First Policy Brief for Regional Circular Economy Transition (D7.3)

Circular Systemic Solutions connect technologies with actors, markets, infrastructure and regional governance. Their uptake therefore depends on more than technical readiness. The first CSSBoost policy brief examines fragmented regulatory interpretation, investment risk, weak demand for secondary resources, infrastructure planning and social acceptance as connected barriers to regional circular transition.

The analysis brings together the CSS Inventory and the pilot baselines and application plans, with a cross-check against wider CCRI stakeholder findings. It identifies a need for coordination between utilities, agriculture, industry, waste management, transport and public authorities. Digital information is another enabling condition: resource tracking and interoperable systems can make available flows and potential exchanges more visible.

The recommendations address regional planning, circular procurement, clearer application guidance, appropriate financial support and active stakeholder participation. They also call for better access to inventories and planning tools so that regions can learn from existing circular practices. The brief represents the project's first policy synthesis, drawing on preparation and early implementation experience. A later policy brief is intended to incorporate the more extensive evidence generated through the demonstrations.