The European Circular Economy Innovation Valley (ECIV)

The ECIV project will act as a centre for regional circular economy initiatives. It encourages participants to:

• Share best practices
• Develop sustainable solutions
• Implement circular economy principles across various industries

The ECIV aims to help achieve the goals of the European Green Deal – which are to reduce the amount of waste, promote efficient use of resources and create a sustainable economic model across Europe.

Project objectives

The ECIV project has several objectives:

• It aims to create the strongest interregional circular economy innovation consortium in Europe. This consortium will focus on transforming traditional industrial value chains by offering new solutions based on circular economy market innovations.
• It aims to provide analysis of regional information and challenges, including policy aspects, strategic planning and circular economy actors.
• It aims to define specific missions and sub-missions that help to achieve circular economy transformation goals.

Planned activity

Current ECIV activity is based on connecting ecosystems. The work focuses on allowing stakeholders from different regions to connect and collaborate. 

A space is provided for discussions, challenges and development. This makes it easier to mobilise, involve and connect participants to solve specific challenges.

Planned results

Two open funding calls are being organised as part of ECIV. These will finance 35 innovative circular economy projects at technology readiness levels (TRL) 6 to 8. 

As well as this, ECIV participants can access expert consultation on:

• The creation of innovative circular economy products and services
• Cascade financing mechanism
• Technological transformation

Scottish Enterprise is a participant in ECIV. This means we'll represent Scottish organisations as we join the activities of top EU circular economy innovation ecosystems. 

As part of our work in ECIV, we will:

• Provide recommendations on the development of essential circular economy regulatory documents and policy-making tools
• Help companies find international partners for joint projects
• Create platforms to exchange knowledge and skills with mature EU innovators

As the project continues, there will be a funding call that aims to finance newly developed products and technologies. This will support less developed projects, including activities like feasibility studies, concept development and prototype development.

Financing

The total amount of funding provided for the ECIV project is €27,162,498 EUR. The European Union provides 50% of this funding.