Crafting routes to a circular economy

Expected Outcome:Projects should contribute to all of the following expected outcomes:The cultural dimension of circular economy is better understood. Cultural factors and the potential of cultural and creative sectors and industries (CCSI) are leveraged to foster circular economy in the EUScalable, sustainable and inclusive business models are developed with users and stakeholders, leveraging circular practices from CCSI for economic and environmental benefits (e.g. nature protection, reducing waste, increasing resource efficiency, promoting sustainable consumption and re-use patterns).Circular solution toolkit: A practical toolkit enables businesses in various sectors to apply CCSI-inspired frugal innovation principles, promoting circularity, sustainability and inclusion.Evidence-based recommendations and guidelines are available to policymakers to support the transition towards circular practices in CCSI and across other industries and to integrate frugal innovation[1] in circular economy strategies. They emphasize local adaptations of global strategies, allowing for customized approaches that respect and enhance local cultures, heritage and economies.Skills Enhancement: Training modules on frugal innovation, circular design, and circular economy practices inspired by crafts, local heritage and other CCSI are available to professionals in various industries. Scope:The transition from a linear to a circular economy[2] is crucial for Europe’s prosperity, long term competitiveness and strategic autonomy. This shift can reduce dependence on raw materials, decrease greenhouse gas emissions, pollution, and waste, limit biodiversity loss, create jobs, and support environmental sustainability. The New European Innovation Agenda[3] recognises circularity as a key challenge to accelerate innovation across the EU. Securing essential resources is a high priority, but the transition to circularity requires more than new materials and products: it demands a paradigm shift and