A2C systemic solution model and self-assessment tool

This project has received funding from the European Union’s Horizon 2020 research and innovation programme under grant agreement N° 101036838. D7.10 – A2C systemic solution model and selfassessment tool September 2024 Authors: Alba Matamoros Escobedo (KVC); Aran Blanco (KVC); Rebeca Lucas (KVC); Maite Ferrando (KVC) Ref. Ares(2024)6880503 - 28/09/2024 A2C – Deliverable D7.10v1.0 Page 1 І90 Technical references Project Acronym Agro2Circular Project Title TERRITORIAL CIRCULAR SYSTEMIC SOLUTION FOR THE UPCYCLING OF RESIDUES FROM THE AGRIFOOD SECTOR Project Coordinator Fuensanta Monzó CETEC [email protected] Project Duration October 2021 – March 2025 (42 months) Deliverable No. D7.10 Dissemination level* PU Work Package WP 7 - A2C systemic solution adoption, replication and scalability Task Related Task 7.5.1, 7.5.2, 7.5.3, 7.5.4, 7.5.5 & 7.5.6) T7.5 - Multidimensional model for adoption, replicability and scalability of A2C systemic solution at regional and EU level Lead beneficiary 21 - KVELOCE Contributing beneficiary/ies Due date of deliverable 30 September 2024 Actual submission date 30 September 2024 * PU = Public PP = Restricted to oth er programme participants (including the Commission Services) RE = Restricted to a group specified by the consortium (including the Commission Services) CO = Confidential, only for members of the consortium (including the Commission Services) A2C – Deliverable D7.10v1.0 Page 2 І90 Document history V Date Comments v0.1 30/08/2024 First draft of document v0.2 03/09/2024 Second draft document v0.3 03/09/2024 Revised version based on the comments of Jerome FRIEDRICHS (EURADA), Mariantonella Palermo (TCA) v1.0 25/09/2024 First final version, approved by the WP leader and the project coordinator, (will be) submitted to EC. v1.1 First draft based upon first final version v2.0 Second final version, approved by the WP leader and the project coordinator, (will be) submitted to EC. Document Distribution Log Version Date Distributed to v0.1 30/08/2024 Jerome Friedrichs-EURADA, Mariantonella PalermoTCA, Fuensanta Monzó -CETEC V1.0 27/09/2024 Fuensanta Monzó -CETEC Verification and approval Name Date Verification Final Draft by WP leader Maite Ferrando 25/09/2024 Approval Final Deliverable by coordinator Fuensanta Monzó 27/09/2024 A2C – Deliverable D7.10v1.0 Page 3 І90 Disclaimer and acknowledgement This project has received funding from the European Union’s Horizon 2020 research and innovation programme under grant agreement No 101036838 Disclaimer This document reflects only the views of the author(s) the European Research Executive Agency (REA) is not responsible for any use that may be made of the information it contains. Whilst efforts have been made to ensure the accuracy and completeness of this document, the A2C consortium shall not be liable for any errors or omissions, however caused. A2C – Deliverable D7.10v1.0 Page 4 І90 Table of contents List of abbreviations …………………………………………………….7 1 Executive summary <abstract> ................................................... 8 2 Introduction ................................................................................ 10 3 Methodology Unveiled: The Construction Process .................... 13 4. Simplifying complexity: A2C Multidimensional Model ................ 19 Environmental Dimension ........................................................................................... 19 Socioeconomic Dimension ......................................................................................... 21 Governance Dimension ............................................................................................... 22 Policy & Regulatory Dimension .................................................................................. 24 Funding & Financial Dimension .................................................................................. 25 Technology, Research & Innovation Dimension ....................................................... 26 Standardisation Dimension ......................................................................................... 27 Capacity Building Dimension ...................................................................................... 28 5. Self-Assessment Tool: A Comprehensive Guide ...................... 29 6 Strategic Policy Recommendations ........................................... 33 7 Conclusions ............................................................................... 39 8 Bibliography ............................................................................... 42 ANNEXES....................................................................................... 45 Annex 1: Self-assessment tool: questionnaire to be completed by regions & cities ............................................................................... 46 ENVIRONMENTAL DIMENSION ................................................................................... 46 Efficient waste and water management. ..................................................................... 46 Waste valorisation channels. ...................................................................................... 47 Territorial exploitation level. ........................................................................................ 48 A2C – Deliverable D7.10v1.0 Page 5 І90 Land and biodiversity degradation processes. ............................................................ 49 Climate change mitigation and adaptation measures. ................................................ 50 SOCIOECONOMIC DIMENSION ................................................................................... 51 Business reinvention capacity. ................................................................................... 51 Strength of the Productive Ecosystem. ....................................................................... 52 Professional and technical skills related to the Circular Economy. ............................. 53 Trust in the productive system. ................................................................................... 54 Regional/local cultural aspects. .................................................................................. 54 Circular Economy citizenship participation. ................................................................ 55 GOVERNANCE DIMENSION ........................................................................................ 56 Promotion of Circular Economy culture and trust enhancement. ................................ 56 Dialogue promotion in the decision-making process................................................... 57 Existence and implementation of an effective multi-level governance. ....................... 58 Adoption of functional approach. ................................................................................ 59 Holistic regional systemic approach. ........................................................................... 60 POLICY & REGULATORY DIMENSION ....................................................................... 61 Circular Economy Action Plan. ................................................................................... 61 Regulatory instruments adapted. ................................................................................ 61 Secondary raw materials market. ............................................................................... 62 Effective implementation of the existing legislation. .................................................... 63 FUNDING & FINANCIAL DIMENSION .......................................................................... 64 Specific financial lines for Circular Economy projects. ................................................ 64 Use of economic instruments for incentivizing or discouraging specific behaviours. .. 65 Adequate disclosure and coordination of funding opportunities at regional/local level. ................................................................................................................................... 66 TECHNOLOGY, RESEARCH & INNOVATION DIMENSION ........................................ 67 Availability of valorisation technologies. ...................................................................... 67 Public investment in R+D+I. ....................................................................................... 69 Research-industry connection. ................................................................................... 70 Participation of SMEs in R+D activities. ...................................................................... 71 Traceability. ................................................................................................................ 72 Availability of regional and local R+D funding. ............................................................ 72 STANDARISATION DIMENSION .................................................................................. 73 A2C – Deliverable D7.10v1.0 Page 6 І90 Creation of standards and norms at the EU level. ...................................................... 73 Digital tools to improve product traceability. ............................................................... 74 CAPACITY BUILDING DIMENSION ............................................................................. 75 Capacity of the education system to meet the challenges of the Circular Economy. .. 75 Balanced match between labour supply and demand for Circular Economy industries in the region/city. ........................................................................................................ 77 Annex 2: Mind-map: grey literature results ..................................... 79 Annex 3: Regional stakeholder panel workshop results ................. 80 Annex 4: European stakeholder panel workshop results ............... 86 List of Tables Table 1 Drivers, barriers and recommendations of the A2C model ................................... 35 List of Figures Figure 1 Model construction logic ...................................................................................... 13 Figure 2 Steps taken in the construction process .............................................................. 14 Figure 3 A2C ToC .............................................................................................................. 15 Figure 4 Mock-up of the DIS tool and the self-assessment tool integration ....................... 30 Figure 5 Environmental dimension: proposed visual display of the results ........................ 32 A2C – Deliverable D7.10v1.0 Page 7 І90 List of abbreviations A2C: Agro2Circular SAT: Self-Assessment Tool CE: Circular Economy ToC: Theory of Change DoA: Description of Action GHG: Greenhouse Gas CEAP: Circular Economy Action Plan R+D+I: Research, Development, and Innovation DIS: Data Integration System LCA: Life Cycle Assessment A2C – Deliverable D7.10v1.0 Page 8 І90 1 Executive summary <abstract> This document constitutes the deliverable 7.10 A2C systemic solution model and selfassessment tool, an output of the Agro2Circular (A2C) project, developed within task 7.5. Multidimensional model for adoption, replicability and scalability of A2C systemic solution at regional and EU level (and its corresponding subtasks). The report outlines the process of generating a multidimensional model designed for the adoption, replicability, and scalability of circular economy (CE) practices at regional and EU levels. It also introduces a selfassessment tool based on this model, aimed at supporting cities and regions in evaluating their readiness to transition to a CE. A number of stakeholders, both internal and external to the project, participated in the various activities undertaken to achieve this final output. From the literature review to the three workshops and the numerous iterations of the self-assessment tool, a great deal of work has been conducted to assist cities and regions in evaluating their capacity to adopt CE practices. The report addresses the core elements of the A2C multidimensional model, and how they contribute to defining those dimensions. It’s important to highlight that these elements are not fixed, nor are the dimensions limited to this specific set. Regional CE is a complex and broad topic. Through the A2C model, we aim to simplify this complexity and provide a practical tool to help practitioners, public authorities, and stakeholders transition more effectively towards a circular economy. The Agro2Circular project has shown that transitioning to a CE requires more than a topdown approach; it demands a hybrid strategy involving both top-down interventions from public institutions and bottom-up activities from the relevant stakeholders. The multidimensional model and self-assessment tool created in this project consider these dynamics at both macro and micro levels, helping regions and cities align policies and actions with their unique circumstances. For regions and cities interested in advancing CE practices, developing a Circular Economy Action Plan (CEAP) is a critical first step, contingent on securing political support. This report and its accompanying tool serve as a foundation for conducting self-assessments to gauge readiness and guide the formulation of CEAPs. Decision-makers should clearly define the rationale and objectives for their policies and interventions. The A2C model provides a A2C – Deliverable D7.10v0.2 Page 15 І90 This project has received funding from the European Union’s Horizon 2020 research and innovation programme under grant agreement N° 101036838. Figure 3 A2C ToC A2C – Deliverable D7.10v0.2 Page 16 І90 This project has received funding from the European Union’s Horizon 2020 research and innovation programme under grant agreement N° 101036838. Step 2 - Initial diagnosis: Analysis of the Region of Murcia situation Based on the previous step, an in-depth analysis of the challenges and barriers for the adoption of the CE in the Region of Murcia per dimension was performed. The information was obtained analysing grey literature 1 . The key question to be answered during the research was “What is the current status of these dimensions with respect to the CE in the Murcia region?”. The findings of the analysis were collated in the form of a mind map (see Annex 2: Mind-map: grey literature results). Step 3 - Diagnosis validation After the initial diagnosis was completed, several factors influencing the adoption of the CE were identified for each dimension. To validate the results from the regional diagnosis in step 2 and the factors defined by A2C experts, various validation activities were conducted with the Regional Stakeholder Panel (please refer to D.7.1, D.7.2 & D.7.3 for more information on the Regional Stakeholder Panel). Firstly, a survey was conducted to assess the results of step 2 among the Regional Stakeholder Panel. Respondents were asked to rate the validity and relevance of the factors for adopting the CE identified in the previous step. The survey results were then analysed and formed the basis for the second validation activity: a workshop. This workshop, held in July 2023 and organised collaboratively by KVC and UVEG, with INFO as the host organisation, aimed to achieve two objectives. The first was to discuss the factors with higher discrepancies in validity, and the second was to evaluate whether the challenges and factors identified for the Region of Murcia were relevant for CE adoption in other regions. Step 4 - Model construction After analysing the results of the Regional Stakeholder Panel workshop, another workshop was held with the A2C project partners during a General Assembly meeting in October 2023. This workshop was aimed to reassess the validity and relevance of the identified factors. While the previous workshop focused on the Region of Murcia, this one utilised the 1 Grey literature stands for manifold document types produced on all levels of government, academics, business and industry in print and electronic formats that are protected by intellectual property rights, of sufficient quality to be collected and preserved by library holdings or institutional repositories, but not controlled by commercial publishers. Some examples of the consulted sources: (Plan municipal de empleo y promoción económica 2021-2023, 2020), (Informe del Mercado de Trabajo de Murcia. Datos 2021, 2022), (RIS4 REGIÓN DE MURCIA, 2022), (Estrategia de Economía Circular de la Región de Murcia 2023. Informe razonado de decisión sobre la consulta pública., 2018), (Francisca Sánchez Liarte & José M. Soriano Disla, 2020). A2C – Deliverable D7.10v1.0 Page 17 І90 consortium's transnational and multidisciplinary approach to broaden the scope of the results. Moreover, to ensure a European scope, a review of other projects and assessment tools was conducted. Some examples of the consulted resources include the CCRI-SelfAssessment Tool & “The Methodology for the implementation of a circular economy at the local and regional scale” (AIT et al., 2022), OECD (OECD, 2024), BioCircularCities webtool, FRONTSHIP, Circular Benchmark Tool, HOOP Bio-circularity label. These resources were used either as examples to establish certain model elements or to reshape the elements identified in other cases. Step 5 - New version of the model Drawing on the comprehensive information gathered from the diagnosis, survey, two workshops, and the analysis of existing projects and assessment tools, a new version of the model was defined. This updated model ensured that the elements within each dimension were clearly defined and fully applicable to various regions and cities. Step 6 - Validation with the European Stakeholder Panel In April 2024 another workshop was organised, but this time with the European Stakeholder Panel (please refer to D.7.1, D.7.2 & D.7.3 for more information). The aim of the workshop was to validate the relevance of the factors (framed in 8 dimensions) of the A2C circular model at regional level, enabling the transferability to other EU regions and the development of a self-assessment tool. During the workshop, the participants engaged in in-depth discussions and collaborative activities to assess the applicability of the identified factors in diverse regional contexts. The stakeholders, representing various sectors and expertise, provided valuable feedback and insights that were instrumental in refining the model. They highlighted practical considerations and regional nuances that needed to be addressed to enhance the model's effectiveness and adaptability. As a result of these collaborative efforts, new factors emerged, reflecting the diverse perspectives and experiences of the stakeholders. These additional factors were integrated into the model, leading to its final version. The enriched model, along with the developed self-assessment tool, was presented to the A2C partners too. Step 7 - Replication analysis This model will undergo further validation in two distinct environments to assess its replication capacity: A2C – Deliverable D7.10v1.0 Page 18 І90 1. Replication Cases: TECNOALIMENTI S.C.P.A. (TCA) and LIETUVOS PRAMONININKU KONFEDERACIJA (LPK) will utilise the model to develop their Circular Economy Action Plan (CEAP). 