Due to its cross-sectoral nature and (relative) novelty, the bio-based industry requires a set of skills and competencies that are not available in some regions, but that are available -- and taught -- in certain academic and vocational schools.
Part of the process of closing the skills gap is increased cooperation between industry and the academic world. In some countries and regions, there is already interaction between the bio-based industry, academia and government. This cooperation occurs in training or innovation centres that mostly focus on joint projects or initiatives. In some regions, these centres also have education projects to meet industry's future needs for skills, and to meet the training needs of the existing workforce. The existing centres typically focus on their regional situation and needs, benefiting local SMEs in particular. There is very little coordination between existing centres.
Industry would like bio-based 'education centres' to interact with education institutions on the skills that will be needed in the future, and on the skills that are needed by the existing workforce. Also, although regional centres focus on local needs, connecting these centres to each other will help them to draw up a common framework of standards and skills that could be
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