The mutual seminar covering a wide range of topics was envisaged and subsequently implemented in order to further develop Russian-German cooperation on the bioeconomy. It was initiated by KI Moscow and IBG-2, who are partnered in the joint “Algnutrient-UrBioSol” project in the framework of the German-Russian International Bioeconomy program of the BMBF.

Over the course of the workshop, priority technologies, recent bioeconomy developments and innovative approaches in relevant fields were discussed with participants from the respective ministries as well as from research and industry; the seminar included a detailed situational overview as well as exemplary joint Russian-German projects in the field of bioeconomy.

The following focus points were addressed in six sessions: (1) Introduction and an overview of recent developments in the bioeconomy, (2) Resource bases for the bioeconomy, (3) Solutions for urban bioeconomic questions (ecology, energy etc.), (4) Biomass conversion modes and industrial biotechnology and (5) Social and economic aspects of bioeconomy.

The topics of the presentations included:

• Stable microalgal cultures in dynamic conditions –prerequisite for urban biotech applications (Bilateral project Algnutrient-UrBioSol)
• Development and implementation of an innovative aquatic-based bio-refinery for microalgae Chlorella sorokiniana and duckweed Lemna minor (Bilateral project ABiRe)
• Tailored enzyme cocktail for efficient cellulose biodegradation (Bilateral project EnzyBioDeg)
• Scytalidium candidum 3C is a promising toolbox for biomass degradation
• How the integration of biotechnology into a modern smart city can change the urban environment
• Bioeconomy regions as delivery mechanisms for national roadmaps

The need to develop and implement economically, environmentally and socially sustainable solutions to approach global societal challenges was clearly recognized in the sessions. Solutions depend heavily on the respective location and existing framework conditions, such as technologies, availability of bio-based resources and knowledge, regulations and policy support. The presented examples showed that technologies already exist or are being developed and can be tailored to the respective needs, based on the experience and expertise of the partners involved. Technical and scientific aspects of the presented projects were discussed, as well as differences in prerequisites in both countries, creating a diverse set of tasks and solutions, as well as options for cooperation. The developing relations in the bioeconomy field between Germany and Russia demonstrate that it is feasible to exploit synergies, for example in wastewater treatment, biological process improvement and automation, resource use and nutrient cycling, as shown by the current bilateral BMBF Bioeconomy International projects ABiRe, Algnutrient-UrBioSol and EnzyBioDeg. Crucial for further development is visibility and networking with various stakeholders.

Experiences from existing networks were shared, covering the local project as well as larger frameworks. The Bioeconomy Science Center was presented as an example of a research cluster for bioeconomy research and education in Germany in which scientific expertise, technologies and infrastructure are joined together for exploiting synergies and the development of sustainable bio-based solutions.

Attendees considered this seminar as a run-up to the German-Russian Science Year, supporting the start of new initiatives to overcome global challenges. The leading challenges to date are the translation of academic results into practice in industry and agriculture, and how to create the necessary awareness of bioeconomic challenges and implement solutions together with policy makers and stakeholders at all levels. As the participants have expressed their interest, the seminar will be continued with topic-specific follow-up events.