European Circular Innovation Valley (ECIV) is a bold, collaborative initiative uniting regions across Europe to accelerate the shift toward a circular economy. Think of it as Europe’s “dance floor” for circular innovation — where businesses, researchers, governments, and communities come together to co-create solutions that turn waste into resources, design smarter products, and build resilient, low-impact value chains. 

The ECIV community includes regional governments, innovation agencies, universities, business networks, and circular economy experts — all working together to match needs with know-how. Some regions lead in policy, others in cutting-edge technology or green entrepreneurship, and it’s this mix of perspectives that makes the “dance floor” dynamic, creative, and impactful. By connecting diverse regions with different strengths, ECIV sparks new partnerships, funds real-world innovation projects, and helps scale up ideas that can make Europe's economy greener, stronger, and more future-ready.

Our Partners

The Government of Navarre is the regional public authority of the Navarre region in northern Spain and serves as the coordinator of the ECIV project.

Known for its strong industrial base and innovation capacity, Navarre is one of Spain’s leading regions in terms of economic development and sustainability. The regional government has made circular economy a strategic priority, integrating it into its Smart Specialisation Strategy (S4) and launching initiatives like Navarra Zirkular to promote collaboration between public institutions, businesses, and research bodies.

As a committed driver of regional transformation, the Government of Navarre leads efforts within ECIV to build a collaborative European ecosystem for circular innovation.

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Sociedad de Desarrollo de Navarra (Sodena) is the regional development agency of the Government of Navarre, Spain, dedicated to promoting sustainable economic growth and innovation in the region. As a public investment and advisory body, Sodena supports businesses through strategic funding, guidance, and the facilitation of partnerships across key sectors such as renewable energy, agrifood, and advanced manufacturing.

Within the ECIV project, Sodena plays a vital role in mobilizing the regional innovation ecosystem and fostering the development of circular value chains. Its expertise in regional investment and enterprise support contributes to advancing mission-driven circular economy initiatives across Europe.

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The Northern Netherlands Alliance (SNN) is a partnership of the provinces of Drenthe, Fryslân, and Groningen in the Netherlands, working together to strengthen regional development and innovation.

As both a managing authority for European funds and a strategic coordination body, SNN supports businesses, knowledge institutions, and public stakeholders in addressing regional challenges through innovation and collaboration. The Alliance plays a key role in implementing the region’s Smart Specialisation Strategy, with a strong focus on sustainability and the circular economy.

In the ECIV project, SNN brings its experience in managing regional innovation ecosystems and fostering cross-border cooperation to accelerate circular solutions across Europe.

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Provincie Groningen is the provincial government of Groningen in the northern Netherlands and a key member of the Northern Netherlands Alliance.

The province has a strong focus on energy transition, circular economy, and regional innovation, leveraging its industrial base and research institutions to drive sustainable development. Groningen actively supports projects that promote resource efficiency, green technologies, and cross-sector collaboration.

In the ECIV project, Provincie Groningen brings its experience in circular policy implementation and interregional cooperation to help develop innovative solutions and strengthen circular value chains across Europe.

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Provincie Fryslân is the provincial government of Fryslân (Friesland), a northern province of the Netherlands known for its strong cultural identity, natural landscapes, and focus on sustainability.

As part of the Northern Netherlands Alliance, the province actively promotes innovation and economic development, with circular economy as a strategic priority. Provincie Fryslân supports initiatives that foster industrial symbiosis, renewable resources, and green entrepreneurship, often in collaboration with local businesses, research institutions, and civil society.

Through the ECIV project, the province contributes its expertise in regional innovation and sustainable development to strengthen interregional cooperation and accelerate the transition to a circular economy across Europe.

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Provincie Drenthe is the provincial government of Drenthe, one of the three northern provinces of the Netherlands and a member of the Northern Netherlands Alliance.

Known for its strong rural character, Drenthe is actively investing in sustainable development, innovation, and green transition. The province supports circular economy initiatives through regional collaboration, innovation funding, and by engaging local businesses and knowledge institutions.

