The EFI consists of six scientists who have special knowledge and experience in the field of innovation research and are internationally recognized in the scientific field. Once a year, they submit a report to the Federal Government on research, innovation and Germany's technological performance. In addition to recommendations for action for national research and innovation policy, the report focuses on several key topics.

As the successor to the EU's well-known ERA-NET research funding, the current Horizon Europe research framework includes so-called public-public partnerships. A partnership of this type relevant to bioeconomy research was launched in January 2024: "Agroecology living labs and research infrastructures - AGROECOLOGY".

Enriching the textile industry with bio-based solutions – this common strategic goal led to a collaboration between the world's first commercial supplier of biotech silk polymers from Martinsried, AMSilk, and the Zwingenberg-based biotechnology company BRAIN Biotech just over a year ago. The aim of the collaboration was to establish high-performance protein-based fibers for the textile industry.

Ensuring food security is the most important task of agriculture. However, the sector is already suffering from the consequences of climate change and is under pressure to secure food for a growing world population. At the same time, it is partly responsible for a large proportion of climate-damaging greenhouse gas emissions and for the loss of biodiversity. A change in agricultural and food systems towards greater sustainability is the only way to master the challenges of the future.

Many building materials - whether concrete or insulating materials - are made from petroleum-based raw materials and are energy-intensive to produce. Large quantities of the climate-damaging greenhouse gas carbon dioxide (CO2) are produced, particularly during the manufacture of the binding agent cement.

The market for alternative proteins in fish products and seafood is developing dynamically. The biotech start-up Pacifico Biolabs uses fungi to produce sustainable and nutritious fish alternatives - specifically, the foodtech company relies on the thread-like network of fungi, the mycelium, to transform biomass into innovative foods. With the help of its fermentation technology, the company, which was founded in 2022, aims to produce a wholesome alternative to fish products and seafood.

Implementing the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) means nothing less than a technological and social transformation.

Microalgae are seen as the beacon of hope for the bioeconomy. Sunlight, carbon dioxide and water are enough for these tiny creatures to produce enormous quantities of biomass in a short space of time, which can be used for both material and energy purposes. Microalgae not only bind large quantities of carbon dioxide. As they can also absorb pollutants, microalgae have proven their worth as wastewater purifiers.