Growing Tomorrow’s Economy – Bio-Based and Blue Solutions for a Circular Future

Growing Tomorrows Economy – Bio Based and Blue Solutions for a Circular Future

Host: German Embassy in Poland

Time: 27^th of October 10:00 – 14:00

Location: Warsaw / hybrid

Duration: 3–3.5 hours

Introduction

As the world faces increasing pressure from climate change, resource scarcity and biodiversity loss, the transition toward a circular and regenerative economy is no longer optional — it is essential. Bio-based and blue economy solutions are emerging as key drivers of this transformation, offering innovative pathways to decarbonize industries, reduce waste, strengthen resilience and create sustainable economic growth.

This discussion will explore how bio-based materials, biotechnology, circular design and blue economy innovations can help shape the economy of the future — one that works within planetary boundaries while generating new opportunities for business, regions and society. From sustainable production systems and industrial symbiosis to marine resources, bioremediation and nature-based innovation, we will examine how these solutions can move from niche initiatives to mainstream economic models.

The conversation will also address the enabling conditions needed to accelerate this transition: supportive policies, investment frameworks, public procurement, cross-sector collaboration and consumer engagement.

Building tomorrow’s economy requires not only technological innovation, but also systemic thinking and cooperation across industries, science, finance and public institutions. The future will belong to solutions that are circular by design, regenerative in impact and capable of delivering both environmental and economic value.

Programme

10:10 – 10:20 Opening Remarks (10 min)

Miguel Berger Ambassador of the Federal Republic of Germany to Poland

10:20 – 11:00 Keynotes: Setting the Strategic Context (40 min)

o   Agata Kotkowska DG Envi European Commission

o   Piotr Jurga Polish Bioeconomy Roadmap

11:00 – 11:45 panel discussion

From Waste to Value: Building a Circular Bioeconomy in Europe

o   PL Ministry of Agriculture, tbc

o   Adrianna Pawlik NCBR

o   Andrzej Stangret Refood

o   Paweł Jurga IUNG

o   Sidse Jensen FSC

o   Thomas Hartnik, NIBIO - Norsk institutt for bioøkonomi

Moderator: Agnieszka Sznyk INNOWO

11:45 – 12:00 Coffee break

12:00 – 12:45 Key Note speech

o   Jette Berend & Leonhard Meitner food4future (20 min)

o   Ferdinand Bulmer SUBMARINER Network – Blue Bioeconomy Roadmap 2030 (20 min)

The Blue Bioeconomy Roadmap 2030 outlines strategic actions to unlock the potential of algae, sustainable aquaculture, and circular nutrient cycles while strengthening regional cooperation in the Baltic Sea region.

Key focus:

• scaling sustainable blue value chains

• ecosystem protection & economic growth

• regional innovation & cross-border cooperation
  

12:45 – 13.30 Expert Panel

Future Agricultural Systems & Blue Food (40 min)

Theme: From Baltic Waters to Future Food Systems

Panelists:

• Alexandra Mosch – algae & health biotechnology

• Reinhold Hanel, Thünen Institute of Fisheries Ecology

• Pawel Zylka CSCP from Wuppertal

·        Ferdinand Bulmer Team Lead, Aquatic Value Chains AlgaeProBANOS SUBMARINER Network for Blue Growth EEIG 

·        Leonhard Meitner Food4Future

• University of Gdańsk – Faculty of Oceanography & Geography marine biotechnology & microalgae research tbc

• Marcin Kurek - SGGW

Discussion themes:

• climate-resilient food systems

• algae & aquatic biomass as future protein sources

• sustainable fisheries & ecosystem restoration

• Baltic Sea food security and environmental resilience

14:00 – 15:00 - Networking & Blue Food Lunch

Experience innovative foods from algae, sustainable aquaculture, and future protein sources while connecting science, policy, and business leaders.