Circular Bioeconomy Cluster South West (CBCSW)
About this good practice
The Circular Bioeconomy Cluster South West (CBCSW) is a cluster initiative tackling urgent challenges like resource depletion, waste management, environmental degradation, economic instability, and climate change. It's fostering a sustainable and circular bio-based economy in Ireland's southwest, aiming to transform how resources are used, waste is managed, and economic growth is achieved through innovation, collaboration, and investment. By promoting renewable bio-based materials and energy, the CBCSW is shifting away from finite resources and reducing waste and pollution through innovative recycling and upcycling solutions. This not only benefits the environment but also stimulates economic growth and job creation by fostering innovation and investment in the bioeconomy sector. Furthermore, the transition to a low-carbon economy based on renewable resources helps mitigate climate change.
The CBCSW encourages efficient resource use, supports waste conversion into valuable products, and champions the development and adoption of sustainable bio-based materials. It fosters innovation and entrepreneurship, leading to job creation and economic growth in the region. Additionally, it builds capacity and expertise in the bioeconomy through various training and networking opportunities, raising awareness and promoting sustainable practices.
This initiative unites diverse stakeholders, including businesses, research institutions, government bodies, funding organizations, and NGOs.
Resources needed
There are 2 x people working full-time on the project, a PI from MTU and an Advisory Group who meet a few times a year to offer their expertise. The project requires funds of approx. €200,000 per year, which includes travel expenses, event expenses, overheads etc.
Evidence of success
CBCSW has grown to 67 members, 60 of which are industry members comprising 51 SMEs and 9 Corporations, totaling over 10,000 employees. The cluster has overseen 38 collaborative projects, 6 educational offerings, and had over 1700 event attendees. 50 companies have been connected to international partners, been involved in 10 European projects and 57 companies have been supported in RDI projects.
Over 1.8 million euro in revenue has been generated from Irish and EU projects in industry.
Potential for learning or transfer
The cluster has many lessons for other regions by adopting a comprehensive approach that integrates multiple sectors and emphasizes the circular economy. Its collaborative nature with diverse stakeholders, fosters knowledge exchange and innovation through research support and pilot projects.
The cluster demonstrates how bioeconomy initiatives can drive economic growth and sustainability while offering education and training to build expertise and public awareness. By influencing policy and providing measurable outcomes, the cluster’s adaptable and scalable model showcases a comprehensive strategy for sustainable development.
Other aspects that could be transferred to other regions include businesses inputting to policy and assistance with funding for businesses, also it showcases how opportunities can appear beyond the cluster's own region, as demonstrated by the BioDirect program, an all-island program fostering circular economies.