When we think of decarbonisation, the type of activity that comes to mind first and foremost is the implementation of large wind farms or solar farms that generate large amounts of clean energy. Or the much-needed refurbishment of buildings, which would drastically reduce overall energy demand due to our energy deficient building stock. However, in urban environments, another of the main sectors that generates emissions and where action can also be taken is mobility. Although depending on the source and the way emissions are accounted for the value may differ, it is estimated that between 25% and 35% of CO2 emissions in a city are due to mobility-related aspects.
The city where most of us who work at CARTIF technology centre live, Valladolid, is one of the cities participating in the European Mission on Climate Neutral and Smart Cities (Mission of Cities) promoted by the European Comission. Valladolid is one of the 112 cities from all over Europe and several associated states that were selected by the European Commission. In Spain, it is joined by Madrid, Barcelona, Valencia, Seville, Zaragoza and Vitoria. In accordance with the objectives of the cities mission, these 112 cities have voluntarily committed to becoming climate neutral by 2030. This is 20 ahead of the climate neutrality target set globally for the entire European continent in 2050. This requires encouraging the implementation of sustainable solutions and advanced technologies, also in areas such as sustainable mobility.
However, cities cannot walk this path of decarbonisation alone. This is why they are seeking the complicity not only of citizens to act individually, but also of companies to implement actions that will have a greater impact. At this point it is necessary to remember that climate neutrality is achieved by combining two type of actions: those that directly reduce emissions and those that capture those emissions and either regenerate the oxygen we need to live or use the CO2 as raw material in production processes. Both types of actions are necessary. It is their optimal combination that will achieve neutrality.
In this blog, CARTIF proposes a concrete action that contributes significantly to achieving these ambitious decarbonisation objectives. This action is the implementation and deployment of sustainable mobily plans for companies (PMS). These plans, complementary to the city´s own sustainable mobility plans, seek to reduce greenhouse gas emissions produced by a company´s means of transport, which are one of the main sources of pollution in cities, especially in emission areas 1 and 2. These emission areas consist of the direct and indirect emissions of companies produced, in this case, by the transport of employees, materials and products and by the type of fuel used in each case.
Companies, through the deployment of sustainable mobility plans that promote a change in the way their employees commute, for example, can contribute to reducing the overall volume of emissions in cities. In order for these plans to be accepted and therefore fully deployed, they must not only be agreed upon, but also co-developed between management, employees and all other necessary stakeholders. It is therefore highly advisable to develop them through co-creation strategies, which allow the effective participation of all these groups, so that they become direct participants in the change. Support (probably indirect) for the implementation of more sustainable and less polluting modes of transport, such as collective transport (ideally without emissions), cycling, walking and electric vehicles are clear measures, but other indirect strategies such as the promotion of teleworking, improved shifts, more effective routes, the promotion of shared mobility, the implementation of canteen areas or the installation of electric charging points are another series of measures that can be proposed. No journey generates fewer emissions than the unnecessary journey that is avoided.
In addition, the municipalities themselves must participate by committing to improving the necessary infrastructure to carry them out, such as connected and safe cycle lanes, improved urban transport, etc. It is also key to mention the indirect benefits that these types of activities can generate. In general, sustainable mobility plans seek to reduce mobility-related greenhouse gas emissions, but this benefit in turn will reduce energy dependence on fossil fuels, improve the global energy system and its stability, which will contribute to mitigating the effects of climate change and, more importantly, to improving air quality in cities and the health of the people who live in them.
You have probably heard or read in the news that many villages in the so-called “Empty Spain” are offering housing and work for those seeking new opportunities away from the big cities. Perhaps it may seem a desperate measure by these areas to cope with the the continuous loss of population they have been suffering over the last decades but, in reality, it is another measure to face the territorial challenge in which we are immersed due to the existence of two opposing processes; one of concentration of population and activities in urban areas and the other of decline or stagnation of rural areas.
For all these reasons, there is no longer any doubt that the demographic challenge must and is acquiring unprecedented notoriety in the political, economic and social agenda of our country, as the reflection of the current territorial model requires an integrating vision from the State. Even more so if it is tackled jointly with the ecological transition and the objectives established in the 2030 Agenda, the Paris Agreement on climate change or the New Urban Agenda, all managed by the Ministry for Ecological Transition and the Demographic Challenge.
