Mediterranean cities are increasingly facing the problem of waste production which requires effective and urgent action. Circular economy principles can offer a solution to this problem. Recently, a significant part of the productive activities of cities have been represented by the creative and cultural industries (CCI), and their involvement in circular economy schemes is of great importance. INNOMED-UP proposes to work with the creative and cultural industries to move local urban economies towards a paradigm of circular production and consumption that includes the optimal use of material resources, innovation by SMEs, the transfer of knowledge between Mediterranean cities, social inclusion and citizen involvement. The general objective of the project is to propose a strategy for Mediterranean cities, in which SMEs belonging to the sector of cultural and creative industries create circular economy clusters at local level, and participate in cross-border innovation networks thus promoting urban and social inclusion.
This objective will be achieved through the following specific objectives:
• Creation of clusters of companies in the sector of creative and cultural industries in the historical centers of the Mediterranean that promote urban revitalization and social integration; Cross-border networking and access to knowledge for innovation; Support for industrial symbiosis, social economy and cross-border schemes; Synergies with governments and local stakeholders.
• Access to new knowledge for cultural and creative SMEs through circular economy experts and targeted training on the use of new technologies and smart tools to accelerate innovation and their competitiveness; Development of innovative products and new business models for SMEs in the creative industries sector based on the concept of circular economy.
• Promotion of social commitment thanks to the active involvement of the actors and the local communities, the implementation of good circular economy practices and six pilot case studies; Increased job opportunities; Enhancement of cooperative social entrepreneurship and collaborative economy; Promotion of social inclusion and gender equality policies.