The RESOURCE project aims to innovate and enhance circular economy support methodologies through a comprehensive and collaborative approach. To do so, benchmarking against the best practices within the EU is crucial, and the RESOURCE team will ensure to align this benchmark with the highest standards and best practices identified across the EU.
Between November 2023 and March 2024, RESOURCE partners identified a set of best practices that would contribute to build our support methodology. To do so, a series of five sessions were held online, organized by EBN, tapping into its extensive membership pool. The sessions gathered organisations from several European countries and partner countries: EBN members from Cyprus, Greece, Italy, Portugal or Lebanon, and also CCRI projects such as CircularInvest, HOOP and others.
Guided by established criteria, such as geographic coverage, replicability, sustainability and impact, project partners meticulously evaluated each presented practice. A pivotal aspect of these sessions was the presentation of projects and initiatives, allowing for thorough examination and discussion. The sessions served as vibrant forums for knowledge exchange and collaboration, highlighting the diverse expertise and perspectives within the RESOURCE project’s network.
After rigorous deliberation, five best practices were selected out of 30+. The collected data facilitated the creation of concise profiles for noteworthy initiatives within the Resource framework. Furthermore, a cross-analysis of startups, SMEs, Business Support Organizations, and regional projects led to the identification of key pillars for the success of circular projects. These pillars encompass:
- Access to Funding Components: ensuring that financial resources and funding opportunities are readily accessible.
- Capacity Building and Training: providing comprehensive education and training to enhance the skills and knowledge of stakeholders.
- Networking and Collaboration: encouraging and fostering partnerships and collaborations among various stakeholders within the circular economy ecosystem.
- Technical Support to SMEs: offering essential technical assistance and guidance to SMEs to facilitate their growth and success.
- Policy, Advocacy, and Regulatory Frameworks: advocating for favourable policies and regulations that support and promote circular economy initiatives.