​​​​​​On 29 April 2016, Vice Chair of the Committee of the Regions Commission for Natural Resources and EA Group Member Cllr Anthony Buchanan participated in the seminar on Bioeconomy-related Research and Innovation, which was organized in the framework of the Knowledge Exchange Platform (KEP).
 
He pointed out that finding new ways to re-use and recycle bio-based products will be a crucial part of the realisation of the Circular Economy. It will require the making of an integrated holistic policy where strong links are able to be made between agriculture, business and the science community at European, national, regional and local level.
 
In addition, he stressed that locally elected representatives can make a positive contribution by providing clear political leadership and direction and by coordinating multi-agency responses. Elected Members will also have a role to play in raising public awareness.
 
He informed participants about the Knowledge Transfer Partnerships, a programme that helps business to improve their competitiveness and productivity through better use of knowledge, technology and skills. Scotland have one of Europe’s biggest bio-diesel plants in Falkirk and one of the UK’s largest combined heat and power plant in Fife. Cllr Buchanan also introduced Dr Paul Hudman from the Industrial Biotechnology Innovation Centre.