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.
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2,47m €
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Project Budget
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80%
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of the Budget is funded by ERDF
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9
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Countries
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12
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Regions
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12
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Partners
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3
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Pilots
Duration
Start date
End date
Project progress
Project partnership
Project partners
![Polska (PL)](https://flagsapi.com/PL/shiny/32.png)
Lead partner
Krakow Technology Park ltd.
Technology Park Department
Project partner
Center for sustainable innovation
Institute for Machine Tools and Forming Technology
09126 Chemnitz
79110 Freiburg im Breisgau
Varaždin County Chamber
Roadmap
Inspiring Success Stories Across Europe
![](https://www.interreg-central.eu/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/SMART-CIRCUIT_Circular-Success-Stories_socialmedia.jpg)
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.
Circula Innovation Academy
![](https://www.interreg-central.eu/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/SC_socialmedia-1.jpg)
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.
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.
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
![Policy perspectives for a sustainable future](https://www.interreg-central.eu/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/policyinterviews_over.jpg)
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](https://www.interreg-central.eu/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/industryinterviews_over.jpg)
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](https://www.interreg-central.eu/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/SC_genova_overview.jpg)
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](https://www.interreg-central.eu/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/IPR4SC_overview.jpg)
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.
![Shaping Circularity: Industry Voices for Sustainable Solutions](https://www.interreg-central.eu/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/SC_overviewimage.jpg)
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.
Events
![Sustainability: Companies at the Crossroads – Navigating the New EU Regulations](https://www.interreg-central.eu/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/COMET_EXT_2_ov.jpg)
P2 Green
EVENT
Italy
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.
![“Tipicità in Blu” Festival: A Showcase of Circular Economy and Plastic Reuse Initiatives](https://www.interreg-central.eu/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/COMET_EXT_3_ov.jpg)
P2 Green
EVENT
Italy
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.
![SMART CIRCUIT Strategic Dissemination Lab: Enabling a Greener Future in Manufacturing](https://www.interreg-central.eu/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/SDL_overviewimage.jpg)
P2 Green
EVENT
Hungary
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.
![1st Regional stakeholder ecosystem engagement meeting in Croatia](https://www.interreg-central.eu/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/HGK_TH_1_ov.png)
P2 Green
EVENT
Croatia
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](https://www.interreg-central.eu/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/MTSW_TH_1_ov.png)
P2 Green
EVENT
Germany
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.
![From Municipal Waste to Energy Self-Sufficiency and Carbon Neutrality – Educational Seminar](https://www.interreg-central.eu/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/TUKE_EXT_1_ov.jpg)
P2 Green
EVENT
Slovakia
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.
![Embracing Sustainability: Navigating ESG Regulations and Strategic Growth Opportunities](https://www.interreg-central.eu/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/COMET_EXT_1_ov.jpg)
P2 Green
EVENT
Italy
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 Poland](https://www.interreg-central.eu/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/KPT_TH_1_over.jpg)
P2 Green
EVENT
Poland
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](https://www.interreg-central.eu/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/20231128_PBN_TMMEisenstadt_o-1.png)
P2 Green
EVENT
Austria
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
![](https://www.interreg-central.eu/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/output-1.1.jpg)
The Smart Circuit Network
![](https://www.interreg-central.eu/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/output-1.3.png)
The Circular Innovation Academy (CIA) Solution
![](https://www.interreg-central.eu/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/output-2.2.png)
The Circular Industry Futures Strategy Lab Solution
![](https://www.interreg-central.eu/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/output-2.3.png)
CENTRAL EUROPE CIRCULAR INDUSTRY FUTURES 2030
![](https://www.interreg-central.eu/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/output-3.2.png)
The Circular Industry Factory (FACTORY) Solution
Project documents
Circular Economy Success Stories
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
The project lead partner is responsible for the content of this project website.