#EUCircularTalks: The role of Network Governance and circular economy hubs in the circular transition of the EU

Collaboration is the key for a successful and effective circular transformation. How do different stakeholders collaborate on the ground, how are they organized and what is their impact? How do they collaborate with the government and how well are they connected on national and international level? These questions were addressed during the #EU Circular Talk on the role of network governance on October 11th, 2021.

Prof. dr. Jacqueline Cramer, the author of the book - How Network Governance Powers the Circular Economy, also provided exclusive insights into findings of her survey and showed how network governance can power the circular economy by strengthening the positive forces in society and giving a voice to every citizen. The aim of the EU Circular Talk was to concretely introduce the role and impact of hubs and to encourage the transition towards network governance (driven by Transition Brokers).  By facing different experiences, projects, activities, achievements and barriers, better understanding of the role of hubs will be achieved.

With the speakers and participants, we explored the impact CE hubs are creating on the ground as well as the power of networks through the cases and experiences shared by LG members and invited external guests.

After the introductory speech by ECESP co-chairs Ladeja Godina Košir, Freek van Eijk and Mr. Cillian Lohan, Vice-president of the European Economic and Social Committee, we had a chance to dive into the experiences from the transition brokers across Europe and beyond: Marline Weber (INEC): The influence of the hub on political and legislative level in France, Laura Cutaia (ICESP): ICESP activities in networking, knowledge and good practices collection and dissemination to foster the Italian circular transition, Dan Clinci (IRCEM): A brief presentation of ASIST projects delivered by ROCESP (Romanian Circular Economy Stakeholders Platform), Sarah Miller (The Rediscovery Center): Progress in Ireland through collaboration with government agencies and municipalities, Arthur ten Wolde (Ecopreneur): The Dutch "Acceleration House Circular Economy" as an inspiration for circularity hubs in all EU regions", Cynthia Reynolds (Circular Regions): The emergence of a Shared Intelligence supported by data and new standards for best practice mapping of Circular case studies, Cathrine Barth (Nordic Circular Hotspot): The Nordic Circular Hotspot case: building an international network, and Beatriz Luz (Exchange4change): Brazil case of CE hub - bridging EU and Latin America.

The process of EUCT continues via online discussion on ECESP social media and will close with the outcome paper on the topic. Video recording of the session will be shared shortly.