CIRCULAR FOAM: Stakeholder map and regional readiness for a systemic territorial circular solution
Updated on 16.07.2025
The document presents the regional biographies for the pilot region and the two follower regions It will cover historical cultural and socioeconomic factors on the cooperation on cocreation of hubs for circularity will cover the results of analytical case study covering consumer and stakeholder preferences policy structures and regulations via a comprehensive toolbox of approaches such as desktop research qualitative interviews SWOT and PESTLE to identify factors and structures that foster/hamper cooperation.
Relevance for Circular Systemic Solutions
The report targets the polyurethane (PU) hard foam value chain, especially in the context of circular economy systems.
The Regional Readiness Report provides cities and regions with a comprehensive methodology for assessing their preparedness to introduce hubs for circularity. It offers regional analyses, stakeholder maps, and assessments of societal, political, and economic conditions, helping cities identify strengths and gaps in their circular transition.
The methodology is particularly helpful in the mapping and design stages of Circular Solution implementation, offering insight into stakeholder engagement, economic feasibility, policy alignment, and regional innovation ecosystems.
How to use this tool or method
To navigate the Regional Readiness Framework as a method, the user should follow a clear step-by-step process that assesses a region's potential for circular economy solutions by analysing six non-technological dimensions: transition, policy, economy, cooperation, innovation, and society as described in chapter 1.
The following chapters provide practical examples of how the framework was applied in pilot regions, offering a model for replicating the method in other contexts.
More information
NA
CO2 neutrality/decarbonisation
<5 000
large 500 000-200 000, medium 200 000-50 000, and small cities 50 000-5 000
large metropolitan area >1.5 million, metropolitan area 1.5 million-500 000
predominantly urban regions, intermediate and predominantly rural regions, refer to TERCET typology NUTS 3 region
e.g. commercial, residential, service, industrial
