The ENDURANCE project has released its new policy brief, ‘European Clusters as Circular Economy Catalysts’, outlining how clusters across Europe can accelerate the transition to more sustainable and resource-efficient economic models. The document highlights that clusters, as neutral collaboration platforms, are uniquely positioned to support SMEs in adopting circular practices and innovating more sustainable business models.
The brief notes that companies face increasing pressure due to resource scarcity, rising material costs and growing consumer demand for sustainable products. At the same time, the circular economy offers major opportunities, including significant economic gains and the potential to create hundreds of thousands of new EU jobs by 2030. Clusters can play a key role by enabling knowledge sharing, fostering innovation and supporting companies as they redesign processes and supply chains.
The policy paper also identifies the main challenges faced by SMEs and cluster managers. These include lack of finance, limited awareness of circular strategies, regulatory complexity and difficulties in establishing new partnerships or accessing innovative technologies. Cluster orchestrators also face challenges related to governance, stakeholder engagement and the need for cross-sector collaboration.
To address these barriers, the policy brief proposes targeted recommendations for policymakers. These include strengthening training programmes, simplifying regulations, improving access to funding, supporting innovation hubs, promoting cross-sector collaboration and encouraging regional pilot projects. The brief also presents European best practices that demonstrate how coordinated action can accelerate circular transformation.
Download the policy paper here.
