Cities as Living Labs : Increasing the impact of investment in the circular economy for sustainable cities

Abstract

Aim of the study. From innovation system and policy development point of view, it is vital to understand the impact and added value of EU-funded projects especially in context of the complex societal challenges such as circular economy in cities. By definition Circular Economy (CE) promotes resource minimisation and the adoption of cleaner technologies while maintaining the value of products, materials and resources in the economy for as long as possible and minimizing waste generation. Living Lab (LL) is an open innovation ecosystem based on a systematic user co-creation approach that integrates public and private, research and innovation activities in communities, placing citizens at the centre of innovation with the help of various approaches, instruments, methods, and tools.