Digital technologies as enabler to foster the transition to the circular economy by the SME in the Alpine Space area

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The main objective of the CIRCULAR4.0 project is to strengthen digitalisation processes by SMEs to foster innovation processes and accelerate the transition to the Circular Economy (CE) in Alpine Space.  The introduction of new technologies, notably the internet of things and big data tools, is enabling the development and introduction of new CE (circular economy) business models, often based on sharing and leasing but also reuse and remanufacturing. New technical systems and tools enable the tracking of products or materials during their life to enable extended use/life and maintaining the highest possible value. Meanwhile, design and manufacturing capabilities are evolving with advances in production, material science and manufacturing, e.g. 3D printing and artificial intelligence. Project CIRCULAR4.0 adresses specific objectives to Integrate the EU CE Action plan with specific actions addressed to the Alpine Space area and its peculiarities, focusing particularly to SMEs (eco-design and innovative business models), value-chain and clusters according to S3 and the EUSALP strategic sectors; policy makers (integrate CE into innovation policies for SMEs and 2020+ Programme). CIRCULAR4.0 will increase the knowledge and raise the attention of Entrepreneurs and Intermediaries on the CE concepts, develop and test a set of tools able to foster the contribute of Industry4.0 for the transition of SMEs to the CE economy, with particular attention to Circular Design models, Optimal Use models, Value Recovery models. The project intends to address Policy Makers, Intermediaries and SMEs to raise the importance of digitalization processes, focusing mainly on: the innovation processes,  the business models and the investments needed. The project will produce a CIRCULAR4.0 Action plan to contribute to the transition toward CE in AS with SMEs digitalization creating added value for stakeholders in the Alpine Space and supporting Policies and EUSALP Macro Strategy. Information added on 2020-06-01, regarding the mitigation of the effects of COVID-19 (the coronavirus pandemic that started in 2019) (English language only): The project CIRCULAR4.0 is an opportunity for the Alpine Space and its enterprises in recovering from the pandemic. It encourages SMEs to innovate and grow by using more digital tools and adopting circular economy business models. These models also tackle environmental challenges by fostering the transition to a sustainable manufacturing.

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