Periodic Reporting for period 1 - BOOST-IN (Boosting the uptake of inovative solutions in the context of water and circular economy)
Reporting period: 2024-01-01 to 2025-06-30
The BOOST-IN project addresses the pressing need to accelerate the uptake of circular economy solutions in the water sector across Europe. Despite significant technological advancements in water reuse, nutrient recovery, and energy valorisation, the practical implementation and scaling of such solutions remain limited due to social, regulatory, and market-related barriers.
BOOST-IN (Boosting Circular Water Solutions Through Policy, Innovation and Social Engagement) is a Horizon Europe project that aims to tackle these challenges by creating enabling conditions for the replication and uptake of Water and Circular Economy Solutions (WACES). The project supports regions, industries, and stakeholders through co-creation methodologies, digital tools, capacity building, and evidence-based policy recommendations.
Its core objectives are: to scout and assess innovative WACES; to understand regional barriers and enablers; to improve public perception and trust in reclaimed water and circular processes; to enhance market readiness of promising solutions; and to support the definition of regulatory frameworks, including end-of-waste criteria. BOOST-IN is expected to significantly contribute to environmental protection, water resilience, resource recovery and EU Green Deal priorities, while strengthening innovation ecosystems.
BOOST-IN (Boosting Circular Water Solutions Through Policy, Innovation and Social Engagement) is a Horizon Europe project that aims to tackle these challenges by creating enabling conditions for the replication and uptake of Water and Circular Economy Solutions (WACES). The project supports regions, industries, and stakeholders through co-creation methodologies, digital tools, capacity building, and evidence-based policy recommendations.
Its core objectives are: to scout and assess innovative WACES; to understand regional barriers and enablers; to improve public perception and trust in reclaimed water and circular processes; to enhance market readiness of promising solutions; and to support the definition of regulatory frameworks, including end-of-waste criteria. BOOST-IN is expected to significantly contribute to environmental protection, water resilience, resource recovery and EU Green Deal priorities, while strengthening innovation ecosystems.
During the first reporting period (M1–M18), BOOST-IN achieved significant progress across all work packages.
A framework for scouting and selecting WACES was established (D1.1) leading to 156 solutions identified and characterised in the BOOST-IN Database (D1.2). The data can be accessed and visualised through the open-access mapping tool available at https://umap.openstreetmap.fr/en/map/boost-in_1111525#3/19.73/-22.39(opens in new window).
Six regional co-creation processes were conducted (D2.1) engaging more than 140 stakeholders to uncover behavioural, social, and regulatory barriers. A policy assessment framework was designed to analyse how WACES contribute to EU directives in water, energy, and nature (D3.1).
The project also supported the selection of 11 promising WACES for business acceleration (D4.1) and launched the Water Europe Marketplace beta version with integrated matchmaking tools (D5.4) accessible via https://we-marketplace-beta.agenso.gr(opens in new window).
BOOST-IN also delivered the Gender and Ethics Plan (D7.2) strengthening inclusivity and ethical compliance, and produced the Policy Brief on Social Perception (D5.5) offering initial recommendations for overcoming perception barriers to water reuse.
A framework for scouting and selecting WACES was established (D1.1) leading to 156 solutions identified and characterised in the BOOST-IN Database (D1.2). The data can be accessed and visualised through the open-access mapping tool available at https://umap.openstreetmap.fr/en/map/boost-in_1111525#3/19.73/-22.39(opens in new window).
Six regional co-creation processes were conducted (D2.1) engaging more than 140 stakeholders to uncover behavioural, social, and regulatory barriers. A policy assessment framework was designed to analyse how WACES contribute to EU directives in water, energy, and nature (D3.1).
The project also supported the selection of 11 promising WACES for business acceleration (D4.1) and launched the Water Europe Marketplace beta version with integrated matchmaking tools (D5.4) accessible via https://we-marketplace-beta.agenso.gr(opens in new window).
BOOST-IN also delivered the Gender and Ethics Plan (D7.2) strengthening inclusivity and ethical compliance, and produced the Policy Brief on Social Perception (D5.5) offering initial recommendations for overcoming perception barriers to water reuse.
BOOST-IN aims to accelerate the adoption and replication of existing circular water solutions by bridging the gap between innovation, policy, and society. The creates an enabling environment where proven Water and Circular Economy Solutions (WACES) can be better understood, accepted, and implemented at scale.
BOOST-IN’s added value lies in its integrative approach, combining social engagement, policy alignment, and market facilitation to strengthen the circular water ecosystem in Europe. Through the Water Europe Marketplace beta version (D5.4) the project provides a beta version of a connection platform to allow interactions between innovators and end-users. The WACES database and mapping tool (D1.2) make existing solutions more visible and accessible, while policy brief on social perception (D5.5) translate lessons learned into actionable recommendations for regulators and practitioners.
In addition, the project has fostered a stronger understanding of how standardisation processes—such as the forthcoming CEN Workshop Agreement —can drive the uptake of circular water innovations. BOOST-IN therefore contributes to advancing systemic change rather than technological invention, supporting the transition towards a more circular, resilient, and socially accepted water economy in Europe.
BOOST-IN’s added value lies in its integrative approach, combining social engagement, policy alignment, and market facilitation to strengthen the circular water ecosystem in Europe. Through the Water Europe Marketplace beta version (D5.4) the project provides a beta version of a connection platform to allow interactions between innovators and end-users. The WACES database and mapping tool (D1.2) make existing solutions more visible and accessible, while policy brief on social perception (D5.5) translate lessons learned into actionable recommendations for regulators and practitioners.
In addition, the project has fostered a stronger understanding of how standardisation processes—such as the forthcoming CEN Workshop Agreement —can drive the uptake of circular water innovations. BOOST-IN therefore contributes to advancing systemic change rather than technological invention, supporting the transition towards a more circular, resilient, and socially accepted water economy in Europe.