The workshop was conducted as part of a seminar held by WRNI and the local representative for Norwegian Research council, aiming for recruiting biomass producers to get engaged in innovation projects to promote biomass industry in the region. The seminar was called “Green Growth - innovation and research for sustainable bioeconomy”. WRNI held a general introduction of the ENABLING project, and was responsible for a workshop on the topic: “How to get bioeconomy and biobased industry to flourish in Sogn og Fjordane county?”

Twenty participants were led though a creative thinking session using the GROW facilitating technique was used (Goal, Reality, Options and Will).

Outcome of the workshop:

Goal:

• 50 % of all materials must be recycled or reused by 2030

• More locally produced protein sources for feed and food

Reality:

• Need to map harvestable forests in the county/region

• Oil dependent economy in Norway – need for a change to biobased economy

Options:

• Biomass producers in the region may be a supplier to larger biobased industry

• Establish biobased industry in the region

• Biochar production using incineration of residue waste as a energy source

Will:

• Participate in more workshops and study visits to further explore possibilities for usage of the bio residues they produce

• Collaborate and initiate R&I projects in bioeconomy

The participants of the workshop were Lærdal Grønt, Kunnskapsparken, Sogn earth and horticulture school, SIMAS, Vik municipality, Aurland municipality, Sogn og Fjordane county municipality and Njøs Næringsutvikling.