2. Workshop with AGRIFOOD European Clusters These activities correspond to Step 7, which will be implemented following the completion of the model and the self-assessment tool. The results of these activities will be included in deliverable “D.7.16. Report on potential for adoption and scale-up potential”, which will be submitted at the end of the project (March 2025). The final version of the A2C circular model and the self-assessment tool are designed to empower regions across the EU to evaluate and improve their CE practices. The selfassessment tool provides a systematic approach for regions to assess their current status and identify areas for improvement. This tool is expected to facilitate knowledge transfer, foster collaboration, and promote sustainable development across the European Union. A2C – Deliverable D7.10v1.0 Page 19 І90 4. Simplifying complexity: A2C Multidimensional Model In an era where environmental sustainability and economic resilience are paramount, regions and cities face the complex challenge of transitioning to a circular economy. This transition requires a multifaceted approach, addressing diverse dimensions within a territory such as environmental impact, socioeconomic factors, governance structures, policy frameworks, financial mechanisms, technological innovation, standardisation processes, and capacity building. To effectively manage and streamline this complexity, the A2C Multidimensional Model has been developed. Territorial approaches, which view landscapes as integrated systems of resources, actors, processes, and flows, are crucial for this transition. These approaches address the development of multiple sectors through the involvement of a variety of stakeholders and are structured by multilevel governance. Recognising the territorial dimension is increasingly important in European policy-making, particularly in sub-national areas such as urban, metropolitan, regional, or rural jurisdictions (European Territorial Trends Facts and Prospects for Cities and Regions, 2017). These frameworks align with the goals of the A2C Multidimensional Model, which seeks to enhance territorial readiness for the adoption of CE principles. The A2C Multidimensional Model is designed to provide a comprehensive and integrated framework for evaluating and enhancing the readiness of regions and cities to adopt CE principles. By breaking down the intricate components of the CE transition into eight distinct dimensions, the model offers a structured approach that simplifies the evaluation process while ensuring that no critical aspects are overlooked. This section delves into each of the eight dimensions of the A2C model, providing a detailed examination of the elements within. Environmental Dimension The elements considered in this dimension are intended to describe the territory’s metabolism and provide a baseline for transitioning to a CE. The factors included in the dimension are: A2C – Deliverable D7.10v1.0 Page 20 І90 1. Efficient waste and water management: the region/city has implemented infrastructures to increase the efficiency of waste and water management, fostering the effective and sustainable use of resources to minimise waste generation and optimise water usage, thereby promoting efficiency in resource use. 2. Waste valorisation channels: there are channels, and these channels are robust, that allow value to be extracted from waste materials by transforming them into useful products/raw materials within the region/city, thus closing and narrowing certain value chains. 3. Territorial exploitation level: CE requires the reasoned use of territorial resources and the control of circulation flows (extraction of resources, transportation of materials and waste) to ensure that the exploitation does not compromise the physical limits. 4. Land and biodiversity degradation processes: linear economy produces cumulative impacts on ecosystems and species diversity resulting from resource use, reducing the quality of ecosystem services they provide. These impacts can be mitigated reducing resource consumption (land, water), waste generation and emission that produce habitat degradation and biodiversity loss. 5. Climate change mitigation and adaptation measures: in the region/city, there are measures to assess and reduce the GHG emissions of the existing value chains. CE is an approach to promote sustainable use of resources and address environmental challenges. Waste generation is one of the consequences of the traditional linear production process followed in the last decades. The pattern of extraction of primary materials, production, consumption, and disposal, accelerated by economic development, has increased the amount of waste generated (Neves & Marques, 2022). Effective and efficient waste and water management systems are fundamental at regional and local levels. By implementing infrastructures that enhance resource use efficiency, waste generation and water usage can be minimised and optimised, creating a solid foundation for transitioning to a CE. Also, the presence of channels for waste valorisation indicates a region's capability to transform waste materials into valuable products or raw materials, making this process fundamental not only to close and narrow value chains but also as a key principle of resource recovery. Sustainable use of territorial resources is essential. Loss of yields due to degraded environment, pollution, droughts, heatwaves, floods and new pests come at a cost to farmers and fishers. But they are also costly for citizens as they increase food prices (Sustainable Use of Key Natural Resources - European Commission, 2024). Ensuring that resource extraction, transportation, and waste management do not exceed physical limits is crucial for maintaining the balance between resource use and environmental sustainability. Linked with avoiding territorial degradation, is the mitigation of land and biodiversity degradation. Addressing the cumulative impacts of a linear economy on ecosystems and biodiversity is vital. The current food sector is the principal driver of global biodiversity loss A2C – Deliverable D7.10v1.0 Page 21 І90 and a major contributor to climate change (Ellen MacArthur Foundation, 2021). By reducing resource consumption, waste generation, and emissions, regions can mitigate habitat degradation and biodiversity loss, thereby preserving ecosystem services and promoting environmental sustainability. Implementing measures to assess and reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions within existing value chains is critical for regions and cities to achieve the final goal of sustainability. These measures are essential for climate change mitigation and adaptation, which are integral components of a CE aimed to achieving long-term sustainability. Socioeconomic Dimension This dimension examines how economic stability, employment rates, income levels, social inclusion, education, and quality of life interact to support or hinder the transition to a CE. The factors considered are: 1. Business reinvention capacity: businesses are able to adopt and transform sustainably in response to the challenges and opportunities present in the region/city, with the aim of promoting local economic, social and environmental development framed on the adoption of the CE model. 2. Strength of the production ecosystem: overall robustness, efficiency, and resilience of a region’s or city's economic framework, driven by a diverse array of industries. It reflects the capacity of this ecosystem to sustain economic stability, foster innovation, and adapt to changes. 3. Professional and technical skills related to the CE: the regional/local labour force is proficient and ready to support and drive the transition from a traditional lineal economy to a CE. 4. Trust in the production system: confidence and reliance that regional or city stakeholders, including economic actors, communities, and institutions, have in the efficiency, fairness, and sustainability of the local economy and its industries. 5. Regional/local cultural aspects: beliefs, values, traditions, and behaviours of a specific geographic area that influence citizens attitudes and actions towards sustainable consumption, production, and waste management practices. 6. CE citizenship participation: active engagement and involvement of citizens in initiatives and campaigns aimed at advancing the goals of the CE. The social dimension of the CE is only starting to be explored (Valencia et al., 2023). It seems that the discourse on social aspects has been lacking or certainly less prevalent than environmental aspects. Therefore, in the A2C model, this dimension highlights the interplay of economic stability, employment, income levels, social inclusion, education, and quality of life in facilitating the transition to a CE. In a highly competitive world like the one we live in A2C – Deliverable D7.10v1.0 Page 22 І90 today, the ability of businesses to adapt and transform sustainably is vital. This capacity of reinvention helps promote local economic, social, and environmental development, aligned with the principles of the CE model. Moreover, and linked with the previous idea, a robust, efficient, and resilient economic framework, supported by a diverse range of industries, is essential for sustaining economic stability. Having a production ecosystem that fosters innovation and has the adaptability needed to support the transition to a CE is crucial to achieve the climate neutrality objective by 2050. Innovation is important, but a production system also relies on having the appropriate professional and technical skills to be truly robust. A skilled workforce is fundamental for driving the transition from a traditional linear economy to a CE, as it ensures that the necessary expertise and competencies are available to support sustainable practices. Circularity needs multi-actor collaboration. Thereby, the confidence that stakeholders - including economic actors, communities, and institutions - have in the efficiency, fairness, and sustainability of the regional/local economy and its industries is vital since high levels of trust facilitate cooperation and participation. Citizen participation and attitudes are what sustain change. The beliefs, values, traditions, and behaviours prevalent in a specific geographic area significantly impact citizens' attitudes and actions towards sustainable consumption, production, and waste management practices. Cultural aspects shape how communities perceive and engage with CE initiatives. That is why in the A2C model, the influence of regional/local cultural aspects is included as a factor to be considered. Changes of paradigm must be supported by citizens because their participation ensures the necessary behavioural shifts, legitimacy, and widespread adoption needed for effective and lasting transformation. Active engagement and involvement of citizens in CE initiatives and campaigns are critical for advancing CE goals. Citizen participation ensures that community members are not only aware of but also actively contributing to the transition to a CE, reinforcing the collective effort needed for sustainability. Governance Dimension The governance dimension refers to the presence and effectiveness of governance structures and mechanisms at various levels of government, as well as collaboration between stakeholders, to facilitate the transition towards a CE. This dimension encompasses the following factors: A2C – Deliverable D7.10v1.0 Page 23 І90 1. Promotion of CE culture and trust enhancement: strategic initiatives taken by regional or city governments to cultivate a cultural shift towards sustainable practices and build confidence among stakeholders in the CE. 2. Dialogue promotion in the decision-making process: dialogue promotion between the quintuple helix and representation of private actors in the decision-making process. 3. Existence and implementation of an effective multi-level governance: presence and successful operation of governance structures and mechanisms across multiple levels of government (avoiding working in silos), as well as collaboration between various stakeholders, to facilitate the transition towards a CE. 4. Adoption of a functional approach: strategic interventions designed to enhance the interconnectivity and collaboration within a territory, aiming to create synergies between urban and rural areas, foster community-based initiatives and identify opportunities for industrial and urban symbiosis. 5. Holistic regional systemic approach: strategy that orchestrates, facilitates, promotes, and enables the transition to a CE through a long-term vision and political commitment, encompassing the application of circular models within the government and clear objectives aligned with CE goals. As stated by one of the participants at the European Stakeholder Panel workshop held in April 2024, “it's much easier to change professional skills than cultural aspects”. Accordingly, the A2C model, as discussed and reviewed in the literature (Kevin van Langen et al., 2021), suggests that effective governance requires the implementation of strategic initiatives at the regional or city government level. This is the objective of fostering a cultural shift towards sustainable practices and the establishment of trust among stakeholders. It is therefore evident that a cultural and trust-building effort is essential for the attainment of widespread support and participation in CE initiatives. The concept of building trust is closely linked with the promotion of dialogue between diverse stakeholders, including private actors in the decision-making process. This inclusive approach ensures that different perspectives are considered, leading to more comprehensive and accepted CE policies. To effectively build a circular economy, it is necessary to engage in innovative policyplanning with a holistic and systemic perspective. The transition towards a CE must imply active cooperation between different stakeholders, as well as the integration of various policy interventions that will not rely on “silver bullet” solutions or classical work frames of a single organisation (Giraldo Nohra et al., 2020). Avoiding siloed operations and promoting collaboration between stakeholders at different governmental levels enhances the effectiveness of CE initiatives. Therefore, a region or city that aims to be circular must seek these types of governance structures and mechanisms across various levels of government. In addition, as a region, territorial interconnectivity and cooperation are key, with the aim of creating synergies between urban and rural areas, supporting community-based initiatives A2C – Deliverable D7.10v1.0 Page 24 І90 and identifying opportunities for industrial and urban symbiosis. All these elements are essential to maximise resource efficiency, support local innovation and promote mutually beneficial relationships. Neither of the above elements can be achieved without a long-term vision and political commitment. This approach involves orchestrating, promoting, and enabling CE through the application of circular models within the government and setting clear, aligned objectives with CE goals. Policy & Regulatory Dimension This dimension encompasses the development, implementation, and enforcement of policies, laws, and regulations that promote sustainable practices, resource efficiency, and the reduction of waste, concretely the following factors have been considered: 1. Circular Economy Action Plan (CEAP) 2 : existence/publication of a Circular Economy Action Plan (CEAP) and/or strategy in the region/city. 2. Regulatory instruments adapted: policies, laws, and regulations implemented at the regional/local level are designed and adapted to support and accelerate the shift towards circular economic practices. 