CIRC-2-ZERO project tackles the challenge of accelerating decarbonization and enhancing advanced manufacturing capabilities in SMEs across the BSR. The project targets SMEs in the electronics manufacturing and engineered wood products sectors, as well as large enterprises, business support organizations, and research institutions.

The CIRC-2-ZERO project approach is based on a collaborative and systemic innovation logic aimed at accelerating SMEs’ transition towards circular and low-carbon production models. The project combines advanced digital tools, real-world tested solution development, and the establishment of support networks for transformation. This approach integrates three main pillars: (1) the use of Digital Twin technologies for the simulation, analysis, and optimization of industrial processes oriented towards circularity; (2) the development and validation of solutions for circular product design and value chain optimization; and (3) the implementation of a network of Resilience Transformation Hubs, designed to support capacity building, mentoring, and collaboration among enterprises, business support organizations, and research institutions. The methodology emphasizes stakeholder co-creation, applied experimentation, and knowledge transfer, ensuring the adaptability of solutions to the specific needs of SMEs in the target sectors. In this way, the project fosters a sustainable structural transformation while strengthening industrial competitiveness and decarbonization objectives.

The CIRC-2-ZERO project will have a significant impact on academic research by advancing knowledge in the fields of circular economy, industrial decarbonization, and advanced manufacturing in SMEs. In particular, it will contribute to the development and validation of innovative methodological approaches that integrate digital simulation tools, such as Digital Twins, with decision-support and collaborative innovation processes. The project will generate new insights into the systemic transition from linear to circular production models, as well as into the critical success factors for the adoption of advanced technologies by SMEs in traditional industrial sectors. In addition, it will enable the production of scientific publications, presentations at international conferences, and the development of case studies grounded in real-world applications. Furthermore, the project is expected to strengthen collaboration between academic institutions, research centers, and industry stakeholders, fostering knowledge transfer and consolidating international research networks across the Baltic Sea Region.

The CIRC-2-ZERO project will generate significant social and economic impacts by strengthening the competitiveness and resilience of SMEs across the Baltic Sea Region through the transition to circular and low-carbon production models. From an economic perspective, the project is expected to enhance production efficiency, reduce costs associated with waste and resource consumption, and create new business opportunities based on sustainable innovation and advanced manufacturing. It will also contribute to the modernization of industrial value chains, fostering stronger integration between enterprises, research institutions, and business support organizations. On the social side, the project will support the development of digital and green skills through training, capacity-building, and mentoring activities, contributing to workforce upskilling and adaptation to the demands of the green and digital transition. In addition, it will promote a culture of collaborative innovation and sustainability, with positive effects on territorial cohesion and regional employability.

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With the objective to increase the research activity directed towards the achievement of the United Nations 2030 Sustainable Development Goals, the possibility of associating scientific projects with the Sustainable Development Goals is now available in Ciência_Iscte. These are the Sustainable Development Goals identified for this project. For more detailed information on the Sustainable Development Goals, click here.