But what is the demographic challenge?
The demographic challenge is a “complex” and multifactorial idea that encompasses population dynamics, i.e. changes in the structure population (birth rate, average age, masculinity rate, etc.) as well as the settlement pattern (how population is distributed in the territory), including both depopulation and overpopulation.
Although in the case of Spain the focus (at least in the media) has been placed on the rural areas more affected by depopulation, the demographic challenge also covers urban areas, where the problem is the opposite, i.e. a large concentration of population in a small territory. Both processes, depopulation and overpopulation, have effects on the structuring of the territory, the consumption of raw materials,the employment rate or economic development, and accesibility to resources.
But let´s stop to understand why this is a challenge in our country. In Spain,83% of the population is concentrated between Madrid, the coast, and in the valleys of large rivers such as the Ebro and the Guadalquivir, as a result of a historically greater economic development, thus concentrating numerous companies from different sectors (industrial, technological, etc.)
As a consequence, the remaining 17% is concentrated in the rest of the territory, where, to highlight some figures, they are affected by negative vegetative growth (6,300 of Spain´s 8,000 municipalities, i.e. 80% are losing population). Although it is true that this process of population loss is not new, it has worsened over time.
Is easy to identify ,then, that these territories stand out for their very low population density values; almost half of Spain´s municipalities have a population density of less than 12.5 inhabitants/km2, the threshold that the European Union classifies as “demographic risk”, and most of them have less than 8 inhabitants/km2, i.e. they are extremely depopulated. The provinces most affected include Soria, Cuenca and Teruel.
Once the demographic and territorial challenge we face in Spain has been contextualised, it is necessary to go further and identify its causes and consequences in order to tackle it more efficiently. Fortunately or unfortunately, this is a clear example of what is commonly known as “fish that bites its own tail”, i.e. a factor that motivates population displacement between territories produces effects or consequences that eventually become the cause of the same.
One of the main causes and consequences of the migration of the population residing in these areas is attributed to several factors. The first one is the predominant economic sector, as technological progress in predominantly agricultural areas has led to a higher level of automation, with a consequent reduction in the labour force, and therefore in the labour supply. Secondly, and closely relately to the first, is the lack of job diversity, and last but not least, the lack of services (housing, education, leisure, transport, etc.) that meet the needs of a 21st century society.
All of the above is aggravated by the declining birth rate, which, although it is a nationwide problem, is more acute in regions with smaller populations.
A direct consequence of population decline is a reduction in demand for public services, such as education, health care, transport and social security. This, in many cases, leads to cuts in the budget allocated to their management, as they become less economically sustainable. As a result, the supply of essential services may be compromised, particularly affecting the most vulnerable groups in society.
Fortunately, we are not alone, and the demographic challenge is not only a problem in Spain, which is why the European Union, aware of this problem, has carried out a zoning of European regions in order to apply more specific and effective policies and measures in each area, taking into account the level of economic development, population density, availability of natural resources, and geographical location, among other aspects.
Also at European level we find the Southern European Sparsely Populated Areas Network (SSPA Network). This agency focuses on the economic sector and aims to promote, together with the agents of the territory, specific policies and measures that contribute to tackling the main structural challenges affecting the least populated rural regions of Europe. The provinces of Soria, Teruel and Cuenca are part of this network, territories that according to European Union criteria are at high risk of depopulation, so it is important to try to stop and reverse their situation as a matter of urgency.
With regard to the policies developed in Spain in relation to the demographic challenge, there have been numerous and all of them focused on alleviating the effects of depopulation, all of them with the aim of tackling Article 174 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union (TFEU), which seeks to reduce the differences in development between the different regions.
Broadly speaking, the measures or strategies included in these policies are the creation of employment, the improvement of infrastructures and services, and support for entrepreneurs and small businesses. In addition, better access to housing and essential services, such as education and health.
Despite the fact that depopulation is a serious problem, there are several regions that are making an effort to curb it and even gain population, such as the Scottish Highlands or Artieda (Zaragoza).