3. Secondary raw materials market: a market created through regulations and standards that certify recycled materials and valorise waste, ensuring these materials meet specific criteria such as purity, absence of contaminants, and compliance with environmental and safety standards, following the EU green taxonomy. 4. Effective implementation of the existing legislation: the regional/local authority effectively (legislation is not only implemented but also enforced in a way that achieves the desired outcomes) implements the existing legislation (EU/national/regional level) and avoids excessive bureaucracy. A CEAP is a strategic document defining the roadmap and the action agenda to move towards circular systems. Given the great variety of territorial contexts and priorities that characterise cities and regions, the design of CEAPs is place-based and includes circular solutions that respond to local ambitions and challenges (AIT et al., 2022). Therefore, the existence and publication of this type of strategic document in a region or city is crucial for achieving circularity, as such plans provide a clear framework and set specific targets for 2 A strategic document for the implementation of the circular economy in a city, region or territorial cluster. A CEAP should identify key actors and drivers of the transition to circularity and analyse the economic, social and environmental benefits and challenges related to its implementation. A CEAP should also consider regulatory obstacles and drivers, and provide policy recommendations. Furthermore, it should analyse the effectiveness of financial schemes for territorial solutions. Ultimately, a CEAP defines the roadmap and the action agenda to move towards circular systems. A CEAP can include several Circular Systemic Solutions. A CEAP can be based on a local/regional strategy on a circular economy or include strategic elements itself. A2C – Deliverable D7.10v1.0 Page 31 І90 • Element definition: Each element includes a definition that clarifies its meaning according to the A2C model. • Hints: A non-exhaustive list of hints is provided, highlighting aspects or characteristics to be considered in for each concrete element. • Likert scale: A Likert scale is provided, which allows the assessment of the status of the element in the region/city. • Self-Assessment Reflection: A section for self-assessment reflection is proposed, addressing potential barriers, drivers, and actions to enhance the region’s or city's readiness for adopting a CE. The model consists of 33 elements spread across eight dimensions, making it challenging to evaluate the results comprehensively when done manually. Transforming this model into an online questionnaire aims to address this issue by providing a clear and accessible visual representation of the key enhancement elements that the region or city needs to consider. This digital approach not only simplifies the evaluation process but also allows for easier data collection, analysis, and interpretation compared to the traditional paper-based method. By presenting the information visually, stakeholders can more quickly identify areas requiring attention and make informed decisions to drive regional or city improvements. Figure 5 is the visual representation of how the results are envisaged to be presented. The results will be displayed in a spider-net graph, clearly highlighting the items that require improvement or further reflection. In the example displayed, the “Territorial exploitation level” element and the “Land degradation process” element needs measures for improvement, while the element “waste valorisation channels” was rated with the highest score, meaning that its performance is highly effective. A2C – Deliverable D7.10v1.0 Page 32 І90 Figure 5 Environmental dimension: proposed visual display of the results While further work is required, the questionnaire presented in this deliverable is already a valuable tool for conducting a self-reflection on the regional/city level regarding preparedness for the adoption of CE. The objective is to establish a foundation for constructive dialogue that will facilitate Europe's transition to a CE. A2C – Deliverable D7.10v1.0 Page 33 І90 6 Strategic Policy Recommendations In this section, we outline the essential role that strategic policies play in driving the transition to a CE at the regional and city levels. The complexity of implementing CE principles requires a well-structured approach that can effectively address the multifaceted challenges of environmental sustainability, economic resilience, and social equity. Strategic policies serve as the foundation for creating a coherent and integrated framework that guides decision-making processes, resource allocation, and stakeholder engagement. As Scarpellini et al., (2019), have observed, the contribution of local and regional authorities is of paramount importance in the introduction of and transition to a CE. In order to achieve this, it is essential that the CE is translated into environmental regional planning, with the development and implementation of plans and strategies such as a CEAP. However, this transition does not depend solely on a top-down approach. At the macro level, a hybrid approach is necessary, driven by both top-down public institution interventions and bottomup industry activities. The Agro2Circular project considers both macro and micro levels in its solution, which is why it is so effective. Therefore, the advancement towards a CE in a specific territory is contingent upon a multitude of factors, including its industrial structure, regional business, level of innovation, and legislative profile at the regional and local level. The crucial role of regional authorities in initiating and promoting the CE implementation, is to establish the framework conditions or to directly encourage local and regional actors (Arsova et al., 2022). The transition towards a CE requires both the support of the government via top-down policy instruments (e.g. subsidies and tax incentives) and encouragement from the bottom in response to changing social preferences. The foundation of the policies should be on a flexible and innovative governance model able to consider new structures of rules and actors capable of combining top-down and bottomup processes (Giraldo Nohra et al., 2020). Thus, when developing macro-level CE policies, a systematic and ample understanding of the multifaceted relationships between the different systems (natural, social, and economic) must be ensured (Arsova et al., 2022). The Agro2Circular self-assessment tool is intended to guide policy makers in the understanding of this multifaceted relationships between the different systems, represented in the eight model dimensions. The implementation of a regional CE is influenced by a number of factors, both facilitating and impeding its progress. Among the most common obstacles are a lack of policies, A2C – Deliverable D7.10v1.0 Page 34 І90 regulations, funding, and awareness. Even when CE practices are technically feasible, cultural barriers and economic constraints impede their adoption. The institutional environment can act as both a driver and a barrier, contingent on whether it provides support or hindrance to the transition (Arsova et al., 2022). Key factors for a successful shift toward CE include the proximity of knowledge of material flows, the maturity and diversity of market networks, and established patterns of cooperation within the region. The strategic policy recommendations presented in Table 1 are designed to be adaptable, recognised that each region and city has unique characteristics and challenges. These recommendations are based on a comprehensive analysis of the eight model dimensions and on the results of the A2C project (Sub-Task 7.5.2, Sub-Task 7.5.3, Sub-Task 7.5.4) and Arsova et al., (2022) research. The recommendations are complemented with barriers and drivers of the different dimensions of the model. A2C – Deliverable D7.10v0.2 Page 35 І90 This project has received funding from the European Union’s Horizon 2020 research and innovation programme under grant agreement N° 101036838. Table 1 Drivers, barriers and recommendations of the A2C model 5 DIMENSION DRIVERS BARRIERS RECOMMENDATIONS Environmental dimension Environmental impact assessments and risk mitigation plans. Regional waste-interchange systems. Environmental challenges (pollution, slow ecosystem renewal, urban resource depletion). Lack of CE monitoring tools for effective policy implementation in EU regions. 1. Implement a deposit-refund system for PET bottles to reduce pollution and support the rPET market. 2. Develop and enforce comprehensive land use plans and environmental impact assessments to guide sustainable development. 3. Strengthen waste management policies, including the establishment of integrated and decentralised water and waste infrastructures. 4. Create permanent working and coordination groups for by-products, with a regional register to facilitate reuse and recycling efforts. 5. Promote product lifetime extension through design for longevity and maintenance of durable goods, reducing waste generation. 6. Transition to biomass-based energy and enhance postseparation facilities to improve recycling rates. Socioeconomic dimension Policies in favour of key national clusters. Awareness raising campaign and education tools. Better collaboration between companies. Mimetic pressure (exerted by imitating behavior that others have perceived as similar). Subsidised training plans for employees. Low consumer interest and awareness, prevailing values and norms, and a hesitant company culture operating within a linear system hinder CE adoption. Uncertainty about resource value, weak economic incentives, high costs (including pollution management and land value), and reliance on private funding make CE practices less viable. 1. Conduct comprehensive information and awareness campaigns, including education on prevention and reuse, to foster a new civic consciousness around the CE. 2. Utilise gamification and innovative communication strategies to integrate CE into residents' daily lives and promote active participation. 3. Establish a permanent forum aligned with national efforts to continuously spread CE culture and best practices. 4. Support initiatives that focus on employment opportunities and the creation of new businesses within the CE sector, particularly involving individuals with limited access to the labour market. 5 Own elaboration by the authors based on Arsova et al., (2022) A2C – Deliverable D7.10v1.0 Page 36 І90 DIMENSION DRIVERS BARRIERS RECOMMENDATIONS Lack of internal competencies, commitment, and willingness to collaborate within value chains. Price increases are not wellreceived by consumers, further complicating the transition to a CE. 5. Implement training programs and disseminate information on the environmental, economic, and social impacts of CE practices to enhance community engagement and understanding. Governance dimension Institutional environment. Bottom-up approach to policy development. Multi-stakeholder platforms. Enhancement of policy communication and enforcement. Fragmented governance, lack of cross-sector alliances, limited institutional capabilities, and absence of trust and commitment among local stakeholders and civil society hinder effective CE implementation. The influence of neoliberalism, clashing political priorities, and the need for long-term political support, combined with a lack of a unified policy approach, obstruct CE progress. Deficiencies in data availability, quality, and trust, along with information transfer issues, weaken decision-making and stakeholder confidence in CE initiatives. Limited interest from shareholders and stakeholders reduces momentum for CE adoption. 1. Implement participatory governance models and tools to enhance stakeholder involvement in CE initiatives. 2. Activate public-private partnerships focused on waste prevention and recovery across various economic sectors. 3. Establish information-sharing platforms to improve communication and collaboration among businesses (knowledge exchange, supply chain improvements, and integration of regional bioeconomies). 4. Create regional forums on CE to bring together diverse stakeholders and foster dialogue and cooperation. 5. Develop policy strategies that promote multi-level governance initiatives, utilising regional policy instruments like the ERDF to align regional strategies with CE goals and boost participation in circular businesses. Policy & regulatory dimension EU Directives. EU Action Plan for the CE. CEAP Scaling up public procurement for adaptive reuse. Administrative and tributary simplification for the green companies. Lack of strategic plan about the subject. Regulatory (absence of supportive framework, emerging models for looped resources, need of multilevel regulatory framework). Poor enforceability of legislation. Regulatory (obstructing laws and regulations, lack of global 1. Restructure public procurement to prioritise products and services that meet CE environmental standards, including incentives in contracts to enhance project life cycles. 2. Implement market-based incentives, such as tax reductions for donating used goods, reduced VAT for repair services, and subsidies to support CE initiatives. 3. Simplify and clarify the legislative framework for CE, including regulation of by-products and end-of-waste A2C – Deliverable D7.10v1.0 Page 37 І90 DIMENSION DRIVERS BARRIERS RECOMMENDATIONS Green purchasing from public bodies. Coercive pressure (exerted by laws and based on a system of rules, sanctions, and rewards). consensus, limited circular procurement). criteria, measures against planned obsolescence, and ensuring spare parts availability. 4. Apply eco-taxes, such as bonus-malus and an ecodistance model for raw material usage, to promote recycling and the use of secondary materials. 5. Align policies with the EU’s Ecodesign Directive, integrate CE principles into spatial planning and all relevant policy areas, and ensure a homogeneous regional legislative framework to support regional collaboration programs. 6. Provide tax exemptions and loan facilities to recycling facilities to boost their development and capacity. 7. Promote pay-as-you-throw systems to discourage waste disposal and encourage recycling and waste reduction. Funding & financial dimension6 EU Funding and Grants. Support coming from Development Banks. National public funding and special budget. Conflict with other investments propriety. Difficulty to participate in public funding calls. Economic/financial/ market barriers related to lack of financial support for activities related to CE transition. Large capital requirements, significant transaction costs, high initial costs, asymmetric information, uncertain return and profit. 1. Finance the development of new industrial recycling infrastructure to enhance recycling capacity and efficiency. 2. Provide public funding, subsidies, and financial incentives to support CE initiatives and drive the transition to a circular economy. 3. Create new financial instruments tailored for both public administration and businesses to facilitate CE projects and investments. 4. Ensure access to adequate financial resources by establishing special funds, risk-sharing mechanisms, and financial advisory services to support CE initiatives. 