Multi-Criteria Analysis for Assessing and Classifying Sustainability Indicators for the European Bioeconomy in the frame of Multi-Stakeholder CALIMERO project

Abstract

The European Union's transition towards a sustainable and circular bioeconomy requires robust monitoring to guide policy and industry actions. The existing EU Bioeconomy Monitoring System (BMS), while comprehensive at a macro level, has limitations in providing sector-specific and practical guidance for stakeholders. This results in a gap between high-level monitoring and the operational needs of companies within key bio-based sectors. This thesis, conducted within the EU-funded CALIMERO project, presents a harmonized methodology to address this gap by assessing and classifying sustainability indicators for the European bioeconomy. The research employs a participatory framework, engaging academic and industrial experts to identify and select relevant indicators for the textile, woodworking, construction, and biochemical sectors. The core of the methodology is a Multi-Criteria Analysis (MCA) where shortlisted indicators are evaluated against two primary dimensions: Incentives and Decision-Making Support (IDMS) and Data Quality and Availability (DQA). A weighted scoring system is used to aggregate expert judgments, allowing for a nuanced classification of indicators based on their practical utility and data robustness. Due to the timeline of data collection, this report presents the complete methodology and an illustrative analysis based on partial data. The results are visualized in a four-quadrant matrix that categorizes indicators, identifying those that are immediately usable, those that require improved data, and those that hold high value for specific, specialized applications. Ultimately, this work provides a transparent and collaborative methodology that complements the EU BMS. It offers a crucial tool for policymakers and companies to select meaningful, sector-specific indicators, thereby fostering better alignment with EU sustainability goals and supporting the transition to a competitive European bioeconomy.