Successful Execution of the Second Module of the Zasavje Circular Economy Academy
The Zasavje Just Transition Center (RRA Zasavje), in collaboration with Circular Change – Institute for Circular Economy, successfully conducted the second workshop of the Zasavje Circular Economy Academy. The event, titled “From Pilot to EU Candidate – Developing Structured Circular Business Models,” took place on Thursday, May 30, 2024, at Kolodvorska cesta 2 in Zagorje ob Savi.
Focus on Developing Structured Circular Business Models
The workshop was led by Mag. Ladeja Godina Košir, founder and director of Circular Change and co-chair of the European Circular Economy Stakeholder Platform (ECESP) in Brussels, and Meta Pezdir, project manager and co-author of the National Strategy for Coal Phase-out and Restructuring of Coal Regions according to Just Transition principles. The primary focus of the workshop was on creating structured circular business models to be integrated into the broader innovation ecosystem of a sustainable, regenerative, and circular economy in Zasavje. Special emphasis was placed on the social and environmental impacts of the proposed solutions.
Participants included representatives from various organizations such as RRA Zasavje, Circular Change, Center DUBT (Chemical Institute), Dewesoft, Skitti d.o.o., Municipality of Litija, CEROZ d.o.o., AEIOU Universe, AformX d.o.o., Aspira (Institute for Individual and Social Development), Mycopor, Steklarna Hrastnik, RC eNeM d.o.o., Civil Initiative for Eco-Social Society and Development of Zasavje, Katapult, Pharma G d.o.o., Sinet d.o.o., and The Visual Mediator – Mireille Annette van Bremen s.p.
Participants had the opportunity to engage in interactive groups where they developed circular business models based on project concepts from the first module.
Topics covered included the development of micro-reinforcement materials from bio-based products, the development of media spas, the establishment of a circular business zone, and the exploration of the potential use of gas emissions at the central landfill. Participants had the opportunity to engage in interactive groups where they developed circular business models based on project concepts from the first module.
Future Workshops to Activate Key Stakeholders and Strengthen Innovation Ecosystem
Key challenges highlighted during the workshop included project leaders, coordinators, funding, decision-makers, and legislation. Despite these challenges, participants focused on opportunities for further development of the circular economy in Zasavje.
Future workshops will concentrate on further activating key stakeholders, partners, decision-makers, legislators, and law enforcers. The goal is to continue developing and implementing circular business models and to strengthen the innovation ecosystem of the circular economy in Zasavje, with a focus on sustainable development and finding synergies between the economic, environmental, and social aspects of the transition to a circular economy.
“We thank all participants for their active engagement and invite you to follow our future initiatives, which will continue to connect and strengthen the community and circular economic development in the region,” said the Zasavje Just Transition Center.
The activities of the Just Transition Center are fully funded by the Technical Assistance of the Just Transition Fund.
Made by Mireille van Bremen
