D2.1 BIOEAST Hub Handbook

BOOST4BIOEAST aims to connect bioeconomy stakeholders with policymakers through national expert communities to strengthen their engagement in bioeconomy policy, research and innovation. To that aim, it will develop national bioeconomy action plans and set up longlasting structures for cooperation and networking at national and macro-regional levels. To achieve this, the project creates and animates national BIOEAST HUBs (later referred to as HUBs), understood as national networks to gather stakeholders and support their engagement in bioeconomy and with the decision-making process. This document sets out the process and procedures for the  Establishment and the operation of the HUBs and therefore will act as a guiding manual for all actors involved in these processes. After setting out an overview and the rationale behind the HUBs, the handbook presents the main features of the HUBs, from their definition and scope to the stakeholder categories and their broad functioning (chapter 3). The following chapters then make up the core part of the handbook. Chapter 4 describes the key factors in establishing successful HUBs in a step-by-step process, based on experience from existing initiatives, relevant literature and European projects. Crucial to the success of the HUBs is a well thought stakeholder engagement process, which must carefully manage expectations since the outset (chapter 5). Chapter 6 outlines procedures for effectively managing and coordinating the HUBs after their establishment taking into account HUB governance, functioning rules, practical aspects such as data management, internal reporting, dissemination and communication requirements. In this respect, the role of the HUB Coordination Body is crucial, and its main responsibilities are described. Additionally, The Playbook (Appendix 3) provides a compilation of proposed activities and methodological approaches, that can be implemented as part of the HUB functioning. This handbook is intended to provide guidance and inspiration for the HUBs. It is not a rigid recipe. While it is important to ensure a degree of consistency across countries, the necessary 
flexibility must be retained to consider the specific characteristics of each national bioeconomy ecosystem.