InvestCEC · Supporting the transition towards circular economy in European cities and regions: Development of a replicable model for local circular economy projects

With 75% of the EU’s citizens living in urban areas, the potential of circular economy for European cities is clear. However, one of the main issues hindering a widespread deployment is that compared to industrialized economies, circular economy business cases are often perceived as risky by investors, often because the business models are poorly described or understood. InvestCEC will develop a replicable model for the implementation of circular economy projects in cities and regions across Europe, while taking into account all relevant stakeholders. Specifically, the model will address the city and region’s needs, support entrepreneurs in making their circular economy solution investment ready, and include the investment program set up and management. The model viability will be then demonstrated in the city of Klagenfurt, Austria as a test case. InvestCEC will also develop a platform for the stakeholders involved in a circular economy project to communicate, exchange information, as well as monitor the project and its progress. A tailored replication plan including replication materials and replication activities will be established in order to encourage the replication of the model in other local and regional settings across Europe. Alongside the model’s development and demonstration, the project will carry out prospective activities and implement measures to support the transition towards circular economy, including policy-related work, information exchange events, marketplace of circular economy solutions, and additional resources, tools and guidelines for the use of all stakeholders.