Within the ECIV project, Provincie Drenthe brings its experience in regional policy, circular innovation, and interregional cooperation to help build resilient, circular value chains across Europe.

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The University of Groningen is one of the oldest and most prestigious research universities in the Netherlands, known for its strong international orientation and interdisciplinary approach.

As a key academic partner in the ECIV project, the university brings deep expertise in sustainability, innovation, and circular economy research. Through its involvement, the University of Groningen supports the development of evidence-based strategies, provides scientific input to mission-oriented innovation, and helps build connections between academia, industry, and policymakers across regions. Its role in ECIV strengthens the project’s knowledge base and supports the design of impactful, research-driven circular solutions.

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Stichting Innovatiepact Fryslân (IPF) is a regional innovation foundation based in the Dutch province of Fryslân, dedicated to fostering collaboration and innovation across business, education, government, and civil society.

IPF works to strengthen the regional economy by connecting stakeholders, supporting talent development, and driving sustainable transitions—particularly in areas like circular economy and digitalization.

As a partner in the ECIV project, IPF contributes its experience in ecosystem coordination and cross-sectoral engagement, helping to mobilize local actors and co-create innovative circular solutions that align with both regional strengths and European sustainability goals.

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Region Dalarna is one of the three constituent regions of North Middle Sweden and serves as the regional authority for Dalarna County. With a strong industrial heritage and abundant natural resources, the region is actively driving Sweden’s transition toward a sustainable and circular economy.

As the leader of Work Package 2 (WP2) in the ECIV project, Region Dalarna plays a central role in designing the project's transformative innovation programme and regional action plans. Through this leadership, Dalarna coordinates the strategic development of interregional collaboration, aligning regional strengths and priorities with mission-oriented innovation to address key circular economy challenges across Europe.

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Region Värmland is a regional authority in western Sweden and one of the three regions forming the North Middle Sweden alliance. With a strong foundation in forestry, bioeconomy, and advanced manufacturing, Värmland is committed to sustainable growth and innovation. The region has integrated circular economy principles into its smart specialization strategy, promoting collaboration between industry, academia, and public institutions.

As a partner in the ECIV project, Region Värmland contributes its expertise in regional development and green innovation, helping to shape interregional cooperation and advance circular solutions aligned with both local strengths and European sustainability goals.

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Region Gävleborg is a regional authority in eastern central Sweden and part of the North Middle Sweden alliance. With a strong foundation in manufacturing, forestry, and technology, Gävleborg is actively working to promote sustainable development and circular economy practices. The region's strategic focus includes smart industry, bioeconomy, and green innovation, aiming to enhance economic resilience while reducing environmental impact.

In the ECIV project, Region Gävleborg plays a vital role in shaping interregional collaboration, engaging local stakeholders, and driving forward circular solutions aligned with both regional needs and EU climate goals.

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Region Normandie is the regional authority for Normandy in northwestern France, known for its strong industrial base and commitment to sustainable development. The region has implemented an ambitious circular economy strategy, focusing on areas such as waste prevention, eco-design, and cross-sector collaboration. With a well-established governance model involving businesses, public institutions, and research organizations, Normandy plays a key role in fostering innovation for sustainability.

In the ECIV project, Region Normandie leads Work Package 4 (WP4), overseeing the competitive selection and funding of interregional innovation projects.

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Circular Wallonia is the regional circular economy strategy of Wallonia, Belgium, and serves as a key initiative supported by the Service Public de Wallonie.

Launched in 2021, it outlines over 60 concrete measures to accelerate the transition to a circular economy across the region’s key sectors, including manufacturing, construction, chemicals, and agri-food. Circular Wallonia promotes innovation, sustainable resource use, and stakeholder engagement through a collaborative governance model involving public bodies, industry, research institutions, and civil society. 

As a partner in the ECIV project, Circular Wallonia contributes its advanced policy framework and practical experience in implementing circular strategies to foster interregional learning and support the scaling of circular solutions across Europe.

