From Research to Enterprise: Circular Biotechnology Experiences in the Agri-Food System

ICESP – The Italian Circular Economy Stakeholder Platform, coordinated by ENEA, is configured as a network whose objective is to create a national convergence point for initiatives, experiences, critical issues, perspectives, and expectations regarding the circular economy. Through this, our country aims to—and can—represent itself in Europe with a single voice, promoting the Italian approach to the circular economy including through dedicated, specific actions. Born as a joint initiative of the Ministry of the Environment and Energy Security (MASE) and ENEA, in collaboration with the Sustainable Development Foundation, ICESP brings together the main Italian stakeholders in the field of circular economy.

FEDERALIMENTARE – Founded in 1982 within Confindustria, Federalimentare represents and protects the Italian food and beverage industry—the country's second-largest manufacturing sector, which, with an annual turnover of over €197 billion, contributes 9% to the national GDP (2024 data). Through its national trade associations, Federalimentare groups thousands of manufacturing companies dedicated to enhancing the excellence of Made in Italy food products. Working alongside Italian institutions, Federalimentare promotes a healthy, balanced, and sustainable food model built on safety and quality requirements. The Federation supports the export vocation of food and beverage companies to bring the values of food and wine culture to tables around the world while safeguarding Made in Italy food excellence from counterfeiting. Mindful of corporate needs and encouraging research and innovation in full respect of tradition, Federalimentare responds to new consumer demands and evolving markets. Proud to represent one of the driving sectors of the country's economy at the center of the main economic supply chain in Italy and the European Union, it protects its interests at national, European, and international levels.

ENEA – ENEA is the Italian National Agency for New Technologies, Energy and Sustainable Economic Development. The Sustainability of Production and Territorial Systems Department (SSPT) has the mission of developing eco-innovation in production and consumption systems, contributing to the implementation of national strategies and policies, and encouraging more efficient and sustainable supply models. Within the Department, the Sustainable Food Systems Division (SSPT-AGROS) focuses on innovation for the competitiveness of food production, promoting supply chain approaches and territorial districts.

CL.A.N. – The National Agrifood Cluster CL.A.N. is a recognized multi-stakeholder association that brings together companies, trade associations, universities, research bodies, training organizations, and territorial representatives operating in the agrifood sector. It was established to promote, defend, and boost the development of the agrifood supply chain—from agricultural production to processing and related industrial sectors—by stimulating innovation, enhancing research results, creating new skills, and encouraging collaboration between research, businesses, institutions, and public administration. Since 2019, the Ministry of Education, University and Research (MIUR) has recognized Cluster CL.A.N. as a steering committee and key interlocutor in relations with national and European institutions regarding research and innovation for the agrifood sector.

ASSOBIOTEC – Assobiotec is the Italian Association for the Development of Biotechnology. Part of Federchimica (the Italian Federation of the Chemical Industry within Confindustria), Assobiotec represents a strategic sector for the country’s innovation and competitiveness. The Association brings together more than 100 entities active in Italy, totaling around 6,000 biotech employees and an aggregate turnover of nearly €18 billion. These include enterprises, IRCCS (Scientific Institutes for Research, Hospitalization and Healthcare), technology parks, and research centers working across the main biotech fields: health, agriculture and food, environment and sustainability, and industrial processes. It is a heterogeneous ecosystem in size and specialization, united by the same vision: innovating through biotechnology to build a more sustainable, competitive, and secure future. Established in 1986, Assobiotec is a founding member of EuropaBio (the European Association for Bioindustries), the European Biosolutions Coalition, and the ICBA (International Council of Biotechnology Associations). In Italy, through Federchimica, it is a founding member of ALISEI (the National Life Sciences Cluster) and a member of the National Agrifood Cluster CL.A.N.