Circ-NSR – Improving Governance for the Circular Economy

Circ-NSR aims to strengthen circular economy in the North Sea Region. For this purpose, a key instrument will be the promotion of appropriate governance structures. Circ-NSR goes beyond implementing singular pilot activities. Rather, it focuses on success factors and mechanisms for upscaling, transferring and mainstreaming circular solutions in regional economies. In this context, Circ-NSR wants to establish a circular mindset among public and private stakeholders.

Circular Economy Governance Structures

To do so, Circ-NSR follows a twofold approach. Firstly, in five regions the partners the partners will run altogether eight circular economy pilot projects. Moreover, the project will analyse governance structures affecting its pilot activities. Secondly, the partners will interview and survey other circular economy projects and initiatives to capture transferable mechanisms and success factors. From both approaches, experiences are caught in a governance transfer centre. The transfer centre will furthermore offer an online toolbox. The toolbox, targeted at municipal, regional and sectorial actors, should inspire these stakeholders to adapt their own practices and improve governance structures.

Results

Circ-NSR does not focus on one particular topic or aspect of circular economy. Instead, the project systematically captures governance implications and successful, transferable mechanisms. They will be drawn from a wide array of projects and initiatives as well as from its own pilot implementations. Thereby, Circ-NSR wants to demonstrate the benefits of circular economy. Moreover, it shows how governance structures could be improved to cater to the needs of circular economy. Finally, Circ-NSR contributes to reducing CO2 emissions, it triggers higher commitment and increases the capacity of circular economy actors.

REM Consult supported the Danish Lead Partner and its consortium in developing the project throughout the two-stage application process.