How is the Fribourg region (Switzerland) contributing to the development of an exemplary bioeconomy ecosystem?

The bioeconomy is a vital sector in the Swiss canton of Fribourg. This workshop will provide an overview of the public and private initiatives that are fostering business growth in the region. Firstly, the framework conditions will be presented through 3 short contributions, including a presentation of a research institute in applied chemistry and a presentation of support for start-ups. Then, 3 entrepreneurs’ testimonials will illustrate the opportunities and challenges that accompany innovation in the sector. Finally, the last part will be dedicated to questions and exchanges with participants.

The Swiss canton of Fribourg, a territory of 335,000 inhabitants straddling the French-German linguistic border, boasts expertise in the agricultural sector, the agri-food industry, the production of biobased and biotechnological products. This sector generates sales of over 4 billion Swiss francs (29% of the canton’s GDP) and accounts for 33,000 jobs (28% of the canton’s total employment).

Companies based in the canton enjoy a favorable ecosystem for the development of their bio-economic activities, thanks to easy access to numerous resources, such as:

• applied research institutes in the fields of chemistry, new building techniques and nanomaterials

• competency centers in the fields of biotechnology, the habitat of the future and plastics processing

• sector clusters in food-techs, construction and polymers

• innovation campuses in both urban and rural areas

• targeted support according to project or growth phase

• a favorable legal framework to support innovation

Since 2019, support for bio-economic activities has emerged as a strategic priority for the Fribourg government’s economic promotion. To confirm the region’s leading position in bio-economic innovation, significant resources are being deployed to encourage the development of this business sector. In addition, the “Assises de la bioéconomie” (Bioeconomy Conference) is already scheduled for autumn 2024.