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KNOWLEDGE MAP Back to overview

Circular Economy

Circular platforms and knowledge networks

Circular platforms and knowledge networks play a crucial role in accelerating the realization of the circular economy by sharing knowledge, showcasing case studies, and facilitating collaboration. These leading platforms and networks, both global and in the Netherlands, set a positive example.

In addition to these platforms and networks, numerous institutions contribute to the transition by sharing knowledge, such as offering freely accessible online courses on the subject, known as MOOCs.

Netherlands

Regional networks

In various regions, platforms exist where entrepreneurs, governments, and/or researchers can come together in a collective transition towards a circular economy. Key examples include Circulair Friesland (Friesland, but also Groningen and Drenthe), CIRCLES (Eastern Netherlands) and ACCEZ (South Holland).

Versnellingshuis Nederland Circulair

Versnellingshuis Nederland Circulair assists entrepreneurs in scaling up circular business models. Entrepreneurs can inquire about knowledge, financing, and legal regulations. The Acceleration House Circular Economy also helps by providing entrepreneurs access to an extensive network of collaborative partners. As part of Versnellingshuis Nederland Circulair, the online community CirculairOndernemen.nl serves as a meeting place for organizations in the circular economy. Additionally, Versnellingshuis Nederland Circulair initiates three to five breakthrough projects each year, such as a pilot plant for the chemical recycling of plastic and textiles (Het Groene Brein, 2019; VNO-NCW, 2019).

More information is available on the website of Versnellingshuis Nederland Circulair.

Holland Circular Hotspot

Holland Circular Hotspot is a public-private platform where companies, knowledge institutions, and (local) governments collaborate internationally with the aim of exchanging knowledge and stimulating entrepreneurship in the circular economy. The organization focuses on promoting international cooperation between businesses, knowledge institutions, governments, and other relevant parties. Additionally, it develops an (online) community for (inter)national parties to make circular challenges and solutions visible and exploit business potential. In line with this, Holland Circular Hotspot assists foreign parties in finding Dutch business partners on circular economy topics. Furthermore, it facilitates businesses’ access to Dutch and international (financial) instruments and programs.

More information on the website of Holland Circular Hotspot.

Sustainable Finance Lab

The Sustainable Finance Lab (SFL) is an informal network of mostly academics conducting research on the sustainability of banks and markets. The academics come from various disciplines and universities in the Netherlands, and they are members on a personal basis. The SFL was founded in 2011 on the initiative of professors Herman Wijffels and Klaas van Egmond from Utrecht University and Peter Blom from Triodos Bank. A secretariat affiliated with the Utrecht University School of Economics supports the members. Financing for the work of SFL comes through the SFL foundation, which receives structural contributions from Triodos Bank and De Nederlandsche Bank. Additionally, there is project financing from ministries and other financial institutions, and the University of Utrecht funds two post-doc positions.

More information can be found on the Sustainable Finance Lab website.

Madaster

Madaster is an independent platform for individuals, businesses, and governments with the goal of creating a cadastre for materials. Madaster is an initiative of the Madaster Foundation, a Dutch non-profit foundation with the aim of eliminating waste. The company argues that well-documented resources remain unlimited. Using material passports, materials acquire an identity, preventing them from disappearing into anonymity as waste. Madaster serves as a library and generator for material passports.

More information is available on the Madaster website.

International

Circle Lab

Circle Lab is an online platform for cities, businesses, and citizens to explore and implement circular business models and strategies to address universal and local challenges. By digitizing knowledge, unlocking access, and encouraging co-creation, Circle Lab aims to break down information silos and promote cross-sectoral collaboration and innovation. Circle Lab also provides access to over 1,000 examples of the circular economy in practice, as well as other articles and reports on the subject.

More information can be found on the Circle Lab website.

CE 100 Network

The Ellen MacArthur Foundation initiated the Circular Economy 100 (CE 100) network to facilitate knowledge exchange on the circular economy among its network members. Members include large companies, regions, and governments. The network provides a pre-competitive space for learning, sharing knowledge, and developing new joint approaches.

Most global companies understand that a circular economy must play a role in their strategy to remain competitive. Success requires significant individual efforts, but serious actors also recognize the need to collaborate to build new markets. The CE100 network facilitates market-making by providing collaboration and pre-competitive opportunities that bring together businesses, innovators, cities, and governments, universities, and thought leaders.

For more information, visit the Ellen MacArthur Foundation website.