Being able to follow Pilots in more advanced cities and regions, exchange peer to peer, access a network of practice, knowledge, technological solutions, case studies etc. is immensely beneficial as we seek to make circular processes more systemic and create actions with more scope, scale and impact, especially long-term behavioural change in citizens, businesses and the government. 
 

The CCRI is an opportunity to access a valuable community of practitioners, helping us develop the critical circular ‘innovation ecosystem’ conditions for breakthrough thinking to cultivate a circular culture and the supporting infrastructure.

We hope to catalyse knowledge and expertise transfer from the CCRI to the region, working closely with our stakeholders – including municipalities, universities, NGOs and businesses. This will enable the regional and local authorities to enhance policy coherence by demonstrating systemic thinking, involve a broader range of stakeholders to take circular policy beyond waste management, identify the right scale for action, and take advantage of territorial and smart specialisation specificities. We also expect to support circular business development and create information for regional stakeholders and policymaking.

We collaborate in Interreg and Horizon projects on climate and circular economy (e.g. RE-DIRECT, CCC-Hub, Blue Circular Economy, CircNets), focusing on policy, value and supply chains, and SME support. We are in the European Network of Living Labs, developing experimental solutions to pressing regional challenges, and the CivTech Alliance Global Scale-Up Programme, tackling climate change through public innovation. Our investment fund focuses on impact investment and green finance. Our remit also involves improving engagement and data, developing knowledge and multi-level collaboration, and building capacity of stakeholders.

To find out more about Ireland-West, visit their profile on our website.