5. Enhance the focus on CE-related topics in regional funding calls, particularly those based on ERDF instruments, and encourage cross-sectoral project proposals. Technology, research & Heritage priorities for smart specialisation.7 Academic spin off enterprises. High costs associated with adapting processes and products, increased operational expenses, 1. Foster eco-design through targeted training activities and financial incentives to encourage sustainable product development. 6 For more information regarding Funding & Financial recommendations please refer to deliverable D.7.15 7 Smart specialisation is a place-based policy approach aiming to boost Europe’s innovative potenital by enabling each region to identify and develop its own competitive advantages. A2C – Deliverable D7.10v1.0 Page 38 І90 DIMENSION DRIVERS BARRIERS RECOMMENDATIONS innovation dimension and R&D investments hinder CE adoption. Shortage of advanced technology, technical limitations, and lack of support and training prevent effective implementation of CE practices. Limited dissemination of circular design methods, a lag between design and technology diffusion, and insufficient large-scale demonstration projects slow down progress. Lack of data on impacts and challenges in delivering highquality remanufactured products pose additional obstacles to technological advancement in CE. 2. Synchronise data collection across national and independent consortia and utilise advanced information technologies, such as remote sensors and AI-powered smart recycling, to monitor and optimise environmental compliance, waste management and end of waste status, and resource efficiency. 3. Stimulate innovation in product chains and CE entrepreneurship by providing funding, launching challenges, and allocating resources for living labs that test and develop new CE solutions. 4. Implement pilot projects within critical regional value chains to explore and refine CE practices, leveraging synergies with other funding instruments. 5. Promote changes in industrial fabrication, support the development of green patents, and encourage the growth of high-tech and clean technology industries through dedicated programs and incentives. 6. Foster the use of traceability tools/ digital passports in industry in order to achieve a full value chain visibility. Standardisation dimension Certification of products and/or companies. Lack of standards for actions. Difficulties to achieve volume and standards requirements for recycling materials. 1. New labels for reusing secondary raw materials in certified building or CE projects 2. Harmonised certification schemes to support/prove/verify the statements of sustainability of new products and processes. Capacity building dimension CE based skills available. Lack of trained specialised personnel. 1. Enhance the creation of knowledge exchange and learning networks on CE. 2. Support educational programmes to train scholars in CE at all educational levels. 3. Training and education: training activities aimed at different target groups (students, enterprises, public institutions) to create new knowledge and a cultural background favourable to the CE ranging from low qualified to high qualified workers. A2C – Deliverable D7.10v0.2 Page 39 І90 This project has received funding from the European Union’s Horizon 2020 research and innovation programme under grant agreement N° 101036838. 7 Conclusions Transitioning to a circular economy requires a full systemic change, implying changes throughout value chains, from design to new business & market models, from new ways of treating waste to new modes of consumer behaviour, and innovation not only in technologies, but also in organisation, society, finance methods, and policies. A2C addresses this challenge going beyond traditional waste management, through a multidimensional approach, with a strong focus on public engagement and co-creation, including citizens and all relevant stakeholders in the process towards circularity. A2C addresses systematically all the factors hampering the implementation of circular solutions through the analysis of eight dimensions composed of elements, considered key enablers to achieve a CE. As detailed in the deliverable, one of the primary objectives of the project was to equip A2C with a systematic approach and the requisite tools for achieving circularity and territorial deployment, replication, and scalability; this is the raison d'être of the multidimensional model and the self-assessment tool (SAT). A2C project has been designed to boost the territorial development of circular solutions by providing tools and knowledge about how to implement these solutions. The project activities related to this task (T.7.5) and deliverable (D.7.10) have been focused on systematically identifying, analysing and addressing, through a multidimensional approach and involving all relevant actors, the needs and barriers hampering the development of circular solutions, delivering the A2C multidimensional model. The A2C model and the A2C SAT will significantly contribute to the more effective development of circular solutions by facilitating knowledge transfer between territorial clusters. It provides a comprehensive framework that identifies the critical dimensions and elements necessary for a region/city to become circular, specifically tailored to the agrifood industry. By utilising the A2C SAT, regions and cities can assess their readiness and identify gaps in their circular economy initiatives, enabling them to pinpoint areas for improvement. This process encourages the exchange of best practices, insights, and strategies among different clusters, fostering collaboration and learning. As a result, territorial clusters can adapt successful circular A2C – Deliverable D7.10v1.0 Page 40 І90 solutions to their unique contexts, accelerating the adoption of circular economy principles and driving sustainable development across regions/ cities. Throughout the process, a number of limitations and challenges have been encountered, both in terms of the model and the A2C SAT: - Model limitations o Context Specificity: The A2C model is tailored specifically to the agrifood industry and focused on two value chains: plastic and food. This focus may request slight adaptations to other sectors or industries that have different dynamics and requirements for circularity. o The characterisation of the dimensions by the elements defined may not be exhaustive, but it is representative: the elements included in each dimension do not represent the totality or the whole elements that could be considered. CE is a broad concept, and, in each dimension, additional elements could be included. However, for the sake of simplicity and thoroughness, the elements included were chosen after a process framed on the A2C needs. o Complexity in Implementation: With eight dimensions covering a wide range of aspects, the model's implementation might be complex and resource intensive. Regions or cities with limited resources and limited skills/ expertise may find it challenging to fully implement and benefit from the model. o Scalability Challenges: While the model aims to enable scalability, the diverse socioeconomic and regulatory environments across different regions may pose challenges. - A2C SAT limitations o The tool relies on self-assessments, which are inherently subjective. Individuals' perceptions and interpretations can vary widely, leading to inconsistencies in responses. While experts and stakeholders analysis are essential and very valuable when contributing to complex transformation processes, the subjectivity bias should be taken into consideration and counterbalance by ensuring a wide representation of responders. o The quality and availability of data can vary significantly across different regions or cities. In areas with robust data collection systems, the tool can provide more accurate and reliable insights, whereas in territories with poorer data collection mechanisms the results obtained using the A2C SAT may not be fully useful or incomplete, which should be taking into account. o The use of the Likert scale for responses introduces potential biases, such as central tendency bias, where respondents may avoid extreme responses and choose more neutral options. However, the design of each item and its graduation along the potential range of realities contributes to mitigate the impact of these bias while enabling a wide representation or responses. o Different regions or cities may have unique cultural and contextual factors that influence how respondents perceive and respond to the questionnaire. It must be taken into account that the aim of the A2C SAT is not to compare between regions but rather to serve as a roadmap in the detection of improvement areas of the CE in the territory and the design of CEAP. A2C – Deliverable D7.10v1.0 Page 47 І90 Barriers/ Challenges Enablers/ Facilitators Haga clic o pulse aquí para escribir texto. Haga clic o pulse aquí para escribir texto. Measures to overcome the barriers/ challenges and actions to enhance enablers/facilitators Haga clic o pulse aquí para escribir texto. Waste valorisation channels. HINT Which factors could foster waste valorisation channels?: • There is an understanding of the waste produced in regional/local agrifood value chains and the existing gaps to close or narrow these value chains; • There are channels to valorise waste in the community (as fertilisers, animal feedstock, compost for local gardening) and their performance and adaptability is maintained n the face of disruptions, fluctuations, or unforeseen challenges; • The waste used as feedstock (agrifood, plastic, etc) maintains a stable presence, and is consistently accessible throughout all seasons and territory, ensuring reliable availability within value chains. Based on your knowledge of your region/city, please rate each statement using the scale provided. This will help assess the waste valorisation channels status in your region/city. 1 High improvement is needed: There is a significant lack of understanding and infrastructure for managing waste from agrifood value chains (lack of information on gaps to be covered by valorisation channels). Waste valorisation channels are either absent or highly unreliable, making it difficult to convert waste into valuable products like fertilisers or compost. These channels are vulnerable to fluctuations in waste quantity, quality, and external conditions. ☐ 2 Improvement is needed: There is partial understanding of waste from feedstock value chains, but efforts to convert waste into useful products are limited and often ineffective under changing conditions. Existing waste valorisation channels are operational but inconsistent, lacking adaptability and resilience to shifts in demand, seasonal variations, or logistical challenges. ☐ 3 Neutral: There are some channels for valorisation at the community level or to produce bioproducts (bioplastics, biochemicals), but they are limited to certain wastes and feedstocks and are not consistently accessible throughout the year or the regional territory (due to the seasonality of crops/crops and because there are areas specialising in certain crops, which makes it difficult to exploit them). Their robustness is moderate—they function well under normal circumstances but struggle with disruptions or changes in supply and demand. ☐ 4 Effective valorisation channels: There is good understanding of feedstock waste, with effective measures to convert it into valuable products like fertilisers or compost. Waste valorisation channels are well-established and significantly support local sustainability. These channels are resilient and adaptable, able to handle variations in waste supply and environmental or economic conditions, consistently supporting local sustainability efforts. ☐ 5 Highly effective valorisation channels: There is comprehensive understanding of agrifood waste, with optimised strategies to convert it into valuable products like fertilisers or compost. Highly effective waste valorisation channels are robust, resilient, and operate consistently regardless external changes, leading the region/city to have consistent and ☐ A2C – Deliverable D7.10v1.0 Page 48 І90 reliable availability of agrifood waste and a wide range of synergies operating, closing or narrowing value chains. Self-reflection exercise: based on your previous answer, complete the following box in order to improve your region's/city's readiness to adopt Circular Economy practices concerning waste valorisation channels. Barriers/ Challenges Enablers/ Facilitators Haga clic o pulse aquí para escribir texto. Haga clic o pulse aquí para escribir texto. Measures to overcome the barriers/ challenges and actions to enhance enablers/facilitators Haga clic o pulse aquí para escribir texto. Territorial exploitation level. HINT Factors that can determine territorial exploitation level according to the A2C model: • The territorial exploitation is planned for optimising what is produced and redistributing surplus goods/outputs; • There are measures to reduce pressure related to expansion of farmland, resource use (irrigation water, nutrient extraction, fossil raw materials, fertilisers, pesticides...) and waste deposition (water and soil pollution issues); • The territorial planning of the region/city enables to satisfy raw materials demand through upcycled/valorised wastes (accessibility of resources and technologies, connectivity infrastructure, etc). Based on your knowledge of your region/city and the provided definitions, please rate each statement using the scale provided. This will help assess the territorial exploitation level in your region/city for the environmental dimension of a multidimensional model. 1 High improvement is needed: The region/city faces significant challenges optimising the production and satisfying the demand for secondary raw materials. ☐ 2 Improvement is needed: While the region/city partially meets resource demands, inconsistent production planning and limited waste valorisation hinder efficiency and sustainability. ☐ 3 Neutral: There are enough resources and infrastructures, and these are well planned to satisfy the demand of feedstock (water, nutrients, secondary raw materials), with moderate effectiveness in surplus product management and waste valorisation processes. ☐ 4 Good implementation: Recycled and upcycled materials contribute to satisfy a significant rate of raw materials demand, but limited to certain products due to logistical challenges ☐ 5 Excellent implementation: Recycled and upcycled materials contribute to satisfy a significant rate of raw materials demand throughout the regional territory, and territorial exploitation is planned for optimising what is produced and redistributing surplus goods/outputs ☐ A2C – Deliverable D7.10v1.0 Page 49 І90 Self-reflection exercise: based on your previous answer, complete the following box in order to improve your region's/city's readiness to adopt Circular Economy practices concerning territorial exploitation level. Barriers/ Challenges Enablers/ Facilitators Haga clic o pulse aquí para escribir texto. Haga clic o pulse aquí para escribir texto. Measures to overcome the barriers/ challenges and actions to enhance enablers/facilitators Haga clic o pulse aquí para escribir texto. Land and biodiversity degradation processes. HINT Factors that can determine land and biodiversity degradation according to the A2C model: • Implementation of regenerative practices (agroforestry, crop rotation, integrated croplivestock practices, etc.) to increase the return of nutrients to the ecosystem and preserve biodiversity; • Existence of initiatives to increase material efficiency and cascade use of resources, reducing the need of land transformation and preserving biodiversity and biogeochemical cycles; • Implementation of land renaturalisation practices. Based on your knowledge of your region/city, please select the paragraph that best describes the status of land and biodiversity degradation processes in your region/city according to the following statements: 1 High degradation: The region/city faces significant impacts on habitats and biodiversity due to overexploitation of resources, pollution and lack of implementation of regenerative practices (high-quality compost use, crop rotations, integrated management). Efforts to increase material efficiency and renaturalisation initiatives are lacking, intensifying ecosystem degradation and stress on species. ☐ 2 Moderate degradation: The region/city has developed measures to increase material use efficiency and cascade use of resources to prevent transformation of natural lands and protect biodiversity. Moreover, some regenerative practices are put in practice to increase the return of nutrients to the ecosystem. Initiatives for land renaturalisation have been put in place but are