CCRI Knowledge Hub launches its mentoring programme
Funded by the EU, the CCRI Knowledge Hub just launched the first edition of its mentoring programme to foster the deployment of circular economy practices in European cities and regions. Mentors (selected experts) will provide tailored guidance on various circularity sectors and related aspects.
The Knowledge Hub is a Horizon Europe project operating as part of the EU Circular Cities and Regions Initiative (CCRI). It aims to consolidate and expand the knowledge base available to the CCRI community as well as to provide comprehensive support to European cities and regions willing to embrace the circular economy principles. To do so, the Knowledge Hub just launched the first edition of its mentoring programme for a group of nine applicants, selected through a public call. Those selected cities and regions are from Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Denmark, Finland, France, Norway, and Ukraine. Many applications were received, showing the growing interest among public administrations in receiving support and mentorship on circularity in various sectors, such as construction, waste management, transport and mobility, agriculture and many more.
The mentoring programme will provide European cities and regions with key advisory support across four topics crucial to the circular economy:
- Public Engagement: strategies to involve citizens, local communities and other stakeholders of the circular economy (ex. Businesses and industries) in circular initiatives.
- Innovation and Technology: solutions to advance circular economy practices.
- Business Models: development of sustainable and scalable business models.
- Impact Evaluation: tools and methodologies to assess the effectiveness of circular initiatives.
Each mentoring assignment will start with an assessment of the mentee's current circular transition readiness. This preliminary diagnostic will lead to the delivery of mentoring sessions and workshops. "Workshops will be led by experts on circularity from the CCRI Knowledge Hub's team and take into consideration cities' and regions' specific needs and requests", stated Carlos Serra Castells, CCRI Knowledge Hub Project Manager from the University of Valencia. He also added that "this first round of mentorship assignments will be delivered by May 2025, while a second call for expressions of interest will be launched in the coming months".
"As we explain in our recently-published presentation video, the CCRI Knowledge Hub is committed to empowering cities and regions with tools and expertise needed to accelerate the circular transition" said Mireia Ferri, CCRI Knowledge Hub coordinator from Kveloce. "By delivering practical mentoring, proven methodologies and by sharing best practices, the hub can be a key resource for local governments, organisations, and other relevant circular economy players".
About the CCRI Knowledge Hub
The CCRI Knowledge Hub is a recent extension of the European Commission's Circular Cities and Regions Initiative (CCRI) service offering. Funded by the EU, it consolidates and expands the knowledge base available on circularity practices to the CCRI community and beyond.
For more information about the CCRI Knowledge Hub and its services, watch the presentation video and reach out to the following contacts:
Project coordinator:
Mireia Ferri, Project Manager at Kveloce mferri@kveloce.com
Communication Manager:
Federica Fusco, Fondazione ICONS federica.fusco@icons.it
Knowledge Hub page: https://circular-cities-and-regions.ec.europa.eu/news/launch-ccri-knowledge-hub
CCRI website: www.circular-cities-and-regions.ec.europa.eu
CCRI LinkedIn page: Circular Cities and Regions Initiative (CCRI) | LinkedIn
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