Kick Off Workshop: Background and Objectives The purpose of the kick-work off workshop was to launch an exciting new chapter of the BIO-EARN Programme. Having acquired a high level of achievement during Phases I and II, the programme has entered into a new area of R4D. The Swedish Government, which provided most of the financial resources to support phases I and II of BIO-EARN has approved another 77 million SEK (about US$10.3 million) to support the R4D phase. This phase encompasses a network of 47 scientists from the region, 23 collaborators from outside the region, and 27 network institutions. The R4D programme aims at generating technologies for sustainable natural resource management, producing bio-energy and high value products from agro-industrial wastes and enhancing sustainable agricultural productivity (see BIO-EARN Projects). Product development will be supported through an innovation fund (see BIO-EARN Innovation Fund). Ways of developing public-private partnerships, technology incubators, innovation hubs etc will be developed together with the appropriate regulatory and policy environment, including intellectual property protection, to encourage private investment in R4D. This approach is inline with the NEPAD strategic plan.   The major challenge that faces the BIO-EARN programme now is that its overall Programme management has shifted to the region and it will therefore require a concerted effort from all network partners in the region to ensure its success. To this end, there must be measurable research outputs and products that will earn BIO-EARN credibility for attracting further support from regional governments, industry, development partners and philanthropic organizations not only to ensure sustainability, but also immensely contribute to national and regional development. Go to Kick Off Workshop' Highlights to view other highlights