D. Koca, V. Tartiu, H. Haraldsson, F. Schipfer, M. Piergiuseppe:
"StarProBio Report D9.5: Report on policy effectiveness and alternative scenarios comparison";
Report for Research Executive Agency (REA) European Commission; Report No. 1, 2020; 85 pages.

Policies with relevance to products based on bio-based carbon are unquestionably key for the transition towards a sustainable circular European bioeconomy. The STAR-ProBio project dedicates the last deliverable of WP9 to highlight and simulate the European policy arena and respective scenes which are potentially relevant for the market development of progressively sustainable bio-based materials. The aim of this research is to provide tested recommendations for framework conditions and coherent policy portfolios for a level playing field towards increasingly sustainable production and consumption patterns. Therefore, the SyD-ProBio model is co-developed with various stakeholder groups in a "systems science based and stakeholder participatory group modelling" process. The system dynamics model developed by using STELLA® software is designed to serve as a decision support tool for a comprehensive understanding of key dynamics and conditions in the complex bio-based polymer sector from many different aspects (i.e. political, environmental, social, technological, legal, institutional and economic). A graphical user interface allows for explorative scenario simulations for discussions. Systems-modelling is complemented with an innovative clustering methodology on the basis of an extensive database of existing and upcoming relevant policy documents and individual policies. We find, that quantifiable policy options, that could be easily integrated into the SyD-ProBio model are rare in the European policy arena and focus on mainly on renewable energy provision, energy efficiency and especially the end of life sector. Furthermore, the working plan of the current Commission includes several frameworks open for debate in the months following the STAR-ProBio finalisation, where findings regarding standardisation and labelling will have to be positioned. Next steps should focus on further extension and testing of the model, as well as the development and analysis of strategies to cohere policies.

Biobased chemicals, bioeconomy, policy analysis

https://publik.tuwien.ac.at/files/publik_291651.pdf