The ECIV project is set within the European policy context of the Green Deal, the Circular Economy Action Plan, and the New European Innovation Agenda, which call for a transition towards a more sustainable, resilient, and competitive economy. Despite this, Europe remains largely dependent on linear production models, with limited circular material use and fragmented innovation ecosystems. In addition, regions differ significantly in innovation capacity and circular economy maturity, creating disparities that hinder the transition.
ECIV addresses this challenge by strengthening connections between regional innovation ecosystems to jointly develop circular solutions in industrial value chains. ECIV brings together complementary regions across Europe: Navarra (Spain), Northern Netherlands (Netherlands), North Middle Sweden (Sweden), Normandie (France), Lithuania, Scotland (UK), Wallonia (Belgium), and Helsinki-Uusimaa (Finland). These regions represent a mix of innovation levels and circular economy development, enabling knowledge transfer, mutual learning, and the co-creation of scalable solutions. Many regions lack the critical mass and capabilities to address complex circularity challenges alone, particularly in areas such as industrial symbiosis, new materials, and systemic innovation. The project therefore builds on the concept of interconnected Regional Innovation Valleys, promoting structured interregional collaboration.
The overall objective is to establish a European Circular Innovation Valley, a mission-oriented framework connecting regional ecosystems. The project aims to accelerate the transition towards circular industrial value chains, increase innovation capacity and collaboration, and generate sustainable economic growth. To do so, ECIV follows a phased approach: analysing regional contexts and value chain challenges, defining mission-oriented action plans, connecting ecosystems through thematic communities and matchmaking processes, and supporting the development of collaborative innovation projects. It also promotes knowledge transfer and replication beyond the consortium.
The pathway to impact includes: (1) mobilisation and connection of ecosystems; (2) development of innovation projects and experiments delivering solutions close to market (TRL 6–8); (3) strengthening of policies and investment mechanisms; and (4) replication of the model to other regions.
ECIV is expected to mobilise over 1,300 innovation actors, support 15–35 interregional projects and up to 30 experiments, and leverage around €23 million in public and private investment. It will address multiple industrial value chains, contributing to resource efficiency, reduced emissions, and increased industrial resilience.
Social Sciences and Humanities (SSH) are integrated throughout the project to support stakeholder engagement, co-creation, and policy design, ensuring that circular solutions are socially accepted and aligned with societal needs.
Overall, ECIV establishes a scalable model of interregional collaboration, strengthening Europe’s capacity to advance towards a circular, sustainable, and competitive economy.
