The policy responsible authority of the Tampere Regional Development Programme 2022–2025 (hereinafter the Programme) is the Council of Tampere Region. The newly adopted Programme is based of five missions (cf. below) that were identified in a co-creative process in which all stakeholders of the region were invited.
1. Tampere region creates value from expertise and knowledge
2. Tampere region businesses experience renewal and grow responsibly
3. In Tampere region, no one is excluded
4. Tampere region is a place of sustainable living and mobility
5. Tampere region gains strength through internationality

The Programme also includes the smart specialisation strategy of Tampere regions which four focus areas:
• Responsibly renewing industries and managed sustainability breakthrough
• Smart and sustainable communities
• Wellness technologies and services
• Culture and the digital experience sector

The Finnish ERDF funding is channelled by the Ministry of Economic Affairs and Employment to regional authorities like the Council of Tampere Region. In the current programming period, there are six priority axes in the Innovation and skills in Finland 2021–2027 programme. The second priority axis is dedicated to carbon neutrality, which is fully in line with the objectives of the Programme and the PLASTIX proposal, and all projects funded by the ERDF funding allocated to Tampere region must support the Programme

RIS3CAT 2030 is Catalonia's response to the European Commission's demand that regions develop research and innovation strategies for smart specialization (RIS3) that address the challenges of the territory and can be co-financed with European funds.

In a context marked by major global challenges, such as climate change, pollution, waste of resources, persistent unemployment, rising social inequalities, an aging population and the COVID-19 pandemic, the RIS3 de Catalunya (RIS3CAT) mobilizes agents and resources from the territory to move forward, with the support of European funds, towards a greener, digital, resilient and fair socio-economic model.

RIS3CAT 2030 prioritises transformative and responsible research and innovation, the development of enabling technologies, the creation of a new digital and technology-based industry and the transformation of the provision of goods and services through shared agendas. Therefore, social innovation in the broadest sense plays a key role.

PLASTIX is directly linked to RIS3CAT2030 as it will focus on working with the chemical industry and RDI centres and universities to find and improve solutions / technologies in relation to the reuse and recycling of plastics. As mentioned in the RIS3CAT, the development of enabling technologies for the transformation of the energy and resource-neutral system into emissions and respect for the territory is a key part of the strategy.

The ERDF North Netherlands (NNL) programme is all about innovation for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in the region. It is based on the Regional Innovation Strategy for Smart Specialisation (RIS3), which aims to create an open, creative environment that helps build a future-proof economy and job market in NNL – with a focus on Broad Prosperity.

At the heart of our approach are four key transitions that align with our regional strengths. One of the most exciting of these is the shift from a linear to a circular economy. The RIS3 focuses on identifying and capitalising on new opportunities within these transitions, contributing to a more circular, happy, and inclusive NNL.

One major opportunity we see is the development of circular plastics as a smart specialisation. With the PLASTIX project, we aim to better understand the innovation ecosystem around circular plastics in our region. We are also keen to exchange ideas with other regions to expand and sustain this ecosystem. Ultimately, this collaboration will lead to new smart specialisations in circular plastics – and that is the goal of our ERDF programme.

The Territorial Development Program of the Savinja-Šalek Region 2021-2027 (PI covered, and hereinafter addressed as TDP 2021-2027) for SAŠA region has been adopted by all 10 founding municipalities. In combination with local, regional, national and EU instruments and programs, it has incorporated the actual issues of 1) new (plastic) technologies as resource efficient subject of circular economy, and additional focus on 2) microplastics (MPs) waste.

The exposed characteristics of TDP 2021-2027 are globally competitive industry, and (bio)plastics production as a regional development opportunity. It names the following strategic goals (measures addressed): 1) waste reduction, 2) energy efficiency, 3) reduced energy consumption, and 4) environment quality regarding its conservation and remediation.

The main object of the policy instrument TDP 2021-2027 is to reform our regional economy into a green economy together with the green jobs, and to work on broad prosperity. The transition to a circular economy of SAŠA region is based on an innovative approach and improved waste management. Our planned project activities will contribute to the two (out of 15) strategic objectives for a low-carbon, green and connected SAŠA region 2030, as research findings will make a significant contribution to: a) preserving and improving the environment (Objective 8); we will focus on water environment, and waste reduction (Objective 9).

The policy instrument will contribute towards:
1) A more competitive, resilient and diversified business business sector in North Middle Sweden
2) More sustainable – from a climate and environmental perspective – economic activities in North Middle Sweden
3) A population in North Middle Sweden living more equally and with good health

The North Middle Sweden ERDF programme encompasses policy objectives 1, “A Smarter North Middle Sweden” (A more competitive and smarter Europe by promoting innovative and smart economic transformation and regional ICT connectivity) and 2, “A Greener North Middle Sweden” (A greener, low-carbon transitioning towards a net zero carbon economy and resilient Europe by promoting clean and fair energy transition, green and blue investment, circular economy, climate change mitigation and adaptation, risk prevention and management, and sustainable urban mobility). The programme focuses on the following specific objectives:
- Developing and enhancing R&I capacities and the uptake of advanced technologies
- Reaping the benefits of digitisation for citizens, companies, research organisations and public authorities
- Enhancing sustainable growth and competitiveness and job creation in SMEs, including by productive investments
- Developing skills for S3, industrial transition and entrepreneurship
- Developing smart energy systems, grids and storage outside Trans-European Energy Network (TEN-E)
- Promoting transition to circular and resource efficient economy

In line with the EU Industrial Strategy, Lombardy Region intends to support the strengthening, resilience and competitiveness of the production chains and of the industrial, productive and economic ecosystems of its territory, by developing strong links among companies and involving research, training and financial institutions.

The policy instrument, managed by the General Directorate for Economic Development of Lombardy Region, consists of two phases:
• Phase 1: Expression of Interest (2022-2023)
Partnerships submit a concept note on their future activities. If evaluated positively, a quality label is granted to these consortia, awarding some extra-points when submitting a project proposal under Phase 2.
• Phase 2: Activation of specific measures to support interventions (from 2022 onwards)
According to the emerged challenges and needs, Lombardy Region intends to activate several support measures for the development and consolidation of local economy. The Phase 2 is ongoing. A first call for proposals was launched in mid-2022, followed by others in early 2023.

Among the priorities addressed there are sustainability and circularity, industrial innovation and technology transfer, digitalization, educational and training activities, internationalisation. These topics should be then declined in specific activities, dealing for example with eco-design, waste management or industrial symbiosis, that strongly fit the current challenges and activities related to plastic sector.