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SMART CIRCUIT

Project overview

SMART CIRCUIT: enabling SMARTer, CIRCUlar digITal innovation hubs to enhance Central Europe’s manufacturing eco-system towards a greener & more competitive future.

Manufacturing is an important employer in central Europe. But it is also resource-intensive and produces much waste and emissions, especially in value chains related to the electronics, construction and textiles sectors. The SMART CIRCUIT project extends the scope of existing digital innovation hubs to promote circular economy practices. By connecting these hubs throughout central Europe, the partners increase knowledge on best practices and strengthen capacities for circular manufacturing.

2,47m €

Project Budget

80%

of the Budget is funded by ERDF

Layer 1

9

Countries

12

Regions

12

Partners

3

Pilots

Duration

Start date

End date

Project progress

42%

Project partnership

Project partners

Polska (PL)

Lead partner

Krakow Technology Park ltd.

Technology Park Department
Address
Podole 60
30-394 Krakow
Country
Poland (PL)
Web
www.kpt.krakow.pl

Project partner

Center for sustainable innovation
Address
Campus 1
7000 Eisenstadt
Country
Austria (AT)
Web
www.forschung-burgenland.at
Total partner budget
199,930 €
Address
Im Stadtgut D1
4407 Steyr-Gleink
Country
Austria (AT)
Web
www.profactor.at
Total partner budget
197,870 €
Institute for Machine Tools and Forming Technology
Address
Reichenhainer Str. 88
09126 Chemnitz
Country
Germany (DE)
Web
http://www.iwu.fraunhofer.de/en.html
Total partner budget
199,790 €
Address
Emmy-Noether-Str. 2
79110 Freiburg im Breisgau
Country
Germany (DE)
Web
www.microtec-suedwest.de
Total partner budget
209,016 €
Address
via Greto di Cornigliano 6r
16152 Genova
Country
Italy (IT)
Web
www.siitscpa.it
Total partner budget
199,965 €
Address
Via Roveredo 20/B
33170 Pordenone
Country
Italy (IT)
Web
www.clustercomet.it
Total partner budget
199,790 €
Address
Kidričeva cesta 25
3000 Celje
Country
Slovenia (SI)
Web
www.tecos.si
Total partner budget
209,518 €
Address
Gesztenyefa u. 4
9027 Győr
Country
Hungary (HU)
Web
www.pbn.hu
Total partner budget
220,075 €
Address
Letna 9
040 01 Kosice
Country
Slovakia (SK)
Web
www.tuke.sk
Total partner budget
209,530 €
Address
Blanenská 27/1288
664 34 Kuřim
Country
Czechia (CZ)
Web
https://www.intemac.cz/
Total partner budget
199,175 €
Varaždin County Chamber
Address
Petra Preradovića 17
42000 Varaždin
Country
Croatia (HR)
Web
www.hgk.hr
Total partner budget
183,273 €

Roadmap

1

Inspiring Success Stories Across Europe

Discover the 122 success stories, encapsulating the transformative journey undertaken by 9 countries, reinforcing the vitality of circular practices in today's globalized world. These success stories underscore a collaborative effort to address environmental challenges through inventive circular solutions. The projects cover an extensive array of sectors, including textile waste management, electronic waste recycling, and circular urban development, among others. These success stories highlight groundbreaking efforts to change how industries deal with waste. Whether it's turning textile leftovers into eco-friendly products or harnessing the potential of electronic waste, these initiatives signal a move towards sustainable practices, making a lasting impact on economies and the environment. These success stories are not only emblematic of local triumphs but have also gained recognition on a broader platform. Some of these remarkable initiatives have been featured on the European Circular Economy Stakeholder Platform, amplifying their impact and providing a blueprint for sustainable practices to a wider audience.

2

Circula Innovation Academy

Circular Innovation Academy is almost ready to share with you. Now it is being tested by DIHs experts. Stay tuned for more information about availability, coming soon! The primary objective of CIA is to revolutionize education by fostering a deep understanding of circular economy principles. By seamlessly integrating digital innovation, industry-specific modules, and hands-on experiences, CIA aims to produce professionals who will drive the circular economy forward.

