How we work
Methodology
The GeneBEcon project aims to address various aspects influencing the potential uptake of NGTs. The R&I activities in the project will focus on regulatory, economic and societal aspects while improving the application of NGTs in potato and microalgae as case studies. These activities are embedded by following a systems approach and the concept of Responsible Research and Innovation (RRI).
Systems Approach
By using a systems’ approach we will assess and improve the impact of NGTs and biobased innovations. We will organize workshops to map each of the two production systems, respectively, potato and microalgae (Chlorella spp.). During these workshops, participants will voice their different perspectives and expertise to map each system and to identify how the proposed biobased innovations could affect these production systems. The systems map will equip all the WPs with a holistic view and understanding to frame and enrich the actions they plan.
The Responsible Research Innovation (RRI) application in GeneBEcon
The Responsible Research and Innovation (RRI) framework within the GeneBEcon application aims to achieve two overarching objectives:
- Integrate RRI Principles in the GeneBEcon research and development activities:
- Embed RRI principles into GeneBEcon research for responsible, ethical, and socially inclusive innovation activities.
- Foster Public Trust and Maximize Benefits:
- Engage the GeneBEcon Stakeholder Advisory Board, Ethical Board, stakeholders and project partners in a collaborative co-creation process through three workshops and intermediate steps:
- Workshop No 1 (held 09/11/2023) : Co-define and priotise the Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, and Threats (SWOT) of current NGT positions, aligning with the latest EU NGT regulation developments. See the Workshop Report Here.
- Workshop No 2 (held 21/02/2024) : Co-create actions to leverage NGT Weaknesses into Strengths and Threats into Opportunities, promoting sustainable agro-food and industrial product dvelopment and use. Click here to access the Workshop Report.
- Workshop No 3: Co-agree the co-created NGT Transition Vision and Action Plan to advance NGTs desirability and use by promoting sustainability and “Zero Pollution” in agricultural and industrial sectors.
- Engage the GeneBEcon Stakeholder Advisory Board, Ethical Board, stakeholders and project partners in a collaborative co-creation process through three workshops and intermediate steps:
The chosen co-creation process is well-suited for GeneBEcon’s objectives, accommodating diverse stakeholder interests, agendas, and priorities. Co-creation fosters open collaboration to generate new insights and future value, facilitating agreement on a transition towards broader NGT-plants and microalgae utilization. This transition is guided by a jointly developed with stakeholders long-term vision and action plan, incorporating RRI principles and dimensions and following the RRI Roadmap™.
RRI – Responsible Research and Innovation
We apply Responsible Research and Innovation in all our project activities following the RRI dimensions and by applying the RRI Roadmap.
01. Public engagement:
From the start of the project, we inform and work with all types of stakeholders, including citizens, to map concerns and issues, to collect insights and ideas.
02. Open science:
Results including our toolbox NGTs will be openly available and free of charge. Our publications will be open access. Find our results here.
03. Science education:
We are creating awareness by explaining and educating about gene editing and the positive impact they may have for a zero-pollution agriculture, aquaculture, food industry and bioeconomy.
04. Considering gender issues:
We are carefully considering any gender-specific perceptions in our project work. Our consortium has women and men working equally and voice equally their opinions without any prejudice. In our workshops, we are striving to involve women and men and to improve perception to consider gender differences in our research and innovation processes.
05. Ethics:
We are all working under the European Code of Conduct for Research Integrity ensuring that our research and innovation activities follow scientific ethical integrity and regulatory norms and at the same time flag any ethical gaps that may arise. We have defined quality control procedures and we are peer-reviewing each other’s work to ensure a responsible research and innovation ethos.
06. Governance:
We are transparent and we base our work on responsible scientific conduct. We are working in an honest, respectful, reliable, and accountable project environment. We are discussing all activities, results and with our external stakeholder advisory group.
We are providing scientific and transparent information to all stakeholders for informed decisions.
We are studying European governance NGT issues and we are striving to provide truthful and reliable results.
We are aiming towards predictability and proportionality, and also inclusiveness for a more engaging science-to-society relationship.