incomplete. ☐ 3 Neutral: The region/city manages land and biodiversity through land planning, measures to increase resource efficiency, and regenerative practices to return nutrients and preserve soil health, although ecosystem degradation still occurs in some locations. Several renaturalisation efforts contribute positively to recover ecosystem health and species preservation. ☐ 4 Low degradation: The region/city efficiently applies land planning, measures to increase resource efficiency, and regenerative practices to return nutrients and preserve soil health, diminishing ecosystem degradation in most of the territory. There is a high number of renaturalisation initiatives that contribute positively to recover ecosystem health and species preservation. ☐ 5 Very low degradation: Habitats and biodiversity are excellently managed, through comprehensive land planning and material efficiency initiatives that minimise conflicts between anthropized and natural areas and reduce land transformation pressures. ☐ A2C – Deliverable D7.10v1.0 Page 50 І90 Optimised regenerative practices (i.e. high-quality compost use) sustain nutrient cycles and biodiversity. Extensive renaturalisation efforts enhance ecosystem resilience and biodiversity conservation. Self-reflection exercise: based on your previous answer, complete the following box in order to improve your region's/city's readiness to adopt Circular Economy practices concerning land and biodiversity degradation processes. Barriers/ Challenges Enablers/ Facilitators Haga clic o pulse aquí para escribir texto. Haga clic o pulse aquí para escribir texto. Measures to overcome the barriers/ challenges and actions to enhance enablers/facilitators Haga clic o pulse aquí para escribir texto. Climate change mitigation and adaptation measures. HINT Factors that can determine climate change mitigation and adaptation measures according to the A2C model: • Reduction of GHG emission from the substitution of virgin material with waste valorisation feedstocks; • Mitigation of GHG emissions reducing waste ending in open dumps, landfills and incineration; • Availability of infrastructures to reduce GHG emissions through renewable energy mixes - among others. Based on your knowledge of your region/city and the provided definitions, please select the paragraph that best describes the status of the climate change mitigation and adaptation process in your region/city: 1 High improvement is needed: Climate change mitigation and adaptation measures are minimally implemented (i.e. implementation of LCA and carbon footprint assessments in agrifood industry processes is lacking). There is limited substitution of virgin materials with waste valorisation feedstocks, resulting in large greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from industrial processes. Waste management practices still contribute significantly to GHG emissions through open dumps, landfills, and incineration. Renewable energy infrastructure is insufficient, hindering substantial reductions in GHG emissions. ☐ 2 Improvement is needed: Efforts towards climate change mitigation and adaptation are underway, but significant improvements are necessary. Some industries have started substituting virgin materials with waste valorisation feedstocks, though these practices are not widespread. Measures to reduce GHG emissions from waste management are inconsistent. Limited adoption of renewable energy sources further limits progress in GHG reduction. ☐ 3 Neutral: The region/city is moderately engaged in climate change mitigation and adaptation. Industries are increasingly substituting virgin materials with waste valorisation feedstocks, contributing to moderate reductions in GHG emissions. Efforts to manage waste and reduce emissions are progressing, although there is ☐ A2C – Deliverable D7.10v1.0 Page 51 І90 room for improvement. Infrastructure for renewable energy is developing, covering a significant portion of the region's energy demand. 4 Good implementation: Climate change mitigation and adaptation measures are well-implemented. Substitution of virgin materials with waste valorisation feedstocks is widespread across industries, significantly reducing GHG emissions. Effective waste management practices have reduced emissions from open dumps, landfills, and incineration. Robust infrastructure supports renewable energy sources, covering a substantial majority of the region's energy demand and further reducing GHG emissions. ☐ 5 Excellent implementation: The region/city excels in climate change mitigation and adaptation efforts. Comprehensive measures have substituted virgin materials with waste valorisation feedstocks throughout value chains, resulting in minimal GHG emissions. Advanced waste management practices have virtually eliminated emissions from open dumps, landfills, and incineration. Extensive infrastructure supports renewable energy sources, meeting all or nearly all of the region's energy demand sustainably. ☐ Self-reflection exercise: based on your previous answer, complete the following box in order to improve your region's/city's readiness to adopt Circular Economy practices concerning climate change mitigation and adaptation measures. Barriers/ Challenges Enablers/ Facilitators Haga clic o pulse aquí para escribir texto. Haga clic o pulse aquí para escribir texto. Measures to overcome the barriers/ challenges and actions to enhance enablers/facilitators Haga clic o pulse aquí para escribir texto. SOCIOECONOMIC DIMENSION Business reinvention capacity. HINT Which elements could configure or enhance business reinvention capacity?: • Existence of new circular business models in the regional/local productive system i.e. circular supply models, collaborative consumption, service system model...; • Regional/local enterprises corporate/business culture is aligned with sustainability principles and a Circular Economy vision; • Existence of structures that facilitate coordination between industry, academia, finance and citizens for circular solutions. Based on your knowledge of your region/city, assess your region/city's capacity for business reinvention according to the following statements: 1 High improvement is needed: Businesses are not able to adopt and transform sustainably in response to the challenges and opportunities. ☐ A2C – Deliverable D7.10v1.0 Page 52 І90 2 Improvement is needed: Businesses have some difficulty in adopting and transforming sustainably in response to the regional/local challenges and opportunities. ☐ 3 Neutral business reinvention capacity: Businesses are somewhat able to adopt and transform sustainably in response to the regional/local challenges and opportunities, but not consistently ☐ 4 Weak business reinvention capacity: Businesses are generally able to adopt and transform sustainably in response to the challenges and opportunities in the region/city. ☐ 5 Strong business reinvention capacity: Businesses are highly capable of adopting and transforming sustainably in response to the challenges and opportunities present in the region/city, actively promoting local economic, social, and environmental development. ☐ Self-reflection exercise: based on your previous answer, complete the following box in order to improve your region's/city's readiness to adopt Circular Economy practices concerning business reinvention capacity. Barriers/ Challenges Enablers/ Facilitators Haga clic o pulse aquí para escribir texto. Haga clic o pulse aquí para escribir texto. Measures to overcome the barriers/ challenges and actions to enhance enablers/facilitators Haga clic o pulse aquí para escribir texto. Strength of the Productive Ecosystem. HINT Which elements could shape or enhance the strength of the productive system focusing on industrial diversity?: • Public-private agreements are in place to governance industrial clusters (if any); • There are active collaborative projects between industry, academia, and government aimed at fostering sustainability and Circular Economy practices; • Industry actors are members and actively participate in regional industry associations focused on sustainability and Circular Economy. Strategic alliances and participation in innovation ecosystems are fostered; • The region ensures an excellent infrastructure for its industries and consistently secure access to resources, ensuring highly efficient operations at all times. Based on your knowledge of your region/city, assess your region/city's productive ecosystem strength according to the following statements: 1 High improvement is needed: There is very low diversity of industries, leading to significant vulnerability and instability in the productive system. ☐ 2 Improvement is needed: There is limited diversity of industries, resulting in moderate vulnerability and less resilience in the productive system. ☐ 3 Neutral productive ecosystem strength and resilience: There is an average diversity of industries, providing a balanced level of stability and resilience in the productive system. ☐ 4 Weak productive ecosystem strength and resilience: There is considerable diversity of industries, contributing to a strong and resilient productive system. ☐ A2C – Deliverable D7.10v1.0 Page 53 І90 5 Strong productive ecosystem strength and resilience: There is very high diversity of industries, resulting in an exceptionally robust and highly resilient productive system. ☐ Self-reflection exercise: based on your previous answer, complete the following box in order to improve your region's/city's readiness to adopt Circular Economy practices concerning the strength of the Productive Ecosystem. Barriers/ Challenges Enablers/ Facilitators Haga clic o pulse aquí para escribir texto. Haga clic o pulse aquí para escribir texto. Measures to overcome the barriers/ challenges and actions to enhance enablers/facilitators Haga clic o pulse aquí para escribir texto. Professional and technical skills related to the Circular Economy. HINT Which elements could configure or enhance the readiness of the labour force to support and drive the transition to a Circular Economy: • Availability of qualified technical personnel. • Labour supply and demand for profiles related to Circular Economy and sustainability are in balance. Based on your knowledge of your region/city, assess your region/city's labour force professional & technical skills according to the following statements: 1 High improvement is needed: There is a significant shortage of qualified technical personnel to support the transition from a linear to a Circular Economy. ☐ 2 Improvement is needed: There is limited availability of qualified technical personnel to support the transition from a linear to a Circular Economy. ☐ 3 Neutral readiness of the labour force: There is an average availability of qualified technical personnel to support the transition from a linear to a Circular Economy. ☐ 4 Weak readiness of the labour force: There is good availability of qualified technical personnel to support the transition from a linear to a Circular Economy. ☐ 5 Strong readiness of the labour force: There is an excellent availability of qualified technical personnel to support the transition from a linear to a Circular Economy. ☐ Self-reflection exercise: based on your previous answer, complete the following box in order to improve your region's/city's readiness to adopt Circular Economy practices concerning the professional and technical skills related to the Circular Economy. Barriers/ Challenges Enablers/ Facilitators Haga clic o pulse aquí para escribir texto. Haga clic o pulse aquí para escribir texto. Measures to overcome the barriers/ challenges and actions to enhance enablers/facilitators Haga clic o pulse aquí para escribir texto. A2C – Deliverable D7.10v1.0 Page 54 І90 Trust in the productive system. HINT Which elements could configure or enhance the trust in the productive system in a region/city?: • Economic actors’ beliefs and expectations about the future of the region and the transition to a Circular Economy are positive; • Regional/local institutions are transparent and accountable for their actions and decisions. Based on your knowledge of your region/city, assess your region/city's labour force professional & technical skills according to the following statements: 1 High improvement is needed: Regional/city stakeholders have no confidence in the efficiency, fairness, or sustainability of the local economy and its industries ☐ 2 Improvement is needed: Regional/city stakeholders have minimal confidence in the efficiency, fairness, or sustainability of the local economy and its industries ☐ 3 Neutral confidence of stakeholders: Regional/city stakeholders have moderate confidence in the efficiency, fairness, and sustainability of the local economy and its industries ☐ 4 Weak confidence of stakeholders: Regional/city stakeholders have considerable confidence in the efficiency, fairness, and sustainability of the local economy and its industries ☐ 5 Strong confidence of stakeholders: Regional/city stakeholders have full confidence in the efficiency, fairness, and sustainability of the local economy and its industries ☐ Self-reflection exercise: based on your previous answer, complete the following box in order to improve your region's/city's readiness to adopt Circular Economy practices concerning the trust in the productive system. Barriers/ Challenges Enablers/ Facilitators Haga clic o pulse aquí para escribir texto. Haga clic o pulse aquí para escribir texto. Measures to overcome the barriers/ challenges and actions to enhance enablers/facilitators Haga clic o pulse aquí para escribir texto. Regional/local cultural aspects. HINT Which elements could configure regional/local cultural aspects related with Circular Economy?: • Citizens are becoming increasingly aware of the importance of public campaigns to foster Circular Economy practices and are engaging in constructive dialogue about the political prioritisation of environmental practices; • Promotion of citizen science projects and living labs to avoid cultural resistance to change and foster innovation and entrepreneurship. A2C – Deliverable D7.10v1.0 Page 55 І90 Based on your knowledge of your region/city, assess the cultural aspects of your region/city that favour citizens’ attitudes and actions towards sustainable practices according to the following statements: 1 High improvement is needed: Citizens' beliefs, values, traditions, and behaviours are totally inadequate and present substantial obstacles to transitioning towards a Circular Economy. Significant cultural shifts are necessary to facilitate the transition. ☐ 2 Improvement is needed: Citizens' beliefs, values, traditions, and behaviours pose significant challenges to achieving a transition to a Circular Economy. There are notable barriers or resistance within the culture hindering progress. ☐ 3 Neutral: There is an equal balance between the adequacy and inadequacy of citizens' beliefs, values, traditions, and behaviours in supporting a transition to a Circular Economy. It is unclear whether current cultural aspects hinder or facilitate the transition. ☐ 4 Weak adequacy of citizens' beliefs, values, traditions, and behaviours: Citizens' beliefs, values, traditions, and behaviours show some potential for supporting a transition to a Circular Economy, but there are significant gaps or areas needing improvement. ☐ 5 Strong adequacy of citizens' beliefs, values, traditions, and behaviours: Citizens' beliefs, values, traditions, and behaviours are highly conducive to transitioning towards a Circular Economy. There is widespread support and active engagement in adopting sustainable practices ☐ Self-reflection exercise: based on your previous answer, complete the following box in order to improve your region's/city's readiness to adopt Circular Economy practices concerning Regional/local cultural aspects. Barriers/ Challenges Enablers/ Facilitators Haga clic o pulse aquí para escribir texto. Haga clic o pulse aquí para escribir texto. Measures to overcome the barriers/ challenges and actions to enhance enablers/facilitators Haga clic o pulse aquí para escribir texto. Circular Economy citizenship participation. HINT Which elements could define a proactive involvement of citizens at regional/local level to help transition towards a more sustainable and resource-efficient society?: • Existence of fab-labs and/or crowd-sourcing platforms where citizens engage in developing new circular solutions; • Existence of incentives (tax breaks or subsidies, prize drawings, funding for communities…) for separate waste collection systems or convenient drop off stations for a variety of material streams; • Awareness campaigns in order to promote a change towards more sustainable behaviours, circular and climate-neutral practices. A2C – Deliverable D7.10v1.0 Page 56 І90 Based on your knowledge of your region/city, assess