3

Shaping Circularity: Industry Voices for Sustainable Solutions

The SMART CIRCUIT project surveyed 62 enterprises across Central Europe, revealing a significant shift towards embracing circular economy principles, with 74% having a circular strategy in place. However, challenges such as regulatory changes, market dynamics, and technological obsolescence remain prominent. The integration of digital technologies is seen as crucial for enhancing resource management and fostering innovation, necessitating a strategic approach encompassing technology, collaboration, and regulatory compliance. Sector-specific insights highlight challenges and opportunities unique to industries like textiles, construction, and ICT/electronics, underscoring the need for tailored regulatory support and innovative business models. Moving forward, collaborative efforts involving industry stakeholders, policymakers, and technology providers are essential to drive the circular economy agenda and achieve sustainability, competitiveness, and resilience in the manufacturing sector of Central Europe.

4

Shaping Circularity: Policy Perspectives for a Sustainable Future

PLAYLIST COMING SOON! The SMART CIRCUIT project has concluded insightful interviews with 36 European policy makers to discuss digital integration in the Circular Economy. These interviews underscored the importance of enhancing public-private partnerships and aligning regional policies with technological advancements. Recommendations call for increased investment in digital infrastructure and more educational programs on circular practices. Insights from these interviews are compiled into a playlist titled "Shaping Circularity: Policy Perspectives for a Sustainable Future," which is publicly accessible.

News

B2GreenHub Open Call

P2 Green

NEWS

20.06.2024

B2GreenHub Open Call

Ready to reap the benefits of sustainability? Join B2GreenHub and unlock a world of advantages for your company

Policy perspectives for a sustainable future

P2 Green

NEWS

17.05.2024

Policy perspectives for a sustainable future

The SMART CIRCUIT project, a pioneering initiative aimed at accelerating the integration of digital technology into the Circular Economy (CE), recently concluded a comprehensive series of interviews with 36 policy makers from across Europe.

Embracing Circular Economy: Insights from Central Europe’s Leading Industries

P2 Green

NEWS

16.05.2024

Embracing Circular Economy: Insights from Central Europe’s Leading Industries

The SMART CIRCUIT project, encompassing insights from 62 enterprises across Central Europe, reveals a compelling transition towards a circular economy, highlighting the urgent shift towards sustainability.

Reflecting on two days of innovation and circular economy at SMART CIRCUIT in Genova

P2 Green

NEWS

18.04.2024

Reflecting on two days of innovation and circular economy at SMART CIRCUIT in Genova

The SMART CIRCUIT's commitment to transforming Central Europe's manufacturing ecosystem through smarter, circular digital innovation hubs was vibrantly showcased over two compelling days of conferences and workshops on April 10th and 11th, 2024.

Innovation and Intellectual Property for Green” course by IPR4SC project

P2 Green

NEWS

13.02.2024

Innovation and Intellectual Property for Green” course by IPR4SC project

This free online course offered by the IPR4SC project promises a comprehensive exploration of how innovation and intellectual property rights (IPR) can drive eco-friendly business practices and foster sustainable models.

Unlocking Sustainable Excellence: Explore the Circular Innovation Academy

P2 Green

NEWS

25.01.2024

Unlocking Sustainable Excellence: Explore the Circular Innovation Academy

Get ready to be part of the Circular Innovation Academy! Stay tuned for more information about availability, coming soon!

Driving Circular Transformation: Inspiring Success Stories Across Europe

P2 Green

NEWS

23.01.2024

Driving Circular Transformation: Inspiring Success Stories Across Europe

Discover the 122 circular success stories, encapsulating the transformative journey undertaken by 9 countries.

Shaping Circularity: Industry Voices for Sustainable Solutions

P2 Green

NEWS

08.01.2024

Shaping Circularity: Industry Voices for Sustainable Solutions

In an innovative series of interviews conducted in nine countries, businesses mainly from the construction, textile, and electronics/ICT industries have shared valuable insights on how they are incorporating digital technology into circular economy practices.

