Deploying circular systemic solutions through living labs in cities and regions (Circular Cities and Regions Initiative topic)

Overview

Supports public local and regional authorities in deploying and scaling circular systemic solutions through living labs, fostering collaboration among stakeholders to accelerate place-based innovation and replication across Europe.

Who Can Apply

Consortia led by public local or regional authorities (or their groupings) in EU Member States and Associated Countries. Must include at least five distinct living labs: two demonstration sites and three replication sites, with one replication site in a Horizon Europe widening country (including Outermost Regions). Proposals must adopt a multi-actor approach involving citizens, policymakers, research bodies, academia, industries, start-ups, SMEs, social economy entities, and financial intermediaries.

Funding Details

Maximum funding per project: 6,000,000 EUR. Funding is provided as a lump sum.

What Is Funded

Implementation of circular systemic solutions in cities or regions through living labs, focusing on:

• Validation, testing, and optimization of innovative solutions, governance models, and business plans.
• Knowledge transfer and replication across Europe, including actionable recommendations for scaling.
• Integration of socio-ecological approaches and contributions from social sciences and humanities (SSH) disciplines.
• Synergies with existing circular economy projects and initiatives, including the Circular Cities and Regions Initiative (CCRI).

Technology / Maturity Requirements

Targeted Technology Readiness Level (TRL): 7–9.

Key Dates

• Open date: 2027-02-03
• Deadline: 2027-04-07

Application Process (High-Level)

Two-stage evaluation process. Proposals must be submitted via the Funding & Tenders Portal.

Geographic Scope & Language

Eligible countries: Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Norway, Iceland, United Kingdom, Switzerland. Application language: English.

Notes

• Proposals must ensure complementarity with other CCRI projects and initiatives, including dedicated collaboration with the CCRI office.
• At least one replication living lab must be located in a Horizon Europe widening country.
• Projects must explore linkages with relevant initiatives such as Regional Innovation Valleys, the New European Bauhaus, and the Climate-Neutral and Smart Cities Mission.