Join us at the DECIDE project Final Conference and discover the circular future of the Danube region
Participants can attend in person at the multimedia hall of Technology Innovation Centre Međimurje Ltd, in Čakovec, Croatia, or join online via livestream.
The conference is organised as a joint event of the project DECIDE - Digital Services for Circular Economy: a Toolbox for Regional Developers and SMEs and the EU Strategy for the Danube Region Priority Area 8 Working Group Circular Economy and Bioeconomy.
The event explores how circular ideas can be transformed into economically viable, environmentally effective and socially beneficial business models under real-world conditions. It brings together strategic, operational and systemic perspectives on the circular economy and bioeconomy while highlighting the role of digital tools, policy frameworks and regional cooperation in enabling sustainable economic transformation across the Danube Region.
As an Interreg Danube Region flagship project, DECIDE highlights the role of digital tools in supporting SMEs and regional developers in sectors such as food, packaging, batteries, smart cities and textiles. Real-world examples from pilot projects demonstrate practical implementation and new forms of cooperation between businesses, innovation actors and regional development organisations.
Participants will also gain insight into the DECIDE toolbox – a set of digital services and practical methods designed to support SMEs, start-ups and regional development organisations in identifying and implementing circular economy opportunities.
The conference is organised in connection with the meeting and study visit of the Circular Economy and Bioeconomy Working Group of the EU Strategy for the Danube Region to Croatia.
By combining policy dialogue, project results and real-world examples, the event aims to strengthen transnational cooperation and knowledge exchange across the Danube Region.
Programme overview
- 11:00 – Opening session
- Welcome addresses by hosts and esteemed guests
- 11:15 – DECIDE project results presentation
- How does a circular idea become a successful business model?
- 12:30 – Keynotes
- - Interreg Danube Region Programme - National Contact Point Germany
- - Danube Region Strategy - Priority Area 8 Competitiveness of Enterprises Coordinator
- - Representatives from the Ministry of Economy, Croatia, Directory of Industry
- 13:30 – Panel discussion
- Impact, scaling opportunities and the importance of transnational cooperation
- 14:30 – Closing remarks
We warmly invite policymakers, researchers, entrepreneurs, regional development organisations and all stakeholders interested in circular economy solutions to join this important event and contribute to shaping a more sustainable and circular future for the Danube Region.
For registration, please visit the announcement on the DECIDE project website!
About DECIDE
DECIDE is a transnational project co-funded by the Interreg Danube Region Programme. It supports the transition towards a circular economy by developing practical tools, digital solutions and policy recommendations for businesses and public authorities. The project focuses on key sectors including food, textiles, batteries, smart cities and packaging. By fostering collaboration across the Danube Region, DECIDE contributes to more resource-efficient and sustainable economic systems. The project runs from 1st January 2024 to 30th June 2026. For more information visit: https://interreg-danube.eu/projects/decide