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Abstract. The agricultural sector is expected to grow in importance, but it is also facing several threats along the whole bioeconomy production chain, which must be addressed through both research and knowledge transfer to end users. Innovation in the sector typically comes from research, private industries and farmers themselves, and the growing amount of complex information needs to be quickly and clearly conveyed. In this respect, open innovation frameworks facilitate local validation, testing and adoption of innovations.

In 2021, the Leibniz Institute for Agricultural Engineering and Bioeconomy (ATB) started to coordinate the development of the "Leibniz Innovation Farm for Sustainable Bioeconomy" in the Berlin-Brandenburg region, including companies and associations, aiming to favor stakeholder dialogue and to secure the acceptance and implementation of innovative methods. Combining Brandenburg rural areas with the tech and innovation ecosystem of the capital city of Germany allows to set-up a unique model farm for circular bioeconomy, where research institutions and stakeholders perform joint inter- and transdisciplinary research. The aim is to develop holistic approaches for a sustainable bio-based circular economy, optimally linking sustainable crop and livestock agriculture, production of healthy food and bio-based materials, and residue management. In detail, the Leibniz Innovation Farm aims to: i) regionally produce healthy food and bio-based materials; ii) close carbon and nutrient cycles; iii) adapt to climate change; iv) promote biodiversity. Three essential strategies will be followed: diversification; digitalization; microbiome management. This Living Lab will be a forward-looking agricultural research facility coupling high-end interdisciplinary research with intensive stakeholder interaction.