Thanks to the creation, more than 60 years ago, of an economic and community development agency, with autonomy of action and depoliticised, they have managed to reverse the trend in the Highlands of Scotland, with the population expected to increase by 10% by 2035 compared to 2010. This is due to providing infrastructure and housing, as well as trying to improve the availability of basic services, commerce, culture, leisure and connectivity.
Another success story, but on a national level, can be found in Artieda, which started with 67 inhabitants in 2017, and thanks to the promotion of housing policies, employment, improved leisure and internet access, has managed to increase its population to 82 inhabitants in 2022, with 15 young people having settled in the municipality. In order for the initiatives and projects being carried out in this region to have had an effect, citizen participation and the ideas contributed by the population have been key.
At CARTIF we are aware of the challenge, not only because of our location in a region suffering from depopulation, but also as an active part in tackling it. In particular in theSPANDAMproject, in which we work on the development of integrated evaluation tools and models that allow us to quantify the impact of policies that seek the fixation of population through actions in search of local development and the promotion of its attractiveness.
The food revolution has begun in Rome! From 24 to 26 July 2023, the headquarters of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) was filled with hope and action at the event UN Food System Summit + Stocktaking Moment.
More than 2,000 participants from 161 countries, including 22 heads of state and government, joined this epic gathering, along with over 100 ministerial delegates and more than 150 non-state actor organisations. The goal: to transform food systems for a sustainable future. CARTIF, in its commitment to the transformation of the Food System and in its role as coordinator of the FUSILLI Project, was present at the UN Food System Summit to follow the latest recommendations and continue designing innovative projects and solutions to help companies, cities and society in general in this transition towards a sustainable food system.
Although progress has been made since the 2021 Summit, we still face pressing challenges – more than 780 million people suffer from hunger and a third of food goes to waste! But here at UNFSS+2, we refuse to give up.
The first session, “Harnessing Urbanisation for Food Systems Transformation“, shone with innovative ideas. Urbanisation is a powerful driving force for change in the agri-food system, and cities play a crucial role in shaping the future of food.
How do we achieve a food revolution? By empowering cities to lead the change. Investing in technology and innovative solutions is key to ensuring sustainability – it´s time to choose healthier and more environmentally friendly food options! The future is now. Peru and Morocco are shining examples of successful governance mechanisms. In Peru, governance mechanisms at local and municipal level have been successful in promoting food security and nutrition. More than 20 actions directly related to cities have focused on improving food security and food health well-being. And Morocco, a shining example of harnessing urbanisation for food systems transformation, has focused on becoming greener, localising the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), adopting Mediterranean country initiative and embracing multi-stakeholder actions. These efforts are driving positive change in food systems and fostering sustainability.
This event is more than a summit, it is a call to action, it is time to step forward towards inclusive and sustainable food systems! The food revolution is underway, and you can be part of it!
The second day (25 July 2023) immersed us in the blue transformation of food systems. Representatives from various parts of the world came together to address the challenges and opportunities surrounding aquatic food systems.
Source: FAO via Linkedin
The creation of a Global Action Network for Sustainable Aquatic Food was at the heart of the session. The goal? To monitor and ensure responsible fishing practices, develop infrastructure, improve market access and preserve our marine resources – aquatic food is a treasure trove of nutrients essential for human health and prosperity.
Norway and its commitment to sustainable aquatic food left me in awe. With initiatives to monitor and ensure the sustainability of aquaculture, preserve nutrients and increase fish consumption in marginalised communities, Normway is leading the way to a healthier future in the blue economy!
But it is not only Norway that shines, Indonesia also presented its ambitious Blue Economy Plan 2025 – 2035. With ample maritime resources, Indonesia aims for inclusive and sustainable growth – aquatic food, rich in protein and with a low carbon footprint, is at the heart of its vision for responsible development!
South Africa and Tanzania also made waves with their visions for a sustainable future. South Africa focused on eradicating hunger and providing nutritious food through the sustainable use of aquatic resources. Meanwhile, Tanzania highlighted the importance of an inclusive and sustainable blue economy, encompassing multiple stages of production, processing and consumption.
The European Union (EU) was not far behind, showing its dedication to the blue agenda and emphasising collaboration between all actors in the food system. The EU is committed to improving infrastructure, livelihoods and connectivity with Africa to achieve a thriving blue economy.
