Fostering Circular Economy Transitions through Creative Industries : Creative Circular Cities project Interreg Baltic Sea Region

Abstract

The master’s thesis investigates how the Cultural and Creative Sectors and Industries can foster local circular economy transitions through structured idea incubation processes. It focuses on evaluating collaboration, creativity, and innovation within multidisciplinary teams operating in urban settings. Based on a literature review and the framework of the Creative Circular Cities project of the Interreg Baltic Sea Region programme in Turku, Finland, the study involved the observation of five multidisciplinary teams. Data were collected through Webropol surveys and qualitative feedback across five incubation phases (five idea hackathons). Based on this process, a six-part evaluation toolkit was proposed, consisting of: Participant Baseline Survey, Collaboration Tracker, Pre- and Post-Learning Survey, Innovation Assessment Sheet, Stakeholder Feedback Form, and the Impact Summary Report - corresponding to the dimensions of baseline, collaboration, learning, innovation, feedback, and impact. Multidisciplinary collaboration is identified as essential for enabling circular innovation. Idea incubators that bridge artistic, academic, and entrepreneurial domains foster not only creativity but also systemic change toward more sustainable urban futures. Achieving long- term impact requires continued mentorship, access to research and innovation funding, and integration into broader urban development strategies. The formation of multidisciplinary communities acts as both catalysts and enablers of circular economy transitions by combining technical expertise with cultural and contextual insight. These collaborative environments support the development of creative, inclusive, and locally grounded circular solutions. The findings of the master’s thesis are relevant and applicable from multiple perspectives - particularly for the commissioner, Humak Creve, but also for the wider professional field, working life stakeholders, and innovation ecosystems engaged in circular economy transitions.