Expected Impacts
Scientific & Technological impacts
- High-quality new knowledge
- Freely available protocols related to gene editing in potato and microalgae
- Fostering application of NGTs by providing a gene editing toolbox
- Mutation screening method implemented in European research institutesI
Strengthening human capital in R&I
- Trained young researchers and technicians
- Stakeholders network bridging research and practice
- Peer-to-peer learning and interdisciplinary cross-fertilisation
Environmental impacts
- Virus-resistant starch potato tested at a large scale
- Microalgae for optimised production of industrially valuable compounds
- Studies and recommendations on nutritional value of microalgae residual biomass as poultry feed additive
- Reduced use of chemicals in agricultural production and bioindustry processes
- Contributing to a circular and reduced-pollution bioeconomy
Economic impacts
- Economic impact assessments of NGT products
- Improved European competitiveness in the international NGT marketplace
- Virus-resistant starch potato material available to companies for further breeding
- New cross sector interconnections between the primary sector (potato and microalgae) and the biobased industries and energy industry
Societal impacts
- Published data requirements for risk assessment of NGT products
- Inputs to regulatory options aiming at a regulatory framework that is fit for purpose
- Improved awareness by example and concrete applications of NGT in comparison to traditional crops and products
- Increased social awareness about NGTs innovations, NGT crops and biobased products, their benefits and issues
Workplan
WP1
Governance options
WU
WP1 is studying the governance aspects related to new genomic techniques (NGTs) and their products in potato and microalgae production systems. We are looking at data requirements for risk and benefit assessment, stakeholder acceptance and uptake, and economic implications of different regulatory options. The study compares the current legal regime with six alternative regulatory options to see how they balance the benefits of NGTs with the protection of health, safety, and the environment.
WP2
Advancing NGTs in R&I
WP2 is working on using NGTs, specifically advanced CRISPR/Cas-based methods, to modify the genome of potato and microalgae. In potato, the aim is to make it resistant to potato virus Y (PVY) and improve the quality of industrial starch. In microalgae, the goal is to increase the production of valuable compounds called mycosporin-like aminoacids (MAAs) that have benefits for the pharmaceutical and cosmetic industries. GeneBEcon also aims to create a circular bio-economy by using residual biomass as a feed additive.
EV ILVO
WP3
Innovating the production processes
In WP3, we will test the use of NGTs in large-scale prototype production setups for potato and microalgae. WP3 will validate the toolbox developed under WP2. For potato case study, gene-edited potaoes will be grown in greenhouses in France and Sweden and in the field in Sweden. For microalgae case study, we will use gene-edited microalgae to increase the production of MAAs and develop a method to extract the MAAs so the residual biomass can be used as a nutrient source in chicken feed. The microalgae will be grown in a closed indoor system called a photobioreactor.
DTI
WP4
Communicative tools and exploitation
WP4 focuses on effective communication and stakeholder engagement through various tools and materials such as the website, social media, press releases, etc. It also aims to ensure that the project’s results contribute to the development of commercial products and technology by addressing specific value chains for the products developed in WP2 and innovative production processes in WP3. A set of events will be organized with beneficiaries and stakeholders to discuss the impacts, benefits, risks, and trade-offs of the proposed biobased innovations and the impact of regulatory options, requirements, and social acceptance on project results.
SPI
WP5
Project management
WP5 is responsible for ensuring project management and making sure all the other parts of the project run smoothly. We create and implement a set of rules for financial and administrative management and ensure everyone follows them, complying with the rules of Horizon Europe. We monitor progress to avoid problems, organize meetings, and ensure all partners work together well. WP5 also guarantees responsible research and innovation principles are applied to the project’s tasks and stakeholder engagement.
SLU
Collaboration with EU projects
BrightSpace: Designing a Roadmap for Effective and Sustainable Strategies for Assessing and Addressing the Challenges of EU Agriculture to Navigate within a Safe and Just Operating Space
RATION: Risk AssessmenT InnOvatioN for low-risk pesticides
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