During the session “Governance for Food System Transformation”, an essential truth was echoed: governance is key to a sustainable future. Inclusion, collaboration and leadership are fundamental to shaping resilient food systems around the world.
From the Lebanese Parliament, the power of legislation as a catalyst for impactful food initiatives was highlighted. Ensuring clear roles and responsabilities for all stakeholders is crucial for consensus and effective implementation.
Collaboration between stakeholders was also highlighted by the Ugandan delegate, who underlined that coordination and communication are key to driving change in food systems.
Financing initiatives for food systems transformation were also discussed, with representatives from Indonesia and Switzerland sharing their strategies. Access to finance and support for private investment are essential to achieve evidence-based policies and sustainability.
Furthermore, the importance of ensuring that decisions and policies consider the rural perspective was emphasised. Inclusion, transparency and access to resources such as land and water are key to transformative change.
Julia Pinedo, researcher at CARTIF, in UN Systems Summit
Digitalisation shone during the sessión “Digitalisation for Resilient Food Systems”. Technology, data and digital solutions are key to acccelerating the transformation of the food system.
From the World Economic Forum, it was underlined that digitalisation is a game changer. Artificial intelligence and real-time analytics are essential for progress.
Data platforms were also mentiones as a powerful tool to empower farmers with valuable and actionable information in real time.
The private sector demonstrated its importance in shaping resilient food systems. Public-private partnerships, responsible investments and collaboration are key to achieving sustainable outcomes.
The German government stressed that including private investment is crucial to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals. However, the need to act responsibly and sustainably to ensure progress was emphasised.
The private sector was also encouraged to support nutrition and prioritise health over profitability. Collaboration and accountability are key to driving positive change.
In conclusion, resilient food systems are within our reach. With a blue transformation of aquatic systems, inclusive governance, digitisation and private sector engagement, we can build a sustainable and equitable future for all.
Day three was a day full of solutions, challenges and next steps for food systems transformation!
In the first session of the day, experts and stakeholders gathered to discuss “Mobilising Means of Implementing Food Systems Transformation”. Critical aspects for accelerating progress towards more sustainable food systems were explored. The World Bank presented an innovative tool called “REALTIME3Fs“, designed to financially support small and medium enterprises, farmers and other key actors. This tool addresses five essential pillars – food systems infrastructure, agricultural and value chain development, social protection, climate change and natural resources, and nutrition – ensuring that fianancial resources reach the most vulnerable sectors and promote holistic transformation.
However, challenges were identified in the financing of food systems, as global Official Development Assistance for food systems decreased in 2021. This raises concerns about the adequacy of funding to drive comprehensive change. This is where the role of the private sector becomes critical, as it is expected to invest in 50% of the achievements of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Investment in science, innovation and technology, as well as strengthening data and monitoring systems, were proposed as key solutions to accelerate transformation. In addition, the importance of trade in addredding global food gaps and meeting SDG2 (Zero Hunger) was highlighted. However, to achieve effective transformation, the need fir adequate governance, the participation of all stakeholders and a global financing agenda involving the private was emphasised.
The closing session reaffirmed the urgen need to mobilise resources for food systems transformation. Several challenges were highlighted, including the COVID-19 pandemic, the global crises and the war in Ukraine, which have further destabilised food systems and threatened vulnerable populations with hunger and malnutrition.
It called for concerted and urgent action in six key areas to achieve the potential of food systems: mainstreaming food strategies into national sustainable development policies, inclusive governance, investment in research and innovation, participatory design and implementation, private sector engagement and access to finance.
The UN Food Systems Centre will focus on coordinating inclusive national processes, and the entire UN system will work to enhance coordination and partnerships for real transformation.
In short, transforming food systems is a collective journey towards a sustainable future. Collaboration between countries, organisations and sectors is essential to achieve meaningful change and ensure that no one is left behind. With a focus on sustainability, equity and mutual accountability, we can build more resilient and just food systems for all. The future of food is in our hands!
This past month (june 2023), eurodeputies provisionally agreed on new legislation for batteries sold in the EU. It has already been hailed as a “game changer” for batteries, creating a framework to foster a competitive and sustainable battery industry in Europe.
