The bio-based industries joint undertaking: A high impact initiative that is transforming the bio-based industries in Europe.

Abstract How would the European bio-based industrial landscape look now if the Bio-based Industries Joint Undertaking (BBI JU) had not been created? While we obviously cannot know this, today after almost seven years of operation following its creation in 2014, the BBI JU has certainly established a solid reputation for high impact delivery and is driving the systemic transformation of the EU bio-based sector. This article provides an overview of the most visible effects generated in the bio-based sector together with the principal achievements realised so far (2014–2019), using practical examples from BBI JU projects. The partnership is on track to out-perform almost all of its performance targets by the end of 2020, including the production of new bio-based materials and the creation of new value chains, and has launched nine flagship projects that see biorefineries operating at pre-commercial scale, the first of their kind in Europe. The main reasons behind the success of the initiative, including the added value of working as an institutionalised partnership, are discussed. Several factors are highlighted, including the dynamic alignment of the strategies of both the EU and industry, and the efficiency of the programming process, which is driven by the industry in close collaboration with the European Commission. Finally, the article discusses the relevance of the work already done with a view to a future initiative under Horizon Europe, in the context of the European Green Deal and the needs of future generations.