NATURE
BSC and KOZANI will test how the provision of targeted training and mentorship services to businesses (incl. SMEs) can significantly accelerate the formation of triple-helix ecosystems to promote CRMs recycling in the territories of Gorenjska and Kozani. The pilot action is based on Extremadura’s public intervention to introduce circular economy in own region; FUNDECYT pilot-tested the provision of consultation and training services to businesses in 2021, in order to: a) address innovation and knowledge gaps, as well as concerns regarding newly introduced concepts and business models, and b) thereupon foster collaborations between regional actors, for the latter to harness circular economy funding opportunities by valorising the new knowledge acquired.

CONTENT
The training and mentorship aspect of the pilot action is based on three main pillars: i) presenting successful examples and elaborating on synergetic business models that can secure profitability, including green growth financial opportunities (i.e., Green Deal), ii) different governance models and approaches regarding synergetic schemes, and iii) technological and infrastructure considerations.

IMPLEMENTATION
The best practice, initially developed during the IE 2014-2020 SYMBI project and recognised as such by EIT Raw Materials, will be updated by PROMEA by integrating EIT Raw Materials operative concept of ‘triple-helix innovation’ and the recommendations of ERMA regarding businesses’ gaps when involved in circular value chains. Stepwise, BSC and KOZANI will each:

1. Customise the training content
2. Set-up teams with their training experts
3. Identify stakeholders to be primarily targeted
4. Develop and launch and open call
5. Launch a mentorship service to support entrepreneurship
6. Organise one training and one matchmaking workshop
7. Circulate  Memoranda of Cooperation to be signed by stakeholders for future (in the short-term) collaborations
8. Assess and disseminate pilot results