After lengthy negotiations, the European Parliament adopted the EU Battery Regulation on 14 June. Batteries are a key technology that plays a fundamental role in moving towards a climate-neutral Europe by 2050. In this context, the Battery Regulation is a key achievement of the European Green Pact, under which all 27 member states have committed to making Europe the first climate-neutral continent by 2050.
But what exactly is the European battery regulation, and what do manufacturers need to do to stay ahead of the regulations?
Proposed initially in december 2020, EU Regulation about batteries are progressive requirements to guarantee that all comercialized batteries in these countries are more sustainable, circular and save along its entire life cycle. For electric vehicles and industrial batteries with a capacity superior to 2kWh, the requirements relapses mainly in battery manufacturers and are divided into (1) guarantee supply practices more transparent and accountable and (2) facilitate circular economy (see Figure 1).
Figura 1: Highlights of the European Regulation about batteries
Go ahead the events. How can companies response to fulfill the next regulation
Regulation shall enter into force in 2024, what means that companies has to act now to establish the need bases to fulfill and overcome the requirements:
Know all the impacts
While batteries are obviously more sustainable than fossil fuels, they are not exempted of negative impacts. While carbon emissions receive the most attention, the impacts associated with battery supply chains are much broader- from water use to child labour and end-of-life waste- and this is one of the driving forces behind the scope of the EU Battery Regulation.
Companies will therefore need to understand the wide range of environmental and social impacts of their direct operations and supply chains. And to adequately measure, reduce and/or eliminate propperly these impacts, companies must develop specific and tailored strategies based on their current performance and processes.
Prioritising supply chain collaboration
While battery manufacturing itself is often a high impact process, many of the sustainability impacts associated with batteries can be found in the supply chain, such as carbon emissions from the extraction and refining processes. Therefore, it is not only the data that is important for companies to comply with regulations, but also the processes and systems to manage and improve the sustainability of the supply chain.
The EU Battery Regulation has taken this into account by setting requirements for all economic operators placing batteries on the European market (except small and medium-sized enterprises) to develop and implement due diligence policies in line with international standards. Battery manufacturers will therefore have to implement communication and collaboration systems with suppliers, such as sustainability questionnaires for suppliers, continuous sharing of results, audtis of high-risk suppliers and improvement programmes.
Reporting, improving and being prepared for comparison
Once companies understand their impact and put systems and processes in place to improve the sustainability of their company and supply chain, they must report on their results. Standardised reporting is a key component of sustainability legislation, and the EU Battery Regulation is no different.
Because reporting drives benchmaking and provides stakeholders with greater decision-making power, the EU Battery Regulations are intended to create the necessary incentives for companies to improve their sustainability performance. Battery manufacturers can prepare for this developing a systematic approach to reporting that allows them to effectively communicate their impacts, their progress and how they relate to others in the sector.
Where we are going?
EU Battery Regulation is part of a broader set of global standards aimed at improving the sustainability of the battery industry. EU regulators have yet to formally approve the regulation and develop guidelines for its implementation. However, battery manufacturers that want to differentiate themselves and be leaders in sustainability must act now. In short, they can do so by investing their resources in understanding their sustainability impact alongside regulatory requirements, managing and improving their supply chain sustainability processes and reporting their progress in a standardised way. While this may seem daunting, there is still time to act.
If you found this content interesting, you can follow the progress of FREE4LIB project, coordinated by CARTIF, which is fully alligned with the new Battery Regulation.
The global challenges we face in achieving sustainable resource management, while delivering economic development, require the close collaboration of all actors in a chain consisting of industrial (business), government and research sectors. In this context, Circular Economy offers solutions to change and enhance the traditional Linear Economy and the development of a Circular Bioeconomy is a crucial opportunity for sustainable growth at regional, national and international level, through the contribution of all sectors involved. The Bioeconomy is defined as a set of activities that encompasses all sectors and systems that are based on biological resources (animals, plants, macro-organisms, and the biomass derived from them, including organic by-products).
The Circular Bioeconomy requires a boost from the private sector which, combined with a brave and decisive strategy from public administrations, provides a regulatory framework that generates social consensus, active participation of the value chain, drives business investments and reinforces legal certainty; all with the dual objective of creating stable and quality employment and advancing in the ecological transition of our economy. This is an opportunity that cannot be missed. According to estimates by the European Commission, for example, if all the current regulations were applied in the specific case of waste, more than 400,000 jobs would be created in the European Union, of which 52,000 would be in Spain.
