Instead of fossil resources, the bioeconomy uses renewable raw materials of biological origin in a sustainable manner. This also includes the waste streams generated by production and consumption, which can be returned to the production cycle as valuable resources and thus serve to produce new biobased materials and energies. In bioeconomy, agricultural production plays a key role.

Bioeconomic production systems are highly complex: the substance flows and processes in agriculture, food industry and biomass conversion interact with each other and are highly variable.

Knowledge-based, temporally and spatially differentiated and automated 

Our research aims at controlling these processes in a knowledge-based, temporally and spatially differentiated and increasingly automated manner. We use sensors, digital technologies and innovative methods of data processing to obtain comprehensive information about the respective material flows and process steps and to derive management strategies from this information.

Focus on microbiome management 

And we have the smallest in our focus: microorganisms are the 'greatest' in the bioeconomy. They are indispensable for biological processes - whether for the conversion of nutrients in agricultural soils, for the degradation of substrates in biogas fermenters, for the conversion of substances in biorefineries or even in terms of contamination and spoilage of food. 

With our research in the field of microbiome management we want to gain a better understanding of the microorganisms involved in the various processes. The use of this knowledge can help to further improve the efficiency of bioeconomic production systems.

Innovative business models for the bioeconomy

Together with European partners, we develop new and innovative business models for bio-based value chains and ecosystem services that meet the specific requirements of different regions. At the national and regional level, we also focus on key figures and indicators for monitoring the progress of the bioeconomy and suitable methods for its implementation.

With our flexible, site-specific concepts for a bio-based circular economy, we contribute to meeting the global challenges of food security, climate and environmental protection and animal welfare on a local and individual basis.