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Innovation Agency Lithuania is the national agency dedicated to fostering innovation, entrepreneurship, and international competitiveness across Lithuania. 

Operating under the Ministry of the Economy and Innovation, the agency provides support to businesses and startups through funding, advisory services, and access to international networks. As a key player in Lithuania’s innovation ecosystem, the agency promotes circular economy practices and sustainable growth, aligning with national and EU priorities.

In the ECIV project, Innovation Agency Lithuania leads communication and dissemination efforts, ensuring the project’s visibility, stakeholder engagement, and impact across participating regions and beyond.

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The Helsinki-Uusimaa Regional Council is the regional authority for the Helsinki-Uusimaa region in southern Finland, home to the nation’s capital and a third of its population.

As one of Europe’s top-performing innovation regions, Helsinki-Uusimaa is known for its vibrant startup ecosystem, advanced manufacturing, and strong commitment to sustainable development. The Regional Council leads strategic planning and development efforts, including the promotion of circular economy initiatives through platforms like the Helsinki-Uusimaa Circular Valley.

Within the ECIV project, the Council contributes its expertise in regional innovation governance and resource-wise growth to help foster interregional collaboration and accelerate circular solutions across Europe.

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Scottish Enterprise is Scotland’s national economic development agency, focused on driving sustainable and inclusive economic growth. It supports businesses to innovate, scale, and transition to net-zero through funding, expert advice, and strategic partnerships. With strong expertise in sectors such as renewable energy, advanced manufacturing, and life sciences, Scottish Enterprise plays a key role in fostering green innovation.

In the ECIV project, the agency brings its experience in supporting circular economy initiatives and cross-sector collaboration, helping to unlock interregional opportunities and scale up circular solutions across Europe.

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The Industrial Biotechnology Innovation Centre (IBioIC), based at the University of Strathclyde in Scotland, is a leading innovation hub dedicated to advancing industrial biotechnology as a key enabler of the bio-based and circular economy.

IBioIC connects academia, industry, and government to accelerate the development and commercialization of sustainable biotechnological solutions across sectors such as chemicals, materials, food, and energy. 

With a strong focus on applied research, skills development, and scale-up support, IBioIC brings cutting-edge expertise to the ECIV project, supporting the creation of circular value chains and fostering cross-regional collaboration in sustainable innovation.

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The Association of Cities and Regions for Sustainable Resource Management (ACR+) is a key partner in the ECIV (European Circular Innovation Valley) project. ACR+ is an international network of cities and regions that share the goal of promoting sustainable resource management through a circular economy approach.

Based in Belgium, the association supports local and regional authorities in improving their waste management policies, fostering circular practices, and facilitating the exchange of knowledge and best practices across Europe.

As a consortium partner in ECIV, ACR+ contributes to the dissemination and communication efforts of the project, helping to amplify its impact and ensure knowledge transfer between leading circular economy actors and regions across Europe.

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Timeline

Funding

Grand agreement ID: 
101161155
Coordinated by:
Gobierno de Navarra/Government of Navarra  - Sodena
DOI:
10.2826/0742354
Overall budget:
€27 162 498
Funded under:
European Innovation Ecosystems (Horizon Europe)
EU contribution:
€13 579 061

Regional Innovation Valleys

Regional Innovation Valleys (RIVs) are a key initiative of the New European Innovation Agenda, connecting Europe’s regions to tackle shared challenges like circularity, digital transformation, and energy resilience. With support from Horizon Europe and the European Regional Development Fund, 147 regions are strengthening their innovation ecosystems through cross-border collaboration and targeted investment​.

Other RIVs

Connects innovation ecosystems across Europe to efficiently advance towards a truly personalized healthcare. More about the project can be found here.

Circular economy innovation in six European regions with different levels of innovation development. More about the project can be found here.

Aims to bridge innovation gaps across regions with varying levels of development and performance, especially in sectors like healthcare, energy and mobility. More about the project can be found here.

Transforming healthcare through digital deep tech innovation. More about the project can be found here

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