The SMICE project was basically about business development, but was also aimed at individuals, companies and organizations. The great breadth has been motivated by the certainty that the transition to a circular economy must involve everyone. The project has tested different types of activities and methodology to be able to support and scale up ideas and development processes.

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By working process-based and responsive together with entrepreneurs, the project has been able to support long-term sustainable development, both in business and society at large. The working method has consisted of strategic direction (adjustment), mobilization (of actors) and coordination (of actors, activities and financing). SMICE has had the role of a coaching, coordinated party, while we, based on direct response from the contractors, pushed for the development of support structures, such as regulations and financing.

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Some conclusions

The project could clearly see how important it was that new sustainable entrepreneurs and ideas received support at an early stage, both financially and ideologically (strategic direction), as well as that existing businesses were given access to knowledge and support to be able to adapt. In order for the transition to a circular economy to take place quickly enough, increased knowledge and activity is needed within the entire innovation support system.

 

The project's role as coordinating party was very valuable in that the overall goal is about something as complex as social change. Within the project, we have been able to have an overview of existing systems, act in consultation with contractors while we have had the opportunity to influence the creation of new systems. In this way, the SMICE project has been able to contribute to increasing the speed of conversion to a circular economy.