Some of the projects proposed in this area are linked to the reuse of packaging, the development of renewable gases, the promotion of domestic energy self-consumption or the incentive of industrial recycling in sectors such as the automotive industry. All of these projects are promoted with the clear intention of contributing to the transformation of the production system, raising its sustainability standards and taking advantage of all the economic opportunities offered by the Circular Economy as a whole and the Circular Bioeconomy in particular.
In this sense, INBEC project is a Circular Bioeconomy project whose objective has been to promote the creation of new industries and economic activities, as well as the diversification of productive activities through the transformation of biological resources and the development of new bioproducts and services. This project has sought to maximise the potential of this area in Castille and Leon and Portugal, promoting the presence in new markets and the demand of this type of reosurces and products.
INBEC project location
To this end, INBEC has encouraged and promoted a sustainable economy by increasing busines competitiveness in all sectors identifying existing resources in the regional sector of the Bioeconomy and Circular Economy, and thus promoting the development of R&D&I projects and cross-border cooperation, the creation of new industries and economic activities based on the transformation of biological resources and maximising the potential of the Bioeconomy.
Among the actions that have been carried out throughout the project, the following should be highlighted:
Characterisation and identification studies of companies, resources and activities by areas with the aim of finding out about the industrial base and endogenous resources present in areas of action. CARTIF has contacted and visited more than 25 companies in Valladolid and Zamora.
Nine action plans, one for each target area, have been drawn up to define the potential of possible actions to be
implemented in the field of bioeconomy and circular economy.
In terms of awareness-raising workshops, CARTIF has actively participated in the 16 workshops carried out in the project with the objective of informing and debating with SMEs and the self-employed on the principles of the bioeconomy and the benefits it generates for companies and society.
Coimbra meeting [April 2022]
CARTIF has organized nine training and innovation workshops, about innovative solutions in matter of organization and management of productive processes, solutions for the implementation of new product design, containers and packaging.
Individual diagnostics and implementation plans,dealing with the degree of innovation of companies, self-employed and entrepeneurs in terms of organisation and process management. CARTIF has carried out more than 25 personalised diagnoses in Spain (Valladolid, Salamanca and Avila) and Portugal (Beiras e Serra da Estrela, Coimbra and Douro) with the actions and roadmaps to be followed to implement the proposed innovations.
As for the project bank, initiatives have been collected to generate new technologies or economic activities in the field of Bioeconomy. CARTIF has carried out more than 20 tutorials in the areas of Portugal (Terra Tràs Os Montes, Beiras, Coimbra, Serra da Estrela and Douro) and has provided technical support in the implementation of collaborative R&D&IMprojects and/or projects that have generated new activities in the field of Bioeconomy.
Finally, with regard to the promotion of demand and market development, the INBEC project has drawn up a digitalisation itinerary for companies, freelancers and entrepeneurs working in the Bioeconomy and Circular Economy sector. To this end, digitisation workshops, diagnoses and implementation plans have been carried out, focused on bringing closer and facilitating the incorporation of ICT solutions as tools for the substantial improvement of the competitiveness of companies, freelancers and entrepeneurs. On the other hand, by-products and secondary materials derived form the Bioindustry have been identified and puto to good use with the aim of exptending the value chain of biotechnological materials and products. A Joint Comercialisation and Marketing Plan for bioproducts and by-products present in each study area has also been carried out, with the aim of becoming more competitive through a joint comercialisation strategy with the collaboration of different agents and companies. To conclude this activity and the project, CARTIF has organised an Internatinal Forum for the exhibition and exchange of bioproducts, bioprocesses, application technologies and knowledge,etc. to share all the results of the project and in this way value and take advantage of the potential of the agents participating in it and promote the development of this new economy among society.
