BDR Associates and Bavarian Research Alliance - BayFOR, partners of Clariant in the LIGNOFLAG project, funded by the European Union, which led to the construction of the first commercial-scale sunliquid® plant for the production of cellulosic ethanol from agricultural residues in Podari, Romania, organized a workshop in Bucharest dedicated to the synergies between European structural and investment funds and other funding opportunities.

The workshop, moderated by Dr. Thomas Ammerl, Head of BayFORs Unit Environment, Energy & Bioeconomy, and Susanne Hirschmann, Scientific Officer at BayFOR, brought together representatives of the Romanian government, relevant institutions, other authorities, experts in European funds, and other entities from the public or private sector, who provided up-to-date information on the latest developments in European policies and funding trends that have an impact on Romania. Clariant representatives presented the project of the factory built in Podari, Dolj, under the Lignoflag project. During the workshop, opportunities for synergies between European, international, and Romanian funding programs for research and innovation were also discussed and explored.

Among the institutions represented at the event were the Ministry of Investments and European Projects, the Ministry of Development, Public Works, and Administration, the Ministry of Education, ADR Oltenia, the Competition Council, the American Chamber of Commerce in Romania (Amcham), the French Chamber of Commerce and Industry in Romania (CCIFER), as well as representatives of the academic environment, NGOs, and reputable specialists. The event included group discussions and interactive sessions that allowed participants to engage in meaningful dialogues and share their perspectives, best practices, and experiences. Conclusions and recommendations were formulated and will be communicated to Brussels.

BDR Associates was selected by Clariant through an international tender process in 2018 to be the communication partner in the construction process of the first commercial-scale sunliquid® plant for the production of cellulosic ethanol from agricultural residues in Podari, near Craiova. Since 2020, BDR Associates has been invited to join the LIGNOFLAG Consortium. This flagship project for advanced biofuel production in Europe was co-funded by the EU through the LIGNOFLAG Consortium, under the Horizon 2020 Program, and represents a significant step in positioning Romania as a pioneer in fuel innovation. Within the mission, BDR is responsible for the overall communication strategy, public relations, and information for various stakeholders, presenting the project's benefits to target groups and the local community.

Founded in 1995, BDR Associates is the exclusive partner for Romania of the global strategic communication group Hill+Knowlton Strategies, part of WPP.

The Bavarian Research Alliance (BayFOR) is an organisation whose purpose is to promote Bavaria as a centre for science and innovation within the European Research Area. The focus is directed at the EU Framework Programme for Research and Innovation “Horizon Europe”. Additionally BayFOR is running Scientific Coordination Offices between Bavaria and Québec/Alberta, Israel and Africa. As a partner in the network for SMEs “Enterprise Europe Network”, BayFOR provides specific advice for SMEs which are interested in EU research and innovation projects. BayFOR is also a partner institution in the Bavarian Research and Innovation Agency (www.research-innovation-bavaria.de) and is supported by the Bavarian State Ministry of Science and the Arts.