On November 30, 2022, the first networking workshop within the project "Potentials of the Circular Economy for Rural Development in Germany and Europe" took place. Representatives:inside of BioökonomieREVIER (NRW), Lippe.zirkulär (NRW), REWIMET (ST), Netz-Werk Mittweida (SN) and LaNDER3 (SN) participated.
All regions stand out for their commitment to a systemic circular economy. At the same time, it became clear that the motives and the approach of the regions differ.
In the bioeconomyREVIER and LaNDER3, research is a strong driver that aims to exploit the potential of the circular economy in the respective lignite regions as part of structural change. In contrast, the example of REWIMET shows how structural change can succeed based on old mining competencies and how a new market can be developed with metal recycling. Lippe.zirkulär and Netz-Werk Mittweida focus on community development goals and social/employment policy goals, respectively, and use the systemic circular economy to address these through the district and social enterprise, respectively.
Despite or because of these differences, the discussion revealed different approaches, success factors and limitations of the respective strategies and measures.