Unlocking Innovation Through Transnational Mobility

P2 Green

NEWS

28.11.2023

Unlocking Innovation Through Transnational Mobility

This event, provided a platform for exploring the exciting possibilities offered by eye-tracking glass technology and its applications in the textile industry.

Local Challenges, Transregional Solutions: Interreg Programs Invite Collaboration

P2 Green

NEWS

22.11.2023

Local Challenges, Transregional Solutions: Interreg Programs Invite Collaboration

Local challenges often require solutions that extend beyond borders, and that's exactly what the Interreg Programs are all about.

Events

Sustainability: Companies at the Crossroads – Navigating the New EU Regulations

P2 Green

EVENT

Italy

In Person

13.06.2024

Sustainability: Companies at the Crossroads – Navigating the New EU Regulations

On June 13, 2024, Montebelluna hosted a pivotal event, "Sustainability: Companies at the Crossroads," exploring the impacts of new EU sustainability regulations on supply chains. Organized by RESOLVE and sponsored by COMET, the event offered invaluable insights and practical strategies for businesses to thrive amidst changing requirements.

2nd Regional stakeholder ecosystem engagement meeting by COMET Scrl in Italy

P2 Green

EVENT

Italy

Hybrid

03.06.2024

2nd Regional stakeholder ecosystem engagement meeting by COMET Scrl in Italy

In a groundbreaking initiative, 20 local companies, including competitors, convened to explore a new paradigm of collaboration in plastic and rubber molding.

“Tipicità in Blu” Festival: A Showcase of Circular Economy and Plastic Reuse Initiatives

P2 Green

EVENT

Italy

In Person

22.05.2024

“Tipicità in Blu” Festival: A Showcase of Circular Economy and Plastic Reuse Initiatives

Discover how the "Tipicità in Blu" festival in Ancona highlighted innovative approaches to the circular economy, with a focus on reloading materials for urban design, construction, and more. Key presentations, success stories, and groundbreaking technologies took center stage in this celebration of sustainability and the blue economy.

1st Regional stakeholder ecosystem engagement meeting by COMET Scrl in Italy

P2 Green

EVENT

Italy

Hybrid

29.04.2024

1st Regional stakeholder ecosystem engagement meeting by COMET Scrl in Italy

Focused on advancing digital innovation hubs across central Europe, the event emphasized bolstering the region's manufacturing ecosystem towards a greener and more competitive future.

SMART CIRCUIT Strategic Dissemination Lab: Enabling a Greener Future in Manufacturing

P2 Green

EVENT

Hungary

Hybrid

11.04.2024

SMART CIRCUIT Strategic Dissemination Lab: Enabling a Greener Future in Manufacturing

This exclusive online event promises to be a confluence of visionaries, industry leaders, and change-makers, all united by a common goal: to foster a greener and more competitive manufacturing ecosystem in Central Europe.

Conference on Circular Industry Futures

P2 Green

EVENT

Hungary

Hybrid

10.04.2024

Conference on Circular Industry Futures

Join Us at the SMART CIRCUIT Conference on Circular Industry Futures happening on April 10th, 2024, at Genova Blue District, Genoa, Italy, will be a hybrid event.

2nd Regional stakeholder ecosystem engagement meeting in Poland

P2 Green

EVENT

Poland

In Person

22.03.2024

2nd Regional stakeholder ecosystem engagement meeting in Poland

The workshop focused on resource optimization management (ROM), energy efficiency, and other related areas.

1st Regional stakeholder ecosystem engagement meeting in Croatia

P2 Green

EVENT

Croatia

In Person

19.03.2024

1st Regional stakeholder ecosystem engagement meeting in Croatia

Aimed at professionals in mechanical engineering, automation, robotics, and construction, the event showcased the potential of the Ariadna platform in revolutionizing educational tools tailored to these domains.

1st Regional stakeholder ecosystem engagement meeting by microTEC Südwest e.V. in Germany

P2 Green

EVENT

Germany

In Person

13.03.2024

1st Regional stakeholder ecosystem engagement meeting by microTEC Südwest e.V. in Germany

Participants were treated to insightful presentations from key industry leaders highlighting the transformative potential of enhanced material sorting and tracking technologies.

