START CIRCLES

The aim of the project is to increase sustainable innovation and resource efficiency among SMEs in the programme area. START CIRCLES aims to improve access to information, activities and innovation partners for SMEs and to strengthen and support cooperation with RTD partners. The main outcome of the project is to sustainably integrate SMEs into cross-border innovation networks and circular value chains, increase their innovative strength and develop new products/materials. START CIRCLES was developed from the perspective and needs of SMEs and RTD organisations to accompany SMEs from the initiation of innovation cooperation to the launch of the new product and to offer new & sustainable support services for each phase.

The following approaches are chosen to achieve the project objectives:

• Documentation and long-term utilisation of RTD expertise in the circular economy
• New formats for initiating cooperation, especially for circular value chains (training of intermediaries)
• Support for SMEs in RTD collaborations
• Support for the launch of new products by developing new business models
• Policy recommendation on a new topic: business models in the circular economy