On the 5th December, the Southern Regional Assembly (SRA) and Munster Technological University (MTU) held a very productive online validation workshop for Irish bioeconomy stakeholders of two key ROBIN Project resources – the Typology Matrix and the Knowledge Platform.
The Typology Matrix provides stakeholders and policymakers with a guiding framework and systematic approach to identifying and implementing models of bioeconomy governance that may be best suited to their region. The Knowledge Platform serves as a repository of governance models and good practices across Europe which enhances understanding among stakeholders and policymakers of existing governance models that can be further developed as examples of social innovation and business models in the regions.
During the course of the workshop, participants were given an overview of the development of both Typology Framework and the Knowledge Platform and their practical implementation utility for policymakers. Participants were encouraged over the course of the presentations to reflect on which models, practices and aspects would be of most particular benefit in the Irish context that should be considered for implementation in an Irish bioeconomy strategy. The Knowledge Platform workshop involved a walk through and hands on testing and validation of functionality, usability and performance.
Following the presentations and workshop, time was allocated to a questions and answers session, feedback and discussion. The facilitators from SRA and MTU encouraged participants to choose and discuss the more relevant case studies that matched most closely the Irish context.
The feedback received in the final session was very valuable and a lively open discussion on the day allowed time for rich and varied feedback which will influence future activities of the ROBIN Project in the southern region of Ireland.
