INNOCIRCLE: Innovative Models for a Just and Competitive Circular Economy

The proposed initiative aims primarily to develop, demonstrate, and scale up innovative circular business models and social innovations that facilitate the transition to a sustainable and competitive circular economy. These models will focus on promoting sustainable consumption through services such as reuse, repair, and sharing, thereby reducing environmental footprints and greenhouse gas emissions. They will also empower economic operators to adopt circular practices by providing scalable examples, tools, and policy recommendations. Additionally, the initiative seeks to support professional reskilling and job creation in sectors like reuse, repair, refurbishment, and remanufacturing. Another key objective is to encourage behavioral change to increase demand for sustainable products and reduce overall consumption. The proposal also places a strong emphasis on promoting social equity and inclusion, ensuring a just transition toward climate neutrality by addressing diverse social groups and communities. Finally, it aims to advance industrial symbiosis to enhance cross-sectoral resource efficiency and minimize waste through innovative collaborations.