Circle4Value

Systemic knowledge and innovation networks

Circle4Value is the funding program's transfer and networking project. It brings together the knowledge from the individual consortia, prepares methods and learning resources, and connects the Eureka projects with one another.

Details
Circle4Value
Scientific Project

Circle4Value

Platform-based systems knowledge for expanding global innovation networks to support circular value creation

Project Lead

  • Dr. Christian Lerch

    Dr. Christian Lerch

    Fraunhofer Institute for Systems and Innovation Research

Project partner

  • Dipl. oec. Dominika Dragon

    Dipl. oec. Dominika Dragon

    Fraunhofer Institute for Material Flow and Logistics

  • Dr. Stefan Klein

    Dr. Stefan Klein

    Deutsche Gesellschaft für Materialkunde e. V.

The aim of the research project is to establish a platform-based global innovation network in which system knowledge on circular value creation is generated and made available to additional stakeholders. The project will develop a tool for the life cycle assessment of circular systems, a methodology for creating digital product passports, an instrument for business model development, and a method for configuring innovation networks.

To support knowledge transfer, two integrated digital platforms will be created and systematically further developed. The networking platform will support Eureka clusters and other stakeholders in expanding their networks, while the learning platform will promote qualification and awareness-raising among various stakeholder groups, particularly employees.

Motivation

Circular value creation is not only about new technologies, but also about systemic transformation. Global innovation networks aiming to develop future circular value creation systems therefore require a specific understanding of these systems, strong connections with other stakeholders, and new competencies.

The scientific project Circle4Value will analyze and evaluate the interdependencies of this systemic transformation in an international context, drawing on research and development findings from the Eureka clusters.

Objectives and Approach

The aim of the research project is to establish a platform-based global innovation network in which system knowledge on circular value creation is generated and made available to additional stakeholders.

The project will develop a tool for the life cycle assessment of circular systems, a methodology for creating digital product passports, an instrument for business model development, and a method for configuring innovation networks.

To support knowledge transfer, two integrated digital platforms will be created and systematically further developed. The networking platform will support Eureka clusters and other stakeholders in expanding their networks, while the learning platform will promote the qualification and awareness-raising of various stakeholder groups, particularly employees.

Innovations and Perspectives

Circle4Value generates new insights into circular value creation from an international perspective and develops innovative methods and learning concepts. These will be shared through a newly emerging global innovation network that brings together Eureka clusters and additional partners.

The underlying platforms support the participating stakeholders with functions such as matching processes, configuration methods, and webinars.

Through an SME-oriented transfer design and the involvement of associations and chambers from various fields, the innovation network is intended to remain effective across the broader SME sector beyond the end of the project.

Acronym

Circle4Value

Project type

Transfer and networking project

Project period

1 May 2026 to 31 October 2029

Sector / application area

Cross-cutting / transfer

Topics

Transfer, life cycle assessment, business models, data ecosystems

R-strategies

All R-strategies

At its core

Challenge, goal and contribution

What the project aims for and what it contributes to circular value creation.

01

Challenge

The consortia in CircularGlowUp develop methods, data and experience across very different sectors. Without a shared platform, this knowledge stays scattered, hard to find and difficult to transfer to other areas.

02

Goal

Circle4Value builds platform-based systemic knowledge, learning and training offerings, and innovation networks. This makes results comparable, findable and usable for other stakeholders.

03

Contribution to the circular economy

Circle4Value brings together the results of the individual consortia and makes them accessible to other companies and projects.

Role in the network

Circle4Value as a transfer and networking hub

Circle4Value develops systemic knowledge on circular value creation and connects the consortia in the funding program.

Systemic knowledge

Curated knowledge on circular value creation for all consortia.

Learning and training offerings

Formats that build skills for circular processes.

Methods and tools

Life cycle assessment (LCA), digital product passports and business model development.

Connecting the consortia

Matchmaking, events and a shared results map.

CircularGlowUp
Funded by the Federal Ministry of Research, Technology and Space