Project overview
SMART CIRCUIT: enabling SMARTer, CIRCUlar digITal innovation hubs to enhance Central Europe’s manufacturing eco-system towards a greener & more competitive future.
Manufacturing is an important employer in central Europe. But it is also resource-intensive and produces much waste and emissions, especially in value chains related to the electronics, construction and textiles sectors. The SMART CIRCUIT project extends the scope of existing digital innovation hubs to promote circular economy practices. By connecting these hubs throughout central Europe, the partners increase knowledge on best practices and strengthen capacities for circular manufacturing.
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2,47m €
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Project Budget
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80%
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of the Budget is funded by ERDF
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9
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Countries
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12
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Regions
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12
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Partners
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3
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Pilots
Duration
Start date
End date
Project progress
Project partnership
Project partners
Lead partner
Krakow Technology Park ltd.
Technology Park Department
Project partner
Center for sustainable innovation
Institute for Machine Tools and Forming Technology
09126 Chemnitz
79110 Freiburg im Breisgau
Varaždin County Chamber
Roadmap
Inspiring Success Stories Across Europe
Discover the 122 success stories, encapsulating the transformative journey undertaken by 9 countries, reinforcing the vitality of circular practices in today's globalized world. These success stories underscore a collaborative effort to address environmental challenges through inventive circular solutions. The projects cover an extensive array of sectors, including textile waste management, electronic waste recycling, and circular urban development, among others. These success stories highlight groundbreaking efforts to change how industries deal with waste. Whether it's turning textile leftovers into eco-friendly products or harnessing the potential of electronic waste, these initiatives signal a move towards sustainable practices, making a lasting impact on economies and the environment. These success stories are not only emblematic of local triumphs but have also gained recognition on a broader platform. Some of these remarkable initiatives have been featured on the European Circular Economy Stakeholder Platform, amplifying their impact and providing a blueprint for sustainable practices to a wider audience.
Circula Innovation Academy
Circular Innovation Academy is almost ready to share with you. Now it is being tested by DIHs experts. Stay tuned for more information about availability, coming soon! The primary objective of CIA is to revolutionize education by fostering a deep understanding of circular economy principles. By seamlessly integrating digital innovation, industry-specific modules, and hands-on experiences, CIA aims to produce professionals who will drive the circular economy forward.
Shaping Circularity: Industry Voices for Sustainable Solutions
The SMART CIRCUIT project surveyed 62 enterprises across Central Europe, revealing a significant shift towards embracing circular economy principles, with 74% having a circular strategy in place. However, challenges such as regulatory changes, market dynamics, and technological obsolescence remain prominent. The integration of digital technologies is seen as crucial for enhancing resource management and fostering innovation, necessitating a strategic approach encompassing technology, collaboration, and regulatory compliance. Sector-specific insights highlight challenges and opportunities unique to industries like textiles, construction, and ICT/electronics, underscoring the need for tailored regulatory support and innovative business models. Moving forward, collaborative efforts involving industry stakeholders, policymakers, and technology providers are essential to drive the circular economy agenda and achieve sustainability, competitiveness, and resilience in the manufacturing sector of Central Europe.
Shaping Circularity: Policy Perspectives for a Sustainable Future
The SMART CIRCUIT project has concluded insightful interviews with 36 European policy makers to discuss digital integration in the Circular Economy. These interviews underscored the importance of enhancing public-private partnerships and aligning regional policies with technological advancements. Recommendations call for increased investment in digital infrastructure and more educational programs on circular practices. Insights from these interviews are compiled into a playlist titled "Shaping Circularity: Policy Perspectives for a Sustainable Future," which is publicly accessible.
Future-ready Policymaking
STRATLABs: Connecting Policy and Industry for a Greener, Smarter Future How can we accelerate the shift to a circular economy in Central Europe? The SMART CIRCUIT project has taken an innovative step by launching 12 Strategy Learning Labs (STRATLABs) — dynamic spaces for collaboration between policymakers, businesses, and innovation hubs. These labs are more than just events; they are bridges between policy and practice, tailored to help the manufacturing sector become more sustainable and future-ready. The results speak volumes: 🌍 12 Labs across 9 countries 👥 Over 200 stakeholders engaged 📊 Service portfolios created focusing on training, funding advice, digitalisation support, and awareness raising 💡 New tools and formats tested, from roundtable policy debates to innovation showcases and co-creation workshops 📣 Clear call for permanent dialogue platforms to sustain the momentum
News
Events
Pilot actions
Outputs
The Smart Circuit Network
The Circular Innovation Academy (CIA) Solution
The Circular Industry Futures Strategy Lab Solution
CENTRAL EUROPE CIRCULAR INDUSTRY FUTURES 2030
The Circular Industry Factory (FACTORY) Solution
Project documents
Circular Economy Success Stories
Circular Innovation Academy
Policy-Interview Series on Impressions & Considerations of Circular Industry Futures
SMART CIRUCIT_INDUSTRY INTERVIEWS_ AUDIT SERIES + MAPPING ON NEEDS, CHALLENGES & INTERESTS
SMART CIRUCIT_Territorial Strategy & Instrument Benchmarking Fact Sheets on Circular Industry Futures
2025.03.05 - Digital and circular transformation of manufacturing SMEs agenda
Circular Innovation Academy Expansion & Future Use
Transnational Mobility Missions
Task Forces
SMART CIRCUIT
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