CEBB 2022

The goal of this project is to build an eco-system for circular, climate-related innovation that catalyses systems transition in sequences from the experiment through collaboration to implementation. Such a cross-national ecosystem currently does not exist in the Balkan region, but it is demanded by Chambers of Commerce, Ministries, and the business sector.
The project tackles the following objectives:

• establish and empower a network of actors in the Balkans and other countries for developing and implementing circular innovation in business and policy,
• connect countries through shared circular Vision, Information, Resources and Experience on both strategic and operational level,
• nurture shared learning amongst "Beacons" to raise the capacity of places for systems circular change and climate ac on,
• convene and work with (cross-country) partnerships that promote place-based hotspots, and
• reduce total negative impacts from current market design through establishing circular markets.

The project also addresses local municipalities by establishing partnerships through the urban restoration of brownfield spaces, which are aimed to become "innovation catalysers". These physical innovation catalysers include space for innovation display, testing and boosted implementation (commercialisation) of alternatives in the circular economy and climate change area.

The Wuppertal Institute’s focus for CEBB 2022 lies on education on and pilot implementation of an "Urban Circularity Hotspot Framework" (UCHF) for the Balkan region which was defined in the previous project in 2021. This framework aims at supporting municipalities in identifying powerful levers for the transformation towards Circular Economy on city level and initiating their implementation.