Distinctive open innovation system
To elevate the existing infrastructure of application centres in the South Netherlands region in two years to an (inter)nationally distinctive open innovation system for SMEs in the bio-based chains. There are currently seven application centres in the South Netherlands, namely: Biopolymer Application Centre (BAC), Chemelot Innovation and Learning Labs (CHILL), Green Chemistry Campus (GCC), Colour Application Centre (KLAC), Natuurvezel Applicatie Centrum (NAC), Rusthoeve Agrarisch Innovatie en Kenniscentrum (Biobased Innovations Garden). These bio-based application centres are in various stages of development and have operated solo until now. Through this project, these application centres will grow into an (inter)nationally distinctive offering of knowledge and services, based on professionalization, alignment and collaboration.
Crossovers to top clusters
The Rusthoeve specialises in growing crops that can be used in the bio-based economy. The Biobased Innovations Garden Rusthoeve (BIGR), located at the Rusthoeve, is an application centre for growing and testing different types of biomass, which can serve as a source for SMEs and other application centres. Crossovers are made to application centres in adjacent top clusters, such as food and chemistry.
During the project, the application centres will help several SMEs with concrete innovations and business cases.