersection between these two domains that could help to inspire, engage, encourage creative thinking, and facilitate inclusion.

Specifically, the following dimensions of the BioGov.net methodology will be tackled:
• Art to elicit new ways of thinking and develop skills needed in bioeconomy education
• Art to address different learning styles and facilitate inclusion of marginalized groups
• Art to communicate messages, inspire people and raise their interest and awareness
• Inject the bioeconomy in Cultural and Creative Industries professionals

Keywords:

Art, circular bioeconomy, innovative educational formats.