A Glimpse into the Future: SMART CIRCUIT Conference Champions Circular and Digital Transformation of SMEs in Central Europe
Szombathely, Hungary – March 5, 2025 – The “Digital and Circular Transformation of Manufacturing SMEs” conference, hosted within the SMART CIRCUIT project framework, proved to be a resounding success, bringing together a dynamic mix of 65 participants — 46 in person and 19 online. The event attracted representatives from Digital Innovation Hubs (DIHs), policy-makers, and small to medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), all committed to accelerating the green and digital transitions of Europe’s manufacturing landscape.
The full event is available for online viewing, making its inspiring messages and practical insights accessible to an even wider audience beyond the conference hall.
to watch the full conference recording and get inspired by the future of circular manufacturing.
A Platform for Collaboration and Action
The event offered participants a full day of insight-packed sessions, hands-on exchanges, and high-level discussions. The conference was preceded by a site visit to the FALCO wood industry facility, showcasing a practical example of circular practices through wood waste reuse — setting the tone for a day focused on real-world application.
The SMART CIRCUIT initiative aims to empower SMEs and local authorities through digital tools, circular economy strategies, and capacity-building measures. As project coordinator Agnieszka Włodarczyk-Gębik highlighted in her opening presentation, “Our goal is to transform manufacturing by strengthening DIHs as gateways to green and digital innovation.”
High-Level Panels and International Expertise
One of the highlights of the event was the panel session — initially planned as three separate discussions but ultimately merged into one extended roundtable, allowing for richer, interdisciplinary dialogue. This joint session reflected the conference’s collaborative spirit, bringing together diverse stakeholders to address the intersection of policy, technology, and skills development.
-
Panel 1: Supporting Strategies, moderated by Simona Kneževič Vernon (TECOS), remained a standalone thematic focus with contributions from Francesco Vizzarri (National Agricultural and Food Center), Jerzy Kopec (Malopolska Region), and Natalija Poš (Ministry of Cohesion, Slovenia). The conversation emphasized the critical role of aligned policies, funding mechanisms, and cross-border governance in enabling SMEs to adopt circular and digital solutions.
-
Panel 2 and Panel 3 were merged into a combined session co-moderated by Christine Neuy (microTEC Südwest) and Oswald Adrian Bratu (PROFACTOR GmbH). While originally planned as two separate discussions on “New Technologies and Circular Solutions” and “Importance of Education and Awareness Raising,” the merged format created valuable space for a holistic dialogue on technology adoption and human capital.
From Panel 2, only Ferenc Tolner (am-LAB) joined the conversation, sharing insights into practical applications of circular solutions in manufacturing and the lessons learned from pilot projects.
Panel 3’s full lineup contributed actively:
- Temesi Tamara (Falco Wood Industry) provided an industry perspective on internal training needs.
- Andreas Gams (EIT Manufacturing) spoke on pan-European efforts to bridge the skills gap.
- Thomas Kremsner (Forschung Burgenland) emphasized the importance of awareness campaigns and workforce reskilling at the regional level.
This merged dialogue allowed participants to see how technological innovation must go hand-in-hand with education and training — especially in SMEs, where both capacity and awareness are often limited.
Insightful Presentations and Strategic Projects
Participants were treated to presentations on hydrogen strategies (Małopolska), Austria’s circular economy plan, and the local vision of Szombathely2030, which positions the city as a model for sustainable regional transformation through education, innovation, and green industry support.
The afternoon’s masterclasses introduced pioneering approaches like circular design in Polish SMEs (Ergo Design) and Croatia’s criteria for “end-of-waste” status — offering legal and practical insights essential for scaling circular practices.
Further presentations from the CIRCI, CURIoST, CIRCULESS, and CE-PRINCE projects revealed how regional and transnational cooperation can drive the uptake of sustainable procurement, circular product design, and eco-innovation across diverse sectors.
A Launchpad for Circular Transformation
Ultimately, the SMART CIRCUIT Conference didn’t just talk about the future — it built it. By convening over 60 committed professionals in Szombathely and online, the event became a microcosm of Europe’s sustainable manufacturing ambitions. Whether discussing hydrogen valleys or waste recovery standards, one message was clear: cooperation is central.
As the SMART CIRCUIT journey continues, Szombathely’s March gathering will be remembered not just for its content, but for the community it inspired.