As a final conclusion, after the ,completion of this three-year project, more than 140 interviews with companies, entrepeneurs, freelancers and relevant agents have been carried out duringthe course of the project. On the other hand, more than 200 participants have been trained in training days, more than 150 participants in training workshops in the field of Bioeconomy and Circular Economy and technology transfer has been facilitated to more than 100 companies, advising and tutoring them to incorporate innovations and improvements in their production processess and in the design of their products/services. Likewise, a study of the best initiatives in the field of Bioeconomy and Circular Economy has been carried out (more specifically 20 detailed initiatives), technical support and tutoring has been given to more than 50 companies in collaboration with research organisations and/or technology centres for the implementation of collaborative R&D&I projects and/or projects that have generated new activities in the field of Bioeconomy. More than 100 people have been trained in the incorporation of ICTs focused on marketing and e-commerce, the degree of digital maturity of the companies has been assessed and a personalised plan has been drawn up to implement the technologies identified, an analysis of bio-products and bio-processes that could be incorporated into the value chain of the entities in order to promote their competitiveness (in the areas of action) has been carried out and a joint commercialisation and marketing plan for bio-products and by-products present in each study area has been drawn up with the aim of making the companies more competitive through this joint commercialisation strategy. Finally, through the organisation of the International Forum and by means of different working groups and with the institutional presence of relevant international entities, the potential of all the participating agents has been valued and exploited, thus promoting the development of this new economy among society.
INBEC project, in its beginnings, coincided with the health situation by COVID-19, a situation that affected the execution of the tasks. However, throughout the project we have had the opportunity to bring together a large working team (Instituto para la Competitividad Empresarial de la Junta de Castilla y León; Universidad de Salamanca; Diputación de Ávila; Fundación CESEFOR; Fundación Patrimonio Cultural de la Junta de Castilla y León; Fundación CARTIF; Instituto Politécnico de Bragança e Instituto Pedro Nunes) to evaluate the progress of the project, share all the information collected, as well as the problems encountered throughout its implementation to achieve an undoubted success in its execution.
INBEC project with file 0627_INBEC_6_E has been co-financied by the European Regional Development Fund ERDF through the INTERREG V-A Spain-Portugal (POCTEP) 2014-2020.
Innovation and new technologies bring forth a variety of possibilities, obstacles and unknown questions that in order to be addressed, require the formation of interdisciplinary temas that allow for the reinforcement of each professional´s skills, enriching themselves with the knowledge, experiences and abilities of others.
This is how CARTIF understands it, and it becomes even more evident when approaching Cultural Heritage through the lens of the 21st century. As an example, the department dedicated to this cahllenging yet fascinating subject is currently comprised of Industrial and Computer Engineers, Physicists and Architects. They are always opent to new additions and work closely in collaboration with professions that naturally reside in this field, such as Historians and Archaeologists. Together, they work to respond to the six fundamental pillars internationally recognized for ensuring the sustainability of Heritage in its tangible, intangible, and digital forms.
Applied and continuous R&D leads to products, processes and services that prove to be useful in the medium term for the research, protection, conservation, restoration and dissemination of cultural heritage assets. Not only with technologies, but also with corresponding methodologies, even allowing for the evaluation of their economic and social impacts in both urban and rural areas. We couldn´t study historical aspects or analyze buildings or monuments architecturally without scientifc knowledge, the devices created by engineers, or the programs developed by computer scientists.
In fact, the digitization of Cultural Heritage, whose correct technological understanding and translation was addressen in a previous blog post, has positioned CARTIF at the forefront of defining the European Union´s research and technical priorities in the field. Now, it expands with the definition of new business models that ensure the preservation of the Heritage we currently enjoy for future generations.
Nevertheless, technology and innovation must always be accompanied by directives, guidelines and recommendations that take into account the local population; policies where Heritage is truly considered an asset; and the promotion of professional training, dissemination, awareness, and education, as it is impossible to value what is not known.
That is why Cultural Heritage, far from being something static, is constantly evolving, even as a concept, and demands updated professional profiles that address everything we have discussed. It´s quite a challenge. And these profiles begin to take shape in the collaborative project we have been carrying out at CARTIF. We always consider the business perspective, the requirements of public administrations, the uniqueness and sensitivity that each site requires, and the places and people involved. It´s another way to involve and build a future rooted in the past for the younger generation.
Analysis of a pictorial artwork using Terahertz cameras, which have applications ranging from material analysis and conservation status assessment to art authentication. Their ability to penetrate different materials and reveal hidden detials makes them a valuable yet uncommon tool.
