This conference will explore how to overcome existing barriers to adopting policies and financing projects. It will look at one project and one tool: the outcome of the DECISO project (Developers of Circular Solutions) which supports European cities and regions with developing financing schemes for circular economy initiatives, and Project Development Assistance (PDA) as a de-risking tool for circular investments. 

Overall, it will focus on enabling tools and innovations for the adoption of the circular economy. It will analyse local, national and European policies and how they can create an enabling environment for financing innovative projects. It will explore the entire value chain, from the practical results and financing methodologies developed by the DECISO pilot schemes (waste, water, energy, agri-food) to high-level discussions on EU directives and structural funds. The goal is twofold: to provide practical tools for those in the field and to define the policy path for a future where saving resources and investing in sustainability are interconnected and profitable.

The programme includes keynote talks, pilot presentations from European regions, interactive activities and sessions on technologies, policies and real‑world circular solutions. 

This conference is organised jointly by the Italian National Research Council and Institute for research into demographics and social policies (CNR-IRPPS) and ACR+.

It will take place at 09:00 to 17:30 CET on 27 March, in hybrid format (in Rome and in person). Registration and programme.