Under the organization of the University of Stuttgart, led by Prof. Takors' team, the 5th international Bioeconomy Congress of Baden-Württemberg took place from September 18-19, 2024, at the Schwabenlandhalle in Fellbach. The participation of over 280 attendees and more than 80 speakers—around half of whom represented industry—highlights the broad acceptance and growing momentum of the topic 'translating bioeconomic research into practical applications.’ The congress, funded by the Ministry of the Environment, Climate and Energy Sector of the state of Baden-Württemberg, presented various topics and perspectives on bioeconomy. On the first day, two panel discussions focused on the topic of "biomanufacturing," i.e., the sustainable production of raw materials and components for daily needs. On the second day, the focus was on the use of biogenic residual materials in the agricultural sector. The combination of both thematic areas at this year's Bioeconomy Congress highlights the potential that bioeconomy holds for Baden-Württemberg, and far beyond regional and national borders.
This year's Bioeconomy Congress was an encouraging example for the prospective development of the economic region of Baden-Württemberg and will certainly lead to a series of follow-up events in the future.