Cluster of Bioeconomy and Environment
About this good practice
CLuBE was established in 2014 with 21 members from the triple Helix (policy, academia and business sector). The main areas of interest are bioenergy and environment.
The three pillars of the regional economy:
• local and regional authorities
• local academia and research centers
• local businesses
are collaborating through the Cluster of Bioeconomy and Environment of Western Macedonia (CLuBE). In order to introduce and promote innovation in the bioenergy and environmental sector and raise its added value, the Cluster aims to create synergies between local and regional players and businesses.
Members of CLuBE are:
Public sector
• Region of Western Macedonia
• Regional Development Fund of Western Macedonia
• Regional Union of Municipalities of Western Macedonia
R&D
• University of Western Macedonia
• Institute for Chemical Processes and Energy Resources (CPERI/CRES)
• Centre for Technological Research of Western Macedonia (CTR)
• Centre of Environment of Western Macedonia
• Wood and Furniture Lab/Technical University of Larisa
Entrepreneurship from the sectors of:
• Municipal District Heating
• Cooperatives
• Wood companies
• Boiler manufacturers
• Waste management
• Consulting companies
• Supporting institutions
CLuBE promotes green and circular economy in the region. This includes energy utilization of biomass for domestic and industrial use, mixed combustion of lignite in thermal power plants, optimization of heating systems, and smart solutions for cities and regions.
Resources needed
CLuBE bases its funding on European resources mainly through the implementation of European programs. Of course, this also requires the corresponding human resources with high knowledge and skills.
Evidence of success
CLuBE so far counts more than 40 employers with the majority of them being young people thus it helps to tackle one of the major challenges that the region of Western Macedonia faces which is brain drain, especially of the young population.
Moreover, it is partner to numerous European projects in which many of its members are involved.The total number of projects in which CLuBE has participated during these 11 years is around 60.
Potential for learning or transfer
This good practice can teach how the cooperation of local governmental bodies , local universities and research centers along with the local business sector can promote innovational solutions and competitiveness and be profitable for all of its members.
Moreover it helps the local community by reducing youth unemployment.