1st Regional stakeholder ecosystem engagement meeting in Austria

P2 Green

EVENT

Austria

In Person

12.03.2024

1st Regional stakeholder ecosystem engagement meeting in Austria

Discussions gravitated towards pressing topics including advanced manufacturing, digitalization in senior care, smart materials, and sustainable energy solutions.

1st Regional stakeholder ecosystem engagement meeting in Czechia

P2 Green

EVENT

Czechia

In Person

05.03.2024

1st Regional stakeholder ecosystem engagement meeting in Czechia

The Town Hall, provided a platform for manufacturing companies and professional actors to exchange insights and best practices on circular issues.

From Municipal Waste to Energy Self-Sufficiency and Carbon Neutrality – Educational Seminar

P2 Green

EVENT

Slovakia

In Person

27.02.2024

From Municipal Waste to Energy Self-Sufficiency and Carbon Neutrality – Educational Seminar

Discover how smaller municipalities are pioneering the path to energy self-sufficiency and carbon neutrality through innovative waste management and digitalization strategies.

Testbed Open Day: Automation and Robotics

P2 Green

EVENT

Czechia

In Person

27.02.2024

Testbed Open Day: Automation and Robotics

Dive into the highlights and outcomes of the Testbed Open Day held in Kuřim, Czechia, where SMEs explored the latest trends in automation and robotics.

Embracing Sustainability: Navigating ESG Regulations and Strategic Growth Opportunities

P2 Green

EVENT

Italy

In Person

20.02.2024

Embracing Sustainability: Navigating ESG Regulations and Strategic Growth Opportunities

Discover how Pordenone's business community is unlocking the potential of Environmental, Social, and Governance criteria to drive sustainable development and compliance with the Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive.

1st Regional stakeholder ecosystem engagement meeting in Hungary

P2 Green

EVENT

Hungary

In Person

07.02.2024

1st Regional stakeholder ecosystem engagement meeting in Hungary

The event underscored the city's commitment to digitalization and sustainability, integral to its strategic vision under Szombathely2030.

1st Regional stakeholder ecosystem engagement meeting in Slovenia

P2 Green

EVENT

Slovenia

In Person

25.01.2024

1st Regional stakeholder ecosystem engagement meeting in Slovenia

Representatives from industry, academia, and governmental bodies gathered to outline strategies and innovations crucial for enhancing the lifespan of products and optimizing resource use.

1st Regional stakeholder ecosystem engagement meeting in Poland

P2 Green

EVENT

Poland

In Person

28.11.2023

1st Regional stakeholder ecosystem engagement meeting in Poland

KPT's regional town hall in Dobczyce brought together local entrepreneurs and administration representatives to discuss the transformative Smart Circuit project and its vision for a Circular Innovation Academy. This pivotal event set the stage for collaborative regional development and green technology advancements.

Transnational Mobility MIssion between HUngary and Austria

P2 Green

EVENT

Austria

In Person

21.11.2023

Transnational Mobility MIssion between HUngary and Austria

Pannon Business Network embarked on a remarkable Transnational Mobility Mission on November 21, 2023, at Informatikum, Eisenstadt. This event, provided a platform for exploring the exciting possibilities offered by eye-tracking glass technology and its applications in the textile industry.

Pilot actions

Outputs

The Smart Circuit Network

Empowering Innovation: SMART CIRCUIT's Strategic Alliance for Industry Excellence SMART CIRCUIT leverages comprehensive knowledge from public-private partnerships (PPs) and Advanced Strategic Partnerships (ASPs) along with an extensive network to successfully deliver the project. The initiative involves 24 ASP members, including 12 Strategic Board Members from 12 external organizations. These members contribute their industrial, technological, and sustainability expertise at the territorial level of the PPs, alongside 12 Technical Foresight Panelists from 9 external organizations and 3 external departments within PP organizations. This strategic and technical insight significantly enhances the development and operation of the network, focusing on the project’s three key outcomes: Circular Innovation Academy (CIA), Strategic Labs (STRATLAB), and Pilots in Factories (FACTORY). These elements maintain a dynamic strategic approach, enriched with cutting-edge research and market perspectives.
Type of output: Strategies and action plans

