iCEAR

The iCEAR project aims at improving regional and local policies fostering circular economy (CE) in rural areas through supporting bio-based value chains in rural areas. CE has the potential for a sustainable, resource efficient development of rural areas. Currently, CE is addressed in a number of different policies on a regional and local scale covering different sectors and supporting a variety of activities. Nevertheless, an integrated approach is often lacking from a territorial point of view. The objective of iCEAR is to improve the economic ecosystem for developing CE in rural areas and unlocking its potential for regional development. The project is doing so by focusing on a) knowledge and information for CE, b) networks and coordination of activities for CE, c) strategic approaches to CE, d) innovative interventions for CE, e) creating a culture of innovation and awareness for the potential and application of CE.
The consortium consists of 13 partner from 9 countries. Among them are policy makers and regional development institutions active on a regional and local scale. The policy instruments are based on ERDF, LEADER strategies, and local climate strategies. The diversity of policy instruments and partners allows not only to learn from similar policy makers but also to better understand complementary policies. As a result, 8 policy instruments will be improved based on interregional transfer of knowledge and experience. Furthermore, the policy instruments will better define linkages to other policies to improve the overall policy environment for circular economy in rural areas. By further developing existing policy instruments and drawing up specific integrated CE action plans for rural areas, iCEAR contributes to valorising the potential of rural areas, creating quality jobs and improving the quality of life and the environment.