The event, led by consortium partner EBN, gathered representatives from the European Commission, regional actors and international networks to reflect on how territories can advance the transition to a Circular Economy.
During the discussion, EURADA, represented by Jade Connoly (Policy and Project Officer), highlighted the essential role of Regional Development Agencies and European networks in strengthening collaboration, scaling innovation and embedding circularity into regional development strategies.
Public actors emerged as key drivers in shaping the market conditions needed for Europe’s circular transition, with Lucie Blondel from the European Commission stressing that cities are where circular ambitions materialise, serving not only as regulators but also as market shapers and leaders in public procurement. Similarly, Luc Spronck underlined the responsibility of public authorities to de-risk circular innovation by deploying financial tools, connecting companies with technical and research partners, adapting legislation and promoting long-term commitments that give innovators the stability they need.
In this context, Ms. Connoly emphasised that while public actors define the direction and enabling conditions for the shift to a circular model, the transition itself must be co-designed with territorial stakeholders. She explained that Regional Development Agencies act as both translators and facilitators, bridging public needs with local innovation capacities and guiding actors through complex programmes and funding schemes. This dual role embodies how regional and EU-level cooperation can accelerate systemic change.
Furthermore, when examining how local and regional actors can foster collaboration across the quadruple helix, EURADA stressed that cooperation flourishes only when support structures allow innovation actors to connect, experiment and scale solutions across borders. As a membership organisation that links RDAs from across Europe, EURADA provides substantial added value by helping its members access the latest opportunities, financial instruments and cooperation models; by facilitating cross-regional projects through partner matchmaking, mentoring and peer learning; and by helping regions leverage EU and domestic funds to stimulate public–private partnerships.
Throughout the event, collaboration emerged as the strongest recurring theme. Participants agreed that cooperation within the CCRI has become far more structured and continuous, with working groups, Communities of Practice and regular exchanges enabling territories to learn more efficiently from one another and to replicate proven approaches. This evolution reflects the need for early financial engagement, targeted matchmaking and cooperation that lasts beyond funding cycles, as well as the integration of circularity into regional development strategies and everyday institutional practice.
The discussion made clear that territories no longer lack ideas, but still lack practical models to implement, with the CCRI Knowledge Hub playing a pivotal role in providing case studies, guidance and mentoring that help regions turn ambition into action. Indeed, for implementation to advance, companies still need technical support and financial tools adapted to circular business models, with green Public Procurement and EU initiatives remaining vital for accelerating circular projects. RDAs once again play a central role in this process, helping companies navigate regulatory, technical and financial challenges.
For regions interested in joining the CCRI, the message was clear: start small but early, concentrate on a promising sector, build on what already exists and involve communities from the beginning. Looking toward 2030, the discussion envisioned cross-regional cooperation becoming standard practice, based on long-term strategies that outlive individual project cycles. Ultimately, the debate shifted from whether change is affordable to whether inaction is. Throughout the session, EURADA’s strategic contribution was evident: as a Membership organisation connecting RDAs across Europe and its active involvement in EU Funded Projects related to circular economy, EURADA acts as a facilitator of replication and a structure that helps transform Europe’s circular ambitions into concrete, investable regional strategies, ensuring that all regions progress together in the transition.
