Description of impact
The following case study offers Bangor University's BioComposites Centre as an example of how synergiesin the implementation of the various R&I funds are delivering the 'Stairways to Excellence' effect in WalesImpact Summary for the General Public
The BioComposites Centre (established in 1989) undertakes collaborative research to develop sustainable biobased technologies that minimise the impact of materials on the environment. The BioComposites Centre is a key partner in the BEACON project54 which was established with c. £8 million from the ERDF in 2007-13. The BioComposites Centre’s participation in BEACON used ERDF funding to strengthen the Centre’s research and innovation capacity, including infrastructure and equipment in pilot scale processing and increased R&I collaboration between academia and industry. In 2014 the BEACON project won the RegioStars Award in the “Sustainable growth: Green growth and jobs through Bio-economy” category. Improvements in R&I capacities via BEACON have acted as a stepping stone to leverage further funding from a variety of sources comprising Welsh Government, InnovateUK, UK Research Councils, and other EU-funded schemes, including a series of investments from the ERDF-funded SMART Expertise programme56 administered by the Welsh Government.Description of the underpinning research
The BioComposite Centre’s expertise has also led to their engagement in European networks and increased international cooperation, including: as part of COST (European Cooperation in Science & Technology); the Vanguard Initiative; as well as being registered on the list of EU Key Enabling Technology Centres57 and a European database of pilot scale facilities through the EU funded project Pilots4U.58 Part of the BioComposites Centre’s progression has involved actively exploring opportunities to secure additional R&D funding through Horizon 2020 and the Centre collaborated on a number of applications to the Bio-Based Industries Joint Undertaking (BBI JU)59 which were not funded. A series of awards from the Welsh Government’s scheme SCoRE Cymru60 helped further facilitate targeted engagement with BBI JU. In December 2017 the BioComposites Centre’s secured BBI JU funding via participation in the PRO-ENRICH61 project. A further £8 million of ERDF funding under the 2014-20 Programme has been awarded to support BEACON Plus. The Beacon Plus project builds on the success and clear smart specialisation of BEACON and will support further R&D collaboration with Welsh businesses to translate the academic excellence into commercial products. The strategic delivery of Beacon Plus will ensure that the BioComposite Centre’s European engagement and BBI funded activity delivers maximum downstream benefits to the Welsh regional ecosystem| Impact status | Ongoing |
|---|---|
| Impact date | 2010 |
| Category of impact | Technological |
| Impact level | Benefit |