The Circular Innovation Academy (CIA) Solution

Output 1.3 aims to revolutionize the Circular Innovation Academy (CIA) by establishing a robust, long-term training and upskilling platform for professionals. This initiative will deliver a sustainable solution for continuous professional development in circular economy practices. By offering comprehensive, ongoing education, the platform ensures that industry professionals remain at the cutting edge of digital and technology-driven circular solutions. The program will connect trainees with European and global initiatives, fostering a network of skilled Circular Value Engineers (CiVEs). This enduring model will create a formal framework for the CIA, embedding it as a permanent fixture in the circular economy landscape. Participants will gain the expertise needed to drive innovation and sustainable practices within their organizations, promoting resource efficiency and circularity across various sectors. The ultimate goal is to enhance the manufacturing ecosystem's capacity for adopting circular economy solutions, ensuring a greener, more sustainable future.
Type of output: Solutions
In development

The Circular Industry Futures Strategy Lab Solution

This output aims to create a groundbreaking policy-industry brokerage platform for long-term engagement. This transnational initiative will foster ongoing collaboration among triple-helix stakeholders—policy-makers, industry leaders, and researchers—to bridge territorial and strategic gaps. By developing a robust method for continuous engagement, it will facilitate the reduction of barriers and the establishment of sustainable financing for digital and technology-driven circular solutions. This strategy lab will link various territorial strategies, promoting sustainable cross-territory exchanges on policy instruments, especially in finance and cooperation. With a focus on roles, accountability, and support, this output ensures that stakeholders are well-equipped to drive the uptake of innovative circular solutions. Ultimately, it aims to enhance the overall capacity of the manufacturing ecosystem to implement sustainable practices, paving the way for a greener future.
Type of output: Strategies and action plans
In development

CENTRAL EUROPE CIRCULAR INDUSTRY FUTURES 2030

The output aims to develop a visionary transnational strategic roadmap and action plans for sustainable service solutions and Digital Innovation Hub (DIH) brokerage. This initiative will provide strategic recommendations and action areas for nine nations and twelve regions, fostering a model for ongoing engagement and integration. By building on pilot planning and task force engagements, it will bridge gaps in major European policies like the Green Deal and EU Circular Economy Action Plan (CEAP). The roadmap will include a Memorandum of Understanding with an expanded network of 28 DIHs, promoting synergies and strategic alignment. This comprehensive strategy will ensure a seamless rollout of innovative circular economy solutions, enhancing collaboration across borders. Ultimately, it will empower regional stakeholders to adopt sustainable practices, driving the circular economy agenda forward for a greener and more resilient future.
Type of output: Strategies and action plans
In development

The Circular Industry Factory (FACTORY) Solution

This output designed to provide a comprehensive, sustainable upgrade for the Central European manufacturing ecosystem. This initiative will establish four detailed transnational service portfolios tailored to specific value chains, ensuring that industries can seamlessly integrate digital and technology-driven circular economy practices. Additionally, four joint solution flagship projects will be launched, creating long-term frameworks for delivering these innovative solutions. By linking to eDIH networks and extending across macro-territories, the FACTORY Solution will facilitate widespread dissemination and adoption of circular economy services. This effort will help industries capitalize on the benefits of circular practices, enhancing resource efficiency and sustainability. Ultimately, the FACTORY Solution aims to drive a significant transformation in manufacturing processes, fostering a greener and more resilient industrial landscape.
Type of output: Strategies and action plans
In development

Project documents

Circular Innovation Academy

Policy-Interview Series on Impressions & Considerations of Circular Industry Futures

SMART CIRUCIT_INDUSTRY INTERVIEWS_ AUDIT SERIES + MAPPING ON NEEDS, CHALLENGES & INTERESTS

SMART CIRCUIT

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Project on social media

Project Contacts

Project Manager

Agnieszka Włodarczyk Gębik
Phone: +48 537005062

Finance Manager

Aldona Chwalik Raczyńska
Phone: +48 690 835 900

Communication Manager

Urszula Woźniak
Phone: +48 604521532