Small and medium-sized companies (SMEs) represent 99% of all businesses in the EU and are one of the main drivers for EU competitiveness and innovation. In the bio-based industries, one million new jobs could be created by 2030 due to the fast-growing startup ecosystem in the biotechnology sector.

On November 19, 2024, EuropaBio's SME Platform hosted a roundtable discussion to explore the role SMEs in shaping Europe's regional and national bioeconomy, particularly in the agri-food sector. This session was part of EFIB – the European Forum for Industrial Biotechnology and the Bioeconomy. The meeting was supported and co-hosted by the Grand Est Representation to the EU.

The discussion was held as a roundtable, with 20 participants from the European Commission, Permanent Representations to the European Union, Council of Regions, EuropaBio secretariat, national associations and SMEs.

This executive report summarises their insights, with additional input from EuropaBio SME members. It highlights the challenges and contributions of SMEs to the bioeconomy, examines the policy landscape at national and regional levels, and offers reflections for future EU policymaking.

You can read the full report by downloading it below