The workshop 'Biobased Materials' was a half day event starting with an overview of the BioBase4SME project and the coupon system, followed by general presentations about the possibilities of the different biobased materials and some success stories from SME’s active in the field. There were also 2 presentations provided by the Dutch application centers, the Natural Fiber Application Center and the Biopolymer Application Center. They presented their center and the support they can offer within the coupon system of the BioBase4SME project, as such at the same time providing an interregional character to the event.
37 participants were registered for this workshop, of which 27 finally participated. 12 of them were SME’s (44%), 2 were large companies, the others were research organizations, government or other organizations. 21 participants were from Belgium, 6 from the Netherlands.
95% of the participants that filled out the evaluation form indicated that they made relevant contacts within their region, consisting of exchange of information (90%), collaboration opportunity (53%) and even business opportunity (11%). 58% indicated that they made relevant contacts outside their region, consisting of exchange of information (53 %), collaboration opportunity (37 %) and even business opportunity (16 %). Most participants appreciated the workshop for providing the opportunity to exchange information and to get inspiration.
Some of the SME’s expressed interest in the coupon system of the BioBase4SME project and confirmed that they might envision a coupon application in the future.