the level of citizenship participation in your region/city according to the following statements: 1 High improvement is needed: Citizens show little or no involvement/engagement in initiatives and campaigns promoting the goals of the Circular Economy. ☐ 2 Improvement is needed: Citizen involvement in initiatives and campaigns promoting the goals of the Circular Economy is limited. While some efforts exist, they are not widespread or impactful enough to drive a significant change. ☐ 3 Neutral: Citizens are present and involved in initiatives and campaigns promoting the goals of the Circular Economy. ☐ 4 Weak participation: Citizens are actively involved in initiatives and campaigns promoting the goals of the Circular Economy. ☐ 5 Strong participation: Citizens demonstrate high levels of engagement and involvement in initiatives and campaigns promoting the goals of the Circular Economy. ☐ Self-reflection exercise: based on your previous answer, complete the following box in order to improve your region's/city's readiness to adopt Circular Economy practices concerning citizenship participation. Barriers/ Challenges Enablers/ Facilitators Haga clic o pulse aquí para escribir texto. Haga clic o pulse aquí para escribir texto. Measures to overcome the barriers/ challenges and actions to enhance enablers/facilitators Haga clic o pulse aquí para escribir texto. GOVERNANCE DIMENSION Promotion of Circular Economy culture and trust enhancement. HINT Which elements could configure or enhance Circular Economy culture and trust enhancement within the community?: • Existence of spaces for dialogue and practice exchange; • Targeted campaigns to educate the public on the benefits and impacts of the Circular Economy are launched; • Existence in the region/city of specific certification, labels and awards that can enhance trust and lead to a more conscious production and consumption choices; • Existence of an information system and results assessment method: data collection, generation of open data sources, public relevant data, monitor and evaluate targets and goals for a circular strategy… Based on your knowledge of your region/city, assess your region/city's promotion of circular culture & trust enhancement according to the following statements: A2C – Deliverable D7.10v1.0 Page 63 І90 1 High improvement is needed: The region/city lacks regulations and standards for certifying recycled materials. There are no systems in place to ensure materials meet criteria such as purity, absence of contaminants, and compliance with environmental and safety standards. The EU green taxonomy is not followed. ☐ 2 Improvement is needed: The region/city has minimal regulations and standards for certifying recycled materials. Some systems are in place to ensure materials meet basic criteria, but they are underdeveloped and not consistently enforced. The EU green taxonomy is partially followed. ☐ 3 Neutral: The region/city has moderate regulations and standards for certifying recycled materials. Systems to ensure materials meet criteria such as purity, absence of contaminants, and compliance with environmental and safety standards are in place but have moderate effectiveness. The EU green taxonomy is followed to an average extent. ☐ 4 Good status: The region/city has robust regulations and standards for certifying recycled materials. Effective systems are in place to ensure materials meet criteria such as purity, absence of contaminants, and compliance with environmental and safety standards. The EU green taxonomy is generally followed. ☐ 5 Excellent status: The region/city has comprehensive and well-enforced regulations and standards for certifying recycled materials. Highly effective systems are in place to ensure that materials consistently meet stringent criteria such as purity, absence of contaminants, and compliance with environmental and safety standards. The EU green taxonomy is fully followed and integrated into local legislation. ☐ Self-reflection exercise: based on your previous answer, complete the following box in order to improve your region's/city's readiness to adopt Circular Economy practices concerning the secondary raw materials market. Barriers/ Challenges Enablers/ Facilitators Haga clic o pulse aquí para escribir texto. Haga clic o pulse aquí para escribir texto. Measures to overcome the barriers/ challenges and actions to enhance enablers/facilitators Haga clic o pulse aquí para escribir texto. Effective implementation of the existing legislation. HINT Which elements could configure or enhance the effective implementation of the existing legislation promoting the Circular Economy?: • Compliance with waste laws in different value chains; • Domestic rules are aligned with international trade rules. Based on your knowledge of your region/city, assess your region/city's effective implementation of the existing legislation according to the following statements: 1 High improvement is needed: The region/city lacks effective implementation of existing legislation related to the Circular Economy. Laws and regulations are not consistently enforced, leading to minimal impact on Circular Economy practices. ☐ A2C – Deliverable D7.10v1.0 Page 64 І90 2 Improvement is needed: There are efforts to implement existing legislation, but enforcement is sporadic or ineffective. Compliance with Circular Economy laws is inconsistent, and there are notable gaps in enforcement. ☐ 3 Moderate Implementation: The region/city demonstrates average effectiveness in implementing existing legislation. While some laws are enforced, there are areas where enforcement could be improved to achieve better outcomes in promoting Circular Economy practices. ☐ 4 Good implementation: Existing legislation is generally effectively implemented. The region/city demonstrates robust enforcement mechanisms, ensuring compliance with Circular Economy laws across different sectors and stakeholders. ☐ 5 Excellent implementation: The region/city excels in implementing existing legislation to promote the Circular Economy. Laws and regulations are consistently enforced, leading to significant adoption of Circular Economy practices and positive environmental impacts. ☐ Self-reflection exercise: based on your previous answer, complete the following box in order to improve your region's/city's readiness to adopt Circular Economy practices concerning the effective implementation of the existing legislation. Barriers/ Challenges Enablers/ Facilitators Haga clic o pulse aquí para escribir texto. Haga clic o pulse aquí para escribir texto. Measures to overcome the barriers/ challenges and actions to enhance enablers/facilitators Haga clic o pulse aquí para escribir texto. FUNDING & FINANCIAL DIMENSION Specific financial lines for Circular Economy projects. HINT Which elements could configure or enhance the existence of specific financial lines for Circular Economy projects?: • Financial support (including loans, grants, revolving funds, venture capital & grow capital) for the Circular Economy represents a proportionate share of overall public support; • Existence of dedicated financial resources for SMEs to ensure their access to key enabling technologies (digitalisation etc.); • In the region/city there are dedicated business angels for companies, start-ups/NGOs in the area of the Circular Economy; • Existence of incubator programmes for start-ups related to Circular Economy. Based on your knowledge of your region/city, please assess the provision of specific financial lines for businesses in your region/city to support the transition of the Circular Economy by improving access to finance for Circular Economy projects according to the following statements: A2C – Deliverable D7.10v1.0 Page 65 І90 1 High improvement is needed: There are no dedicated funding channels or financial instruments in the region/city to support Circular Economy projects. Financial support for circular initiatives is non-existent, hindering the development of Circular Economy practices. ☐ 2 Improvement is needed: Limited or ineffective financial support mechanisms exist for Circular Economy projects. There are some funding channels, but they are insufficient or underutilised, impacting the adoption of Circular Economy practices ☐ 3 Neutral: There are moderate efforts to provide financial support for Circular Economy projects in the region/city. Some funding channels or financial instruments exist, but they may not cover a wide range of projects or sectors adequately. ☐ 4 Good implementation: The region/city has established effective financial lines for Circular Economy projects. There are dedicated funding channels or financial instruments in place that support a variety of circular initiatives, contributing positively to the Circular Economy transition ☐ 5 Excellent implementation: The region/city excels in providing specific financial lines for Circular Economy projects. There are comprehensive and well-utilised funding mechanisms, including grants, loans, venture capital, and other financial instruments, fostering significant advancements in Circular Economy practices. ☐ Self-reflection exercise: based on your previous answer, complete the following box in order to improve your region's/city's readiness to adopt Circular Economy practices concerning the existence of specific financial lines for Circular Economy projects. Barriers/ Challenges Enablers/ Facilitators Haga clic o pulse aquí para escribir texto. Haga clic o pulse aquí para escribir texto. Measures to overcome the barriers/ challenges and actions to enhance enablers/facilitators Haga clic o pulse aquí para escribir texto. Use of economic instruments for incentivizing or discouraging specific behaviours. HINT Which elements could configure this element?: • Implementation of tax incentives for food waste reduction; • Offer of subsidies or financial incentives to agrifood businesses that implement organic waste recycling programs Based on your knowledge of your region/city, assess the use of economic instruments to encourage or discourage certain behaviours in your region/city according to the following statements: 1 High improvement is needed: There are no economic instruments in place to incentivize or discourage behaviours related to Circular Economy objectives. Tax incentives, subsidies, and differentiated tariffs are absent or ineffective. ☐ A2C – Deliverable D7.10v1.0 Page 66 І90 2 Improvement is needed: Economic instruments exist, but their implementation is limited and ineffective. There are some attempts to incentivize or discourage behaviours, but they are sporadic and do not have a significant impact. ☐ 3 Moderate implementation: The use of economic instruments to incentivise or discourage behaviour related to Circular Economy objectives is moderate. Some tax incentives, subsidies or differentiated tariffs are in place, but their scope and impact are moderate. ☐ 4 Good implementation: The region/city effectively uses economic instruments to incentivize or discourage behaviours related to Circular Economy objectives. There are well-established tax incentives, subsidies, or differentiated tariffs that are actively promoting desired behaviours. ☐ 5 Excellent implementation: The region/city excels in using economic instruments to incentivize or discourage behaviours related to Circular Economy objectives. Comprehensive and highly effective tax incentives, subsidies, or differentiated tariffs are in place, driving significant behavioural changes and contributing to sustainable economic development. ☐ Self-reflection exercise: based on your previous answer, complete the following box in order to improve your region's/city's readiness to adopt Circular Economy practices concerning the use of economic instruments for incentivizing or discouraging specific behaviours. Barriers/ Challenges Enablers/ Facilitators Haga clic o pulse aquí para escribir texto. Haga clic o pulse aquí para escribir texto. Measures to overcome the barriers/ challenges and actions to enhance enablers/facilitators Haga clic o pulse aquí para escribir texto. Adequate disclosure and coordination of funding opportunities at regional/local level. HINT Which elements could configure or enhance an adequate disclosure and coordination of funding opportunities?: • Clear and accessible information about available funding opportunities for Circular Economy initiatives is provided; • Consolidated information on funding opportunities related to the Circular Economy is available and centralised by the relevant authorities; • Tailored guidance and support to applicants navigating funding opportunities is offered; • The financial system of the region/city is well related and integrated. Based on your knowledge of your region/city, assess your region/city's coordination of funding opportunities according to the following statements: A2C – Deliverable D7.10v1.0 Page 67 І90 1 High improvement is needed: There is minimal or no effective disclosure of funding opportunities for Circular Economy initiatives at the regional/local level. Information about available funding is scarce, fragmented, or not easily accessible. Coordination among relevant authorities to centralise funding information is lacking. ☐ 2 Improvement is needed: There are some efforts to disclose funding opportunities, but they are limited in effectiveness. Information about funding opportunities for Circular Economy projects exists, but it is not comprehensive or easily accessible. Coordination among authorities is sporadic, and there is room for improvement in providing tailored guidance and support to applicants. ☐ 3 Moderate implementation: There is an acceptable level of disclosure and coordination of funding opportunities for Circular Economy initiatives. Information on funding opportunities is available but may not be fully consolidated or centralised. Some guidance and support is provided to applicants, but improvements could increase accessibility and effectiveness. ☐ 4 Good implementation: The region/city demonstrates effective disclosure and coordination of funding opportunities for Circular Economy projects. Clear and accessible information about available funding is provided. Relevant authorities coordinate to centralise funding information, making it easier for stakeholders to access and navigate funding opportunities. Tailored guidance and support are available to applicants. ☐ 5 Excellent implementation: The region/city excels in the disclosure and coordination of funding opportunities for Circular Economy initiatives. There is comprehensive and transparent dissemination of information about available funding resources. Funding opportunities related to Circular Economy projects are centralised and wellcoordinated by relevant authorities. Applicants receive tailored guidance and support, and the financial system is integrated to facilitate access to funding for regional/local development. ☐ Self-reflection exercise: based on your previous answer, complete the following box in order to improve your region's/city's readiness to adopt Circular Economy practices concerning the adequate disclosure and coordination of funding opportunities at regional/local level. Barriers/ Challenges Enablers/ Facilitators Haga clic o pulse aquí para escribir texto. Haga clic o pulse aquí para escribir texto. Measures to overcome the barriers/ challenges and actions to enhance enablers/facilitators Haga clic o pulse aquí para escribir texto. TECHNOLOGY, RESEARCH & INNOVATION DIMENSION Availability of valorisation technologies. HINT Which elements could boost the tools and technologies that enable the Circular Economy?: A2C – Deliverable D7.10v1.0 Page 68 І90 - Understanding the availability of technologies, tools and infrastructures for circular processes at pilot scale in the region/city; - Availability of research/technological centres oriented to CE; - Provision of services fostering CE to companies by research and technological centres; - Prevalence of bio-based fine and specialty chemicals (high technology applications) and other value chains that require advanced technology and R+D for recovery, reuse, remanufacturing, and recycling (metals, polymers, and electronic waste) vs low technology circular processes (i.e incineration, composting). Based on your knowledge of your region/city, assess each element by choosing a rating from 1 to 5 based on the region/city's current state of valorisation technologies and related support structures: 1 High improvement is needed: The region/city has minimal or no presence of technologies, tools, and infrastructures for valorisation. Research centres focused on Circular Economy (CE) are absent or extremely limited. Services fostering CE are non-existent, and there are no advanced technology applications. Overall, the region/city lacks fundamental elements to support circular processes. ☐ 2 Improvement is needed: The region/city has some technologies, tools, and infrastructures for valorisation, but they are underdeveloped or not effectively utilised. There are a few research centres oriented to CE, but their impact is limited. Basic services are provided to companies, but they are sporadic and not wellcoordinated. There is minimal presence of advanced technology applications for valorisation, with a predominant reliance on low technology processes like incineration or composting. ☐ 3 Moderate implementation: The region/city has an acceptable level of technologies, tools, and infrastructures for valorisation, but they are not fully optimised. There is a moderate presence of research centres focused on CE, providing some level of support and services to companies. Advanced technology applications for valorisation are present but not widespread, with gaps in the value chains for biobased chemicals and other high-tech processes. Coordination and accessibility could be improved. ☐ 4 Good implementation: The region/city has a well-developed network of technologies, tools, and infrastructures for valorisation. Several research centres are actively involved in CE, offering a wide range of services to support companies. Advanced technology applications are prevalent, covering significant value chains for recovery, reuse, remanufacturing, and recycling of materials like metals, polymers, and electronic waste. Coordination among stakeholders is effective, making resources easily accessible. ☐ 5 Excellent implementation: The region/city excels in providing comprehensive and advanced technologies, tools, and infrastructures for the valorisation of waste and by-products. Numerous research centres dedicated to CE offer extensive and wellcoordinated services to companies. Advanced technology applications are widespread and cover all necessary value chains, from bio-based fine and specialty chemicals to high-tech recovery processes for various materials. The system is highly integrated and accessible, facilitating seamless support for circular processes. ☐ A2C – Deliverable D7.10v1.0 Page 69 І90 Self-reflection exercise: based on your previous answer, complete the following box in order to improve your region's/city's readiness to adopt Circular Economy practices concerning the availability of valorisation technologies. Barriers/ Challenges Enablers/ Facilitators Haga clic o pulse aquí para escribir texto. Haga clic o pulse aquí para escribir texto. Measures to overcome the barriers/ challenges and actions to enhance enablers/facilitators Haga clic o pulse aquí para escribir texto. Public investment in R+D+I. HINT Which elements reflect public investment in R+D+I?: • Presence of public universities and research centres with chairs/departments in the field of CE; • Level of implementation of pilot cases through public calls for projects; • Public stimulation of demand for R+D results through tenders, pre-procurement and preprocurement mechanisms. 1 High improvement is needed: There is a lack of chairs and departments devoted to Circular Economy in public universities and research centres of the city/region. Public demand of R+D results is minimal or inexistent due to lack of mechanisms. ☐ 2 Improvement is needed: There are some chairs and departments devoted to Circular Economy in public universities and research centres of the city/region, but pilot cases are scarce and mechanisms to boost the public demand of R+D results are not implemented. ☐ 3 Neutral: There are some chairs and departments devoted to Circular Economy in public universities and research centres of the city/region. Several pilot cases are implemented, but mechanisms to boost the public demand of R+D results in CE are insufficient. ☐ 4 Good implementation: There are several chairs and departments in public universities and research centres focused on CE, and some pilot cases are implemented. There are a variety of mechanisms to boost the demand of R+D results in Circular Economy, but with some limitations (flexibility of procedures, purchasing criteria etc). ☐ 5 Excellent implementation: There are chairs, departments and research centres focused on CE, and pilot cases are implemented by means of public calls for projects. The public sector fosters the demand of R+D results in CE through preprocurement, procurement and tender mechanisms in Circular Economy. ☐ Self-reflection exercise: based on your previous answer, complete the following box in order to improve your region's/city's readiness to adopt Circular Economy practices concerning the public investment in R+D+I. Barriers/ Challenges Enablers/ Facilitators Haga clic o pulse aquí para escribir texto. Haga clic o pulse aquí para escribir texto. Measures to overcome the barriers/ challenges and actions to enhance enablers/facilitators A2C – Deliverable D7.10v1.0 Page 70 І90 Haga clic o pulse aquí para escribir texto. Research-industry connection. HINT Which elements reflect research-industry connections?: • Presence of private sector-funded chairs at universities to support research on Circular Economy (the region/city should have partnerships between universities and private sector entities, providing funding for dedicated research chairs focused on Circular Economy initiatives); • High employment levels in R&D activities within the industry, with a significant number of advanced degree holders (PhD and postdoc positions); • The environment should foster the creation of new businesses and ventures that develop from academic and research institutions, showcasing a dynamic ecosystem for innovation and commercialization in the Circular Economy; • Active collaboration between research institutions and industry to stimulate R&D demand, including access to research facilities and resources, and joint exploitation agreements (patents and licenses); • Existence of incubators to promote Circular Economy projects: the region/city should have facilities that provide support, resources, and mentorship to new ventures and projects focused on Circular Economy principles, promoting growth and development in this sector. Based on your knowledge of your region/city, assess the connection between research and industry sectors in the field of CE in your region/city according to the following statements: 1 High improvement is needed: There are no or minimal private sector-funded chairs related to CE at universities, and few or no incubators promoting Circular Economy projects. Employment of PhDs and postdocs in industry R&D positions is very low. Spin-offs and start-ups from research centres and universities are rare. Collaboration between research institutions and industry for joint exploitation of research is almost non-existent ☐ 2 Improvement is needed: There are some private sector-funded chairs related to CE at universities, and a few incubators and spin-offs exist. However, employment of PhDs and postdocs in industry R&D positions is limited. Collaborative agreements for joint exploitation of research are infrequent, and access to research facilities and resources is restricted. ☐ 3 Moderate implementation: Several private sector-funded chairs related to CE exist at universities, and there is moderate employment of PhDs and postdocs in industry R&D roles. Some spin-offs and start-ups emerge from research centres and universities, but collaborative agreements for access to research facilities and joint exploitation of research results are scarce. The availability of incubators for Circular Economy projects is limited. ☐ 4 Good implementation: There are multiple private sector-funded chairs related to CE at universities, and employment rates of PhDs and postdocs in industry R&D positions are high. Industry and universities frequently develop agreements for the ☐ A2C – Deliverable D7.10v1.0 Page 71 І90 use of research facilities and joint exploitation of research results. Spin-offs and startups are common, and several incubators support Circular Economy projects. 5 Excellent implementation: There is a wide variety of private sector-funded chairs related to CE at universities, with high employment rates of PhDs and postdocs in industry R&D positions. Comprehensive agreements between industry and universities facilitate access to research facilities and joint exploitation of research results. The emergence of spin-offs and start-ups from research centres and universities is robust, and numerous incubators support Circular Economy projects, fostering a dynamic innovation ecosystem. ☐ Self-reflection exercise: based on your previous answer, complete the following box in order to improve your region's/city's readiness to adopt Circular Economy practices concerning the research-industry connection. Barriers/ Challenges Enablers/ Facilitators Haga clic o pulse aquí para escribir texto. Haga clic o pulse aquí para escribir texto. Measures to overcome the barriers/ challenges and actions to enhance enablers/facilitators Haga clic o pulse aquí para escribir texto. Participation of SMEs in R+D activities. HINT Which elements reflect the participation of SMEs in R+D activities?: • Degree of participation of SMEs and microenterprises in R+D projects; • Creation of employments for R+D activities in SMEs Based on your knowledge of your region/city, assess the participation of SMEs in R+D activities according to the following statements: 1 High improvement is needed: There is no or minimal participation of SMEs and microenterprises of the region/city in R+D projects aimed at CE ☐ 2 Improvement is needed: Some SMEs and microenterprises participate in R+D projects aimed at CE, but employment in these activities is low and does not involve dedicated teams or departments, limiting the resources available. ☐ 3 Neutral: Some SMEs and microenterprises participate in R+D projects aimed at CE, with dedicated teams or departments involved, but representing low employment rates. ☐ 4 Good implementation: Several SMEs and microenterprises participate in R+D projects aimed at CE, with dedicated teams or departments involved, but restricted to certain sectors or value chains. ☐ 5 Excellent implementation: Many SMEs and microenterprises participate in R+D projects aimed at CE, with dedicated teams or departments involved, and there is a high rate of employment in R+D activities for PhDs and postdoctoral researchers. ☐ Self-reflection exercise: based on your previous answer, complete the following box in order to improve your region's/city's readiness to adopt Circular Economy practices concerning the participation of SMEs in R+D activities. A2C – Deliverable D7.10v1.0 Page 72 І90 Barriers/ Challenges Enablers/ Facilitators Haga clic o pulse aquí para escribir texto. Haga clic o pulse aquí para escribir texto. Measures to overcome the barriers/ challenges and actions to enhance enablers/facilitators Haga clic o pulse aquí para escribir texto. Traceability. HINT Which elements reflect the implementation of traceability tools?: • Implementation of IT infrastructure or knowledge, such as blockchain to facilitate traceability; • Creation of ecosystems for circular change in specific value chain(s): systems for verification of circular claims, product lifetime extension, circular business models, etc. 1 High improvement is needed: The region/city has minimal or no investments in tools to improve traceability, and there is a lack of ecosystems fostering circular change ☐ 2 Improvement is needed: There is some investment in traceability tools through IT infrastructures (blockchain, digital passports...). Ecosystems for circular change have been created in specific value chains. ☐ 3 Moderate implementation: The region/city moderately invests in IT infrastructure to support traceability, but harmonisation is insufficient, and the systems do not cover entire value chains. ☐ 4 Good implementation: The region/city effectively supports traceability investing in IT tools in different value chains, and promotes ecosystems for circular change (i.e. verification of circular claims) but there are still gaps in some processes (lack of data, distrust, lack of participation of consumers or end users). ☐ 5 Excellent implementation: The region/city makes high investment in traceability systems using harmonised tools and protocols, covering several value chains. Ecosystems for circular change (verification of circular claims, circular businesses models) are implemented in different sectors. ☐ Self-reflection exercise: based on your previous answer, complete the following box in order to improve your region's/city's readiness to adopt Circular Economy practices concerning traceability. Barriers/ Challenges Enablers/ Facilitators Haga clic o pulse aquí para escribir texto. Haga clic o pulse aquí para escribir texto. Measures to overcome the barriers/ challenges and actions to enhance enablers/facilitators Haga clic o pulse aquí para escribir texto. Availability of regional and local R+D funding. HINT Which elements reflect the availability of regional and local R+D funding schemes?: • There is an availability of regional funds for R+D oriented to CE; A2C – Deliverable D7.10v0.2 Page 79 І90 This project has received funding from the European Union’s Horizon 2020 research and innovation programme under grant agreement N° 101036838. Annex 2: Mind-map: grey literature results A2C – Deliverable D7.10v0.2 Page 80 І90 This project has received funding from the European Union’s Horizon 2020 research and innovation programme under grant agreement N° 101036838. Annex 3: Regional stakeholder panel workshop results This project has received funding from the European Union s Horizon 2020 research and innovation programme under grant agreement No 1010 6 . utcomes orkshop Circular economy model for the Region of Murcia uly 2 23 A2C – Deliverable D7.10v1.0 Page 81 І90 In the workshop held on July 7, 202 , the results of the survey were presented to the stakeholders of the region and the Murcia partners of the Agro2Circular project. This survey asked for each of the eight established dimensions about the level of agreement Likert scale from 1 to with different items challenges identified in the region of Murcia in each of the dimensions, as well as their relevance for the adoption of the Circular Economy. The workshop s objective was to know first -hand the participants opinion about the results and validate with them the model s generalization through the decontextualization of the statement of the items. The survey is divided in dimensions: 1. ENVIRONMENTAL 2. SOCIOECONOMIC . GOVERNANCE 4. REGULATION . FINANCIAL 6. STANDARI ATION 7. TRAINING . TECHNOLOGY AND R D ater resources 1 BL UE I IAGN STIC MURCIA EN IR NMENT imension : Secondary raw material markets Soils Not very valid 2 3 ery valid Not very valid 2 3 ery valid Not very valid 2 3 ery valid 3 utcomes orkshop Circular economy model for the Region of Murcia uly 2 23 Secondary commodities market: There is not yet a legal market for secondary raw materials. Products derived from secondary raw materials cannot yet be certified There is the problem of wastes decommission. Soil contamination: There are areas in the Region with highly contaminated soils, but it should not be generalised to the entire Region. The challenge of soils is not only their contamination but that they are threatened and that they are of low uality. For the rest of the items presented : Water resources, uantity and treatment of waste, channels for reuse and revaluation, and educational programs and awareness: there was a consensus on the results presented and no comments or discussions were made. uantity and treatment of waste 21 BL UE I IAGN STIC MURCIA EN IR NMENT imension: Channels for reuse and revaluation Educational programs and awareness Not very valid 2 3 ery valid Not very valid 2 3 ery valid Not very valid 2 3 ery valid In the workshop, the idea of creating a market for secondary raw materials was transmitted, but first, the challenge of decommissioning waste would have to be solved. EN IR NMENTAL IMENSI N A2C – Deliverable D7.10v1.0 Page 82 І90 utcomes orkshop Circular economy model for the Region of Murcia uly 2 23 Corporate culture: There is no incentive for CE in the companies themselves. Companies tend to prioritize economic profit. But there are already companies for which environmental considerations are also essential since some companies understand that in the long term, it is a benefit. Training in CE and sustainability: The university has a vital role in green training. The training programs from school must should train on CE and sustainability and that these concepts are internalized . The problem of education is a state problem. Companies that have green energy initiatives are sometimes the ones that have to promote training initiatives at the university. Enterprise size: Very small companies find it much harder to invest in CE. A frame of reference and support is