Multiple Helix Cooperation, why? the concept explained

The transition to a circular economy has become a critical strategy for sustainable development in Europe and worldwide. The European Union has taken significant steps in this direction through initiatives such as the European Green Deal and the Circular Economy Action Plan. One of the pivotal elements of this transition is Circular Hubs, which serve as dynamic platform for fostering collaboration, innovation, and adopting sustainable practices. The Interreg Europe project CHEERS4EU (Circular Hubs Serving as an Engine for European Regions to Foster a Strong Green Economy) is at the forefront of this movement, leveraging the power of multiple-helix collaboration to accelerate progress toward a more circular economy. 

Multiple-helix collaboration, a concept that brings together diverse public, private, academic, and societal stakeholders, is a milestone of the project CHEERS4EU. The project aims to create a fertile environment for developing and scaling up circular business models by fostering stakeholder synergy and cooperation. The CHEERS4EU multi-helix self-assessment tool provides regions with a valuable framework to evaluate their progress in implementing this collaborative approach and identify areas for improvement. 

The Pardubice Business Incubator, one of the CHEERS4EU project partners, has already seen the benefits of this collaborative approach. After the project kick-off meeting in Maastricht and discussions with stakeholders, they have strengthened their multi-helix collaboration, which is reflected not only within the circular hub project but also in their upcoming innovation center, where the hub plays a central role. By working closely with the University of Pardubice, the Regional Development Agency of the Pardubice Region, the Chamber of Commerce Czech Invest and multiple local companies, the incubator is gradually building an ecosystem that will further support the development of their circular hub. These organizations provide valuable knowledge and networks, for example, through cooperation with the Regional Development Agency, which leads another Interreg project focused on clean hydrogen, enabling stakeholders to connect and explore synergies. 

Similarly, in the Center Region of Portugal, a substantial multi-helix collaboration is emerging through the Interreg Europe project. A recent workshop at the University of Coimbra, gathering key stakeholders in the agri-industrial sector, highlighted this collaborative initiative. Participants included agri-industrial companies, the National Agency for Innovation (ANI), and the Collaborative Laboratory Towards Circular Economy (CoLAB). By integrating the expertise and resources of industry, government, academia, and research institutions, this partnership seeks to foster innovation and accelerate the transition to a circular economy. The multi-helix approach enables the development of comprehensive solutions by holistically addressing both practical business needs and sustainable practices, alongside with advanced research. This integrated effort positions the region as a frontrunner in circular economy initiatives. 

One of the critical objectives of CHEERS4EU is to enable the participants' regions to refine the concept of the Circular Hub as a catalyst for circular development. By sharing knowledge, experiences, and best practices among participants, regions can learn from one another and adapt successful business models to their specific contexts. Circular Hubs are a collaborative network structure where data, knowledge, material flows, and governance are shared and strongly interconnected with regional policy instruments promoting eco-innovation and sustainable solutions. This collaborative approach strengthens the operational capacity of Circular Hubs and contributes to developing effective regional policies that support the circular economy. 

For instance, the collaboration of the Pardubice Business Incubator with Parádní kraj, the official brand of the Pardubice Region, gives the incubator direct influence on the RIS3 strategy, aimed at increasing the share of innovations in regional companies and fostering new opportunities in the circular economy. The projects of Parádní kraj also focus on municipalities, which play an important role in the upcoming circular hub's sub-projects. Moreover, the partnership with INCIEN (the Institute for Circular Economy), a leading expert organization in the circular economy in the Czech Republic, helps deepen knowledge and provides valuable examples of best practices for the hub’s initiatives. 

The focus of CHEERS4EU on multiple-helix collaboration extends beyond the project's immediate participants' regions. The knowledge and experience gained through the project can be used by other European regions and governments to design and implement their Circular Hubs. By serving as a source of inspiration and guidance, the project CHEERS4EU can help accelerate the transition to a circular economy across Europe.