InteractionSeeds partners have joined forces to facilitate and connect different worlds (industry, citizens, arts) through the development of a repository of 50+ locally proven and easy to replicate interaction schemes. The repository (WP1), expected to turn into a platform at exploitation stage, will ultimately take the form of a two-sided platform connecting a network of stakeholders: -Providers of societal and cultural interaction schemes, that have proven their value and that have a potential for replicability beyond their geographic range; -Organisations having missions in fostering connections between industry, society and art willing to explore, adapt and test locally proven interaction schemes. During the project, 20+ test cases of interaction schemes will be implemented (WP4), to support R&I knowledge valorisation. These test cases will notably involve R&I stakeholders previously engaged and trained (thanks to the development of a training kit - WP2). Protocol for the test cases implemented will be designed and adapted to the local context in WP3. Finally, a set of recommendations (WP4) on why and how to facilitate the implementation of new test cases. These recommendations will be largely disseminated to 100+ R&I representative stakeholders (such as clusters, EDIH, incubators etc.) to support the project's replicability and large use of the repository.

With 75% of the EU’s citizens living in urban areas, the potential of circular economy for European cities is clear. However, one of the main issues hindering a widespread deployment is that compared to industrialized economies, circular economy business cases are often perceived as risky by investors, often because the business models are poorly described or understood. InvestCEC will develop a replicable model for the implementation of circular economy projects in cities and regions across Europe, while taking into account all relevant stakeholders. Specifically, the model will address the city and region’s needs, support entrepreneurs in making their circular economy solution investment ready, and include the investment program set up and management. The model viability will be then demonstrated in the city of Klagenfurt, Austria as a test case. InvestCEC will also develop a platform for the stakeholders involved in a circular economy project to communicate, exchange information, as well as monitor the project and its progress. A tailored replication plan including replication materials and replication activities will be established in order to encourage the replication of the model in other local and regional settings across Europe. Alongside the model’s development and demonstration, the project will carry out prospective activities and implement measures to support the transition towards circular economy, including policy-related work, information exchange events, marketplace of circular economy solutions, and additional resources, tools and guidelines for the use of all stakeholders.

The overall objective of the project is to boost green and digital transition of European manufacturing SMEs through the uptake of advanced technologies and social innovation. To that end, MANTRA will create and demonstrate an effective and highly scalable European-wide capacity building and demonstration programme to provide SMEs with the required assistance, network of partners and experts, and financial support to elaborate and implement tailored transformation journeys leading to sustainable business models and, more competitive and resilience SMEs. This innovation support ecosystem will be built on the capacities of a strong consortium and of available EU support networks and SME support initiatives.