The conference was organised as an important platform for addressing the needs, barriers, and opportunities related to circular and digital construction processes and material valorisation within the Interreg Central Europe region. It brought together experts, policymakers, researchers, businesses, and stakeholders from across Central Europe to exchange knowledge, share good practices, and discuss future collaboration opportunities in the transition toward more sustainable and digitalised construction systems.
A Platform for Collaboration and Knowledge Exchange
The event opened with welcoming remarks by Anna Boruch and Dr Alenka Mauko Pranjić, who highlighted the importance of strengthening cooperation among regional stakeholders to accelerate circular and digital transformation in the construction sector.
This was followed by a presentation of the ReBuilt project, introducing its core objectives of supporting circular economy principles, digital innovation, and capacity building across the construction value chain in Central Europe.
Key Presentations and Expert Insights
The conference featured several expert presentations addressing strategic challenges and development opportunities:
- Mapping of barriers and opportunities for circular and digital construction in Central Europe, presented by Balazs Kozak, provided an overview of regional challenges and identified key opportunities for collaboration and innovation.
- Development of educational and training programmes for circular and digital construction, presented by Dr Ildiko Merta, focused on strengthening skills and competencies needed for future transformation in the sector.
- Deep Demonstration of Circular, Regenerative, and Low-Carbon Economy in Slovenia – Built Environment, presented by Jasmina Karba, showcased national initiatives and policy approaches supporting sustainable construction.
Interactive Round Tables and Group Work
One of the central parts of the conference was an interactive round table session, where participants engaged in group discussions both onsite and online. The discussions focused on three strategic thematic areas:
- Circular economy and circular construction: legislation, governance, and policy frameworks
- Digital construction and examples of good circular construction practices
- Education, training, and capacity building for circular construction
Moderators from academia, public institutions, and industry guided these discussions, encouraging practical recommendations, cross-border cooperation, and exchange of experiences.
Following the breakout sessions, each group presented its findings, proposals, and recommendations, contributing valuable insights into the future development of circular and digital construction strategies in the region.
Networking and Future Collaboration
Beyond technical discussions, the conference also created strong networking opportunities. During the pitching session, participating organisations introduced their activities, expertise, and interests in future cooperation within both the ReBuilt project framework and wider business partnerships.
This strengthened collaboration among research institutions, public authorities, businesses, and education providers, all of whom play a critical role in building a more sustainable construction ecosystem.
Looking Forward
The 1st Transnational Central European Circular and Digital Construction Conference marked an important milestone for the ReBuilt project. It reinforced the need for stronger regional cooperation, innovation, education, and policy support to address the environmental and digital challenges facing the construction sector.
By bringing together diverse stakeholders from across Central Europe, the conference laid the groundwork for future initiatives, partnerships, and knowledge-sharing activities that will continue supporting the transition toward a more circular, resilient, and digitally advanced construction industry.