The transition to a circular economy is one of Europe’s defining challenges – and opportunities – in the pursuit of sustainability, competitiveness, and resilience. At the heart of this transformation lie clusters: networks of interconnected companies, institutions, and stakeholders that act as engines of innovation and collaboration. Recognizing their potential, the ENDURANCE project has placed clusters at the center of its policy recommendations, identifying them as pivotal actors in advancing both the green and digital transitions across Europe.
Drawing on lessons from partner regions, small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), and targeted training activities, the policy paper sheds light on the strategic role clusters play in accelerating systemic change. Clusters act as catalysts by connecting businesses with research institutions, fostering innovation ecosystems, and facilitating the exchange of knowledge and resources. In doing so, they create fertile ground for circular business models to thrive, from resource efficiency and industrial symbiosis to eco-innovation and green skills development.
The paper emphasizes that while clusters are already driving progress, they face structural and operational challenges. These include limited access to funding, regulatory barriers, and gaps in skills and knowledge that can slow the adoption of circular practices. To overcome these obstacles, the paper puts forward a set of actionable recommendations, advocating for:
- Increased investment in green skills, ensuring that Europe’s workforce is prepared for the demands of a circular economy.
- Targeted incentives for eco-innovation, supporting SMEs and industries in scaling up sustainable solutions.
- Collaborative frameworks, where businesses, academia, and public authorities co-create strategies that align with both local realities and European-level objectives.
By aligning regional initiatives with the ambitions of the European Green Deal and the EU’s circular economy agenda, clusters can serve as drivers of competitiveness and sustainability. They are uniquely positioned to bridge policy and practice, translating high-level goals into tangible, local outcomes that deliver environmental, economic, and social value.
Ultimately, the policy paper calls for a more systemic approach to supporting clusters, recognizing them not just as facilitators of industrial cooperation but as strategic agents of transformation. The recommendations outlined provide a roadmap for decision-
makers, offering guidance on how to empower clusters to maximize their impact in the transition toward a circular and sustainable economy.
The findings and insights from the ENDURANCE project reaffirm that clusters are essential levers of change. Strengthening their role will be vital if Europe is to achieve its twin goals of sustainability and competitiveness, ensuring that the circular economy moves from vision to reality across regions and sectors.