needed. Large companies indeed have a greater capacity for CE than small companies. ualified personnel: It is estimated that in the Region of Murcia, there are sufficient ualified personnel to apply the principles of the CE. Training both university and professional is essential for the circular economy. Training on CE and sustainability from school to increase awareness on the subject. Increase the role of the university in green EC education. Create a framework of reference and support on small and medium -sized enterprises. S CI EC N MIC IMENSI N ualified staff 2 BL UE I IAGN STIC MURCIA S CI EC N MIC imension : Traditional sector Enterprise si e Segmentation by gender Not very valid 2 3 ery valid Not very valid 2 3 ery valid Not very valid 2 3 ery valid Not very valid 2 3 ery valid outh unemployment 2 BL UE I IAGN STIC MURCIA S CI EC N MIC imension : Confidence in the production system Stagnant business models Not very valid 2 3 ery valid Not very valid 2 3 ery valid Not very valid 2 3 ery valid Microenterprises reluctant to R I 31 BL UE I IAGN STIC MURCIA TEC N L G imension : Limited public R I investment Insufficient generational renewal Better prepared people emigrate Not very valid 2 3 ery valid Not very valid 2 3 ery valid Not very valid 2 3 ery valid Not very valid 2 3 ery valid TEC N L GICAL IMENSI N utcomes orkshop Circular economy model for the Region of Murcia uly 2 23 Fund more university chairs in CE by companies. Improve the dissemination communication of existing funds for the CE and the projects being funded. Improved traceability and interconnection 33 BL UE I IAGN STIC M URCIA TEC N L G imension : Technology will enable to valori e products and waste Excessive EU dependence Not very valid 2 3 ery valid Not very valid 2 3 ery valid Not very valid 2 3 ery valid Microenterprises reluctant to R D: Small companies are limited in their ability to innovate because it re uires a lot of financial resources. Institutions play a key role, especially due to the large number of SMEs: for green energy and CE and advising on the available subsidies grants. The public sector has to coordinate its actions with a medium and long -term vision. Companies interested in Innovation have channels to carry it out, the scale and results of innovation. Weight EU aid: The success rate of European project applications is uite low. Small businesses do not have resources to dedicate to them. Research company relation: There is no such public-private collaboration throughout the university. This is directly related to the size of the departments. In general, there is little transfer in CE and sustainability . The promotion of the RIS will be key to supporting the leading sectors. We must make these issues more attractive to ordinary citizens. We must understand citizenship as the group of users of this type of project. A2C – Deliverable D7.10v1.0 Page 83 І90 There are no exclusive financing lines 3 BL UE I IAGN STIC MURCIA INANCIAL imension : Public-private partnerships have better access to finance Lack of knowledge on funding opportunities Not very valid 2 3 ery valid Not very valid 2 3 ery valid Not very valid 2 3 ery valid INANCIAL IMENSI N utcomes orkshop Circular economy model for the Region of Murcia uly 2 23 Lack of disclosure of funding funds: There is a need for public outreach about funding.. There are already many lines of support CDTI , but there is a need in the INFO for a well -endowed concrete line on CE, for SMEs. One challenge is that as ERDF funds are highly sectorized, it is difficult to finance comprehensive projects. Small businesses have to rely on agencies that know the about available funds technological centres are crucial. Regional television outreach programme on funding opportunities and funded projects. Better coordination of funding opportunities Specific and well -resourced line on CE oriented to SMEs. Companies require incentives and support 3 BL UE I IAGN STIC MURCIA INANCIAL imension: Companiesrequire assistance to access information Not very valid 2 3 ery valid Not very valid 2 3 ery valid Creation of standards and norms for ecodesign BL UE I IAGN STIC MURCIA STAN AR I ATI N imension: Lack of standardi ation tools and systems Not very valid 2 3 ery valid Not very valid 2 3 ery valid Standards dedicated to the circular economy are needed 3 BL UE I IAGN STIC MURCIA STAN AR I ATI N imension: Regulations adapted to the value chain Not very valid 2 3 ery valid Not very valid 2 3 ery valid STAN ARI ATI N IMENSI N utcomes orkshop Circular economy model for the Region of Murcia uly 2 23 Standards dedicated to the circular economy: Standards dedicated to the circular economy are necessary. Creating a working group for a protocol to produce bioactive compounds would be positive. It is necessary to define the re uirements for the END OF WASTE: there are some re uirements, and those re uirements are not yet defined this could be part of a regulation. There are already waste managers who sell waste to producers, but there are no standards or regulations on this regard: With standardization and regulation, there would be more companies in the sector. Challenges: Traceability is important for marketing: waste is not always the same during the year it changes seasonally. This is a challenge as the final product has to meet several standards. The import into the EU of products without traceability that don t follow several standards. Inclusion of CE products in public procurement. Establishing a working group to create a protocol for producing marketable bioactive compounds. Incorporate products derived from CE in public procurement. Improve the traceability of by -products to support CE. Better define re uirements. A2C – Deliverable D7.10v1.0 Page 84 І90 Bodies for the circular economy governance BL UE I IAGN STIC MURCIA G ERNANCE imension: Availability of the CE Strategy Metropolitan governance Not very valid 2 3 ery valid Not very valid 2 3 ery valid Not very valid 2 3 ery valid G ERNANCE IMENSI N utcomes orkshop Circular economy model for the Region of Murcia uly 2 23 Bodies for the governance of the CE: The main public actors responsible for CE policies are the regional government and municipalities. There are no intermediate institutions. Availability of the CE Strategy: The current Regional CE Strategy addresses the problem of lack of transparency and inoperability. Effective implementation, monitoring, and impact assessment mechanisms are essential. Metropolitan governance: The absence of a metropolitan governance of the Circular Economy in the Region constitutes a serious obstacle and also the lack of a metropolitan governance culture , due to the size of the urban area and, also, to the different municipalities population heterogeneity in this Region. Strategies and plans must be effectively implemented, monitored, and evaluated. CE initiatives in rural areas should be supported. CE criteria should be included in the balance sheet of companies Lack of transparency 1 BL UE I IAGN STIC MURCIA G ERNANCE imension: Lack of dialogue and private actors representation unding role Not very valid 2 3 ery valid Not very valid 2 3 ery valid Not very valid 2 3 ery valid Absence of specific legislation on CE in the region of Murcia BL UE I IAGN STIC MURCIA REGULATI N imension: National legislation facilitates CE in the region of Murcia ood aste Law Not very valid 2 3 ery valid Not very valid 2 3 ery valid Not very valid 2 3 ery valid REGULAT R IMENSI N utcomes orkshop Circular economy model for the Region of Murcia uly 2 23 Education and Citizen Awareness. Improving stakeholder participation in regulatory processes. Improving stakeholder participation in regulatory processes. Review and compliance with Current Legislation. Protection of Local Products. Promotion of Global Traceability Standards or Certifications. Improving the Competitiveness of Local Products. Development of Local Circular Economy Strategies. Implementation of the EU Taxonomy. Incorporation of International Trade Rules into Local Regulation Non-compliance with CE legislation BL UE I IAGN STIC MURCIA REGULATI N imension : European regulation facilitates CE in the region of Murcia Green Procurement Not very valid 2 3 ery valid Not very valid 2 3 ery valid Not very valid 2 3 ery valid Food Waste Act: The Law on food waste and its potential effects on the Circular Economy in the Region is currently being processed in the Spanish Senate, so it is not possible to comment about this until the configuration of the law and its effective application. Lack of influence in the regulatory process: Certain complexity in terms of the influence that citizens, and even significant actors such as companies, can exert in the European regulatory process. Specific Law on Circular Economy for the Region of Murcia: A specific waste law or circular economy, adapted to the local peculiarities of the production system and the different value chains of Murcia, would be essentially beneficial for the region. The current legislation promoting the Circular Economy is not fully implemented. Other conclusions: Local products from the region of Murcia are affected by the demands of international regulations, in particular by the completeness of Globalization the need for Global regulations , and competitiveness issues with imported food products which are not re uired to accomplish with these regulations. The Possibility of Local Strategies: local strategies can be implemented to favour products that meet certain circular economy re uirements Influence of the EU Taxonomy : The EU products will be re uired to follow that taxonomy to receive funding. A2C – Deliverable D7.10v1.0 Page 85 І90 Specific training by sector 1 BL UE I IAGN STIC MURCIA TRAINING imension: ocational training for the unemployed ther active employment policies Not very valid 2 3 ery valid Not very valid 2 3 ery valid Not very valid 2 3 ery valid TRAINING IMENSI N 1 utcomes orkshop Circular economy model for the Region of Murcia uly 2 23 Large availability of private resources: There is an identified gap between the available knowledge and its actual application in the business world, which indicates the need to encourage the effective use of these private resources for the transition to the circular economy.. Little public offer of university training in circular economy: There is a perception of delay in adapting university education to the current demands of transition towards a more sustainable economy. The training problem is not exclusive to Murcia but extends to the whole country and is even a problem throughout Europe. The primary, secondary, and baccalaureate curricula in the Region of Murcia include circular economy content in a satisfactory way, but there is no information regarding the actual application of these curricula: Deficit of vocational training programmes adapted to the various sectors of occupation sectors in the circular economy number of courses and course uota . Insufficient vocational training programs for the unemployed in the Region of Murcia number of courses and uota per course . Increasing awareness of the usefulness and career opportunities of the circular economy in all productive sectors is considered essential to foster the demand for this training. Lack of other active employment policies e.g., career guidance for the circular economy: There is a disconnect between what is offered in terms of training and what companies really need. Participants highlight the importance of dual training. Encourage environmental awareness from the basic educational level. Integrate environmental issues into the academic curriculum. Strengthening university and professional education on circular economy. Promote convergence between training and demand in the productive sector. Encourage the uptake of dual VET in enterprises. Increase social awareness on CE. Private training resources 3 BL UE I IAGN STIC MURCIA TRAINING imension : Public university offer Educational curriculum Not very valid 2 3 ery valid Not very valid 2 3 ery valid Not very valid 2 3 ery valid A2C – Deliverable D7.10v1.0 Page 86 І90 Annex : European stakeholder panel workshop results In this workshop, we aim to explore how the dimensions and components of the Regional Model for Circular Economy in the Agrofood sector, developed in the Region of Murcia as part of the Agro Circular initiative, can be adapted and applied to other European regions. We examined various dimensions to assess the relevance of the model's elements and identify any additional components that should be incorporated. It is important to emphasize that these insights will play a key role in refining and validating the model, as well as in developing a self-assessment tool designed to assist regions in their transition toward a circular economy in the agrofood sector. 3 utcomes orkshop Circular economy model for the Region of Murcia uly 2 23 Carbon footprint was the item with the lowest score, this is due to two reasons: in principle the participants consider it to be overrated, especially in the political scene, and it is also integrated in the rest of the items. WHICH ITEMS DO YOU THIN IS MISSING Biodiversity Biogeochemical cycles EFFICIENT MANAGEMENT CLIMATE CHANGE OVERRATED TERMS BY POLITICS EN IR NMENTAL IMENSI N A2C – Deliverable D7.10v1.0 Page 87 І90 utcomes orkshop Circular economy model for the Region of Murcia uly 2 23 Cultural aspects are considered and prioritized so as citi enship participation: In regions where there are a strong ecosystems and people are working together, and they are engaged. Those things are going very smoothly where is not a clear ecosystem, even though the drive from public institutions. Specific technical skills the participants affirm that it is not so necessary such an investment in skills for some figures needed. But it s a transition: low skilled people and mediumly skilled people can achieve. The si e of industry is a determinant aspect for business or invention capacity. That s clear that the biggest company generates the biggest pollution. The biggest company are the ones which have potential more money, but they are no changing so fast because that s uite complicated and expensive. There are a lot of small companies. It is uite difficult to convince them to work together, so th ere are too many factors just to say it s a big that will be complicated. CITI EN S TRUST IN ECOSYSTEM TECHNICAL S ILLS IN TRANSITION SI E OF INDUSTRY S CI EC N MIC IMENSI N utcomes orkshop Circular economy model for the Region of Murcia uly 2 23 The holistic viewthrough a systematic approach at the regional level received a very high rate and all participants agree with this concept. The governance structure should be highly public, butpublic-private partnershipsshould be promoted within governance. There are positive facts like:a good dialogue, a holistic view, a good adaptation, butthere is no trust. And this is necessary to achieve aneffective C E. Ecoefficent: is a must at the governance dimension. Collaborative platformfor the governance of a circular economy, so a proactive team going to try to less different companies and universities and so on, collaborate on the territory. HOLISTIC VIEW PUBLIC AND PRIVATE COLLABORATION TRUST ECOEFFICIENT CONCEPT EFFECTIVE ESTRATEGY G ERNANCE IMENSI N A2C – Deliverable D7.10v1.0 Page 88 І90 utcomes orkshop Circular economy model for the Region of Murcia uly 2 23 It is not possible to demonstrate the actual recycling content. Conse uently, any regulations established are ineffective if we cannot uantify and verify this content. Therefore, while it may seem like a minor detail, the ability to uantify is crucial for the effective implementation of legislation. The extended producer responsibility is a key issue. A digital passport or certificate will be necessary for food and health products. E TENDED PRODUCER RESPONSABILITY ABILITY TO UANTIFY DIGITAL PASSPORT P LIC AN REGULAT R IMENSI N utcomes orkshop Circular economy model for the Region of Murcia uly 2 23 Finance-related uestions involves numerous sub-elements. Considering the public sector, higher taxes are needed on undesirable activities in Europe, as changes are not occurring rapidly enough. Additionally, the role of public procurement, which has not been previously emphasized, serves as a significant catalyst for both public and private finance. The agrofood sector is relevant for all of us for citizen, for the Community is not only business, and the companies still now are considering that just a business. While social impact is a well-defined category, circular economies lack this distinction: there is a lot of social impact funds, but there are no circular impacts: Incubation programs are needed and a developing community for impact finance Bio economy . TA ES PRIVATE FUNDING INCUBATION PROGRAMS ECOSYSTEM BIO ECONOMY UN ING & INANCIAL IMENSI N