News
International REUSE2030 workshop on engaging industry in the circular economy
On 12 March 2026, RIC Pro-Akademia experts took part in the workshop “Engaging industrial stakeholders in circular practices: lessons from the REUSE2030 project”. The workshop was held as part of the international conference From Niche to Centre: Mainstreaming Circular Lifestyles in European Cities, which took place at the headquarters of the German Federal Environment Agency in Dessau-Roßlau.
The aim of the workshop was to explore how small and medium-sized enterprises, industrial partners, and public authorities can actively support the development of the circular economy in European cities. The session was interactive and built on insights from the REUSE2030 project, focusing on effective ways to engage industrial stakeholders, including manufacturers, suppliers, and other value chain actors.
Participants jointly examined the role of cities and regions in creating enabling conditions for circular solutions, including through appropriate public policies, incentive schemes, and collaboration platforms. Particular attention was given to the needs of SMEs in implementing innovations and to how these needs can be addressed by public administration and intermediary organisations.
RIC Pro-Akademia experts actively contributed by moderating group discussions in two key thematic areas:
- Digital tools as enablers of circular ecosystems – the discussion focused on the role of digital tools in supporting SMEs and regional ecosystems in adopting circular economy solutions. Participants explored what features make digital tools truly usable for businesses, how they can facilitate collaboration across value chains, and what role cities and intermediaries should play in scaling them.
- Capacity building for long-term circular transformation – the discussion addressed pathways for building competencies that support long-term circular transition. Participants discussed the most effective training formats for SMEs, ways to embed learning into daily operations, and how cities and supporting organisations can ensure continuity of learning processes.
The workshop resulted in concrete recommendations on the conditions for successful adoption of digital tools, potential risks to avoid, effective training approaches, and strategies for long-term stakeholder engagement.
The session provided a valuable platform for knowledge exchange between representatives of cities, businesses, and research organisations, contributing to stronger collaboration for advancing the circular economy across Europe.
The REUSE2030 project is co-funded by the European Union under the CENTRAL EUROPE 2021-2027 Interreg Programme.
The REUSE2030 project is co-financed by the Ministry of Science and Higher Education of the Republic of Poland as part of the programme entitled ‘International Co-Financed Projects’.