Organizers
Zuyd University of Applied Sciences
The knowledge domain of the Sustainable International Business research centre (Zuyd University, the Netherlands) is focused on supporting internationally-oriented small to medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and multinationals in Limburg (the Netherlands) in making their ambitions more sustainable. The goal of the research centre is to give SME managers tangible insight into both internal and external sustainable aspects, which they can take into consideration in the strategic decision-making of their business. The two main research theme lines are: a) SMEs’ Sustainable & Circular Behaviour, and b) Innovating Business Education for Responsible & Global minds. (https://www.zuyd.nl/onderzoek/lectoraten/sustainable-international-business)
School of Production Engineering and Management,Technical University of Crete
The Technical University of Crete is a small, young, dynamic University with a clear mission: to expand knowledge and benefit society through research integrated with education. In this endeavour, the pursuit of excellence is the driving force. More than 70 laboratories with prime equipment, high technology infrastructure and eminently qualified personnel, as well as 120 faculty and staff members with international academic background attest to the level of excellence in education and research conducted at the University. The School of Production Engineering and Management, welcomed its first students in 1984 and the first graduate students in 1986. The curriculum of the school consists of modern technologies, production systems, management and decision making, finance, operational research as well as ergonomic design, control systems, materials, mechatronics and robotics (www.pem.tuc.gr).
Department of Economics and Sustainable Development, Harokopio University of Athens
Harokopio University of Athens is a public university dedicated to promoting research and learning in a small, well focused set of intellectual areas. The University’s excellent campus facilities houses four academic departments, the central administration, the library, the IT centre and student advisory services. The Department of Economics and Sustainable Development aims to promote scientific knowledge and research on subjects related to the domestic economy, the organization and operation of the family, as well as the management of the natural and cultural environment (www.dhee.hua.gr).
Department of Environmental Engineering; Democritus University of Thrace
Democritus University of Thrace is currently operating eight Schools and nineteen Departments participating in several transnational and national projects. Research focuses in several scientific areas such as engineering, IT, environmental and agricultural sciences, medicine, molecular biology, law, economics, sociology, humanities, education, and physical education. The Department of Environmental Engineering is the first of its kind in Greece, established in 1993 to educate engineers for the environmental protection challenges of modern society (www.duth.gr)
Sponsors
Frontiers in Sustainability aims to empower scientists to become far more involved in the sustainability discussion and ensure that their research results are openly and freely accessible to other researchers, industries and policy makers. This transdisciplinary journal brings various disciplines and sciences together to foster a holistic and integrated approach to a multidisciplinary discourse, addressing complex adaptive systems engineering, sustainable process design, practical production, environmental, resource use and sustainability challenges that cannot be tackled in isolation. The journal contributes in advancing Goal 8, 9 and 12 of the UN Sustainable Development Goals.
Academic Partners
Hellenic Association for Energy Economics
The Hellenic Association for Energy Economics is a nonpartisan, nonprofit, research organization, dedicated to providing an interdisciplinary forum for the exchange of knowledge, information & experience among energy industry experts, academic, government and other professionals interested in energy economics. (https://www.haee.gr/)
University of Twente
The University of Twente, known for its motto "High Tech, Human Touch," excels in integrating advanced technology with societal needs. Its innovative research and educational programs in sustainability and the circular economy emphasize the development of resource-efficient, resilient systems. By fostering interdisciplinary collaboration, the university promotes sustainable practices and solutions, contributing to global environmental sustainability and the transition to a circular economy. This unique approach ensures that technological advancements are aligned with human and environmental well-being. (https://www.utwente.nl/en/)
Maastricht University
Wageningen University & Research
UNU-MERIT
Supporting Partners
Maastricht Convention Bureau
Founded in 1984 by the Municipality of Maastricht, the Maastricht Convention Bureau has transitioned since 2015 to a regional focus. It internationally promotes the Maastricht region as a conference destination, specialising in acquiring international conferences. Impactful conferences are key in enhancing employability and furthering the development of the innovative knowledge hubs within the region. The Maastricht Convention Bureau operates independently with a public-private structure, deeply integrated into the local scientific ecosystem. Supported by municipal and regional government funds, and by numerous business partners, it unites over hundred suppliers committed to deliver an outstanding service to the congress community. (https://www.maastrichtconventionbureau.com/)
Municipality of Maastricht
INFER – International Network for Economic Research
INFER is a non-profit organisation supporting research in all areas of economics. It has been established in Germany and has members from all continents. Researchers and practitioners from all fields of economics are welcomed as INFER members. Universities or research centers can join INFER as institutional members. INFER also aims to become a dissemination partner for large research projects. (http://www.infer-research.eu/)
Academics for Circular Economy (ACE)
Academics for Circular Economy (ACE) is a growing international network of early-career researchers and PhD students dedicated to advancing the circular economy (CE) through interdisciplinary academic research and collaboration. ACE is a coordination group member of the European Circular Economy Stakeholder Platform and leads the leadership group on Circular Value chains. (https://www.academics-for-ce.org/)
Cooperation, development and cross-border transfer of Industrial Symbiosis among industry and stakeholders
LIAISE (Cooperation, Development and cross-border transfer of Industrial Symbiosis among industry and stakeholders) is an international COST Action fostering a collaborative network of researchers, industry stakeholders, policymakers and practitioners dedicated to advancing Industrial Symbiosis practices.
The network aims to bridge the gap between academic research and practical applications by promoting interdisciplinary collaboration, sharing cutting-edge knowledge, and developing innovative tools and frameworks. LIAISE supports the transition to a more sustainable and resource-efficient Europe by: 1) Harmonizing and integrating research efforts across Industrial Symbiosis and Circular Economy fields to avoid duplication and enhance synergy; 2) Facilitating the exchange of knowledge between academia, industry, and policymakers, ensuring practical implementation of research findings; 3) Accelerating innovation and technology transfer through targeted working groups and stakeholder engagement, driving the adoption of circular and symbiotic practices; 4) Building capacity and expertise among COST Action members, enhancing their scientific and professional impact across Europe; 5) Providing evidence-based recommendations to support industry leaders, governments, and communities in shaping effective policies and initiatives. (https://www.liaise-action.eu/)
The network aims to bridge the gap between academic research and practical applications by promoting interdisciplinary collaboration, sharing cutting-edge knowledge, and developing innovative tools and frameworks. LIAISE supports the transition to a more sustainable and resource-efficient Europe by: 1) Harmonizing and integrating research efforts across Industrial Symbiosis and Circular Economy fields to avoid duplication and enhance synergy; 2) Facilitating the exchange of knowledge between academia, industry, and policymakers, ensuring practical implementation of research findings; 3) Accelerating innovation and technology transfer through targeted working groups and stakeholder engagement, driving the adoption of circular and symbiotic practices; 4) Building capacity and expertise among COST Action members, enhancing their scientific and professional impact across Europe; 5) Providing evidence-based recommendations to support industry leaders, governments, and communities in shaping effective policies and initiatives. (https://www.liaise-action.eu/)
Sustainable Circular Economy Transition: from Industrial Symbiosis to Hubs for Circularity – IS2H4C
Heavily industrialised areas struggle to embrace large-scale industrial symbiosis, hindering progress in sustainable regional development despite EU priorities. With this in mind, the EU-funded IS2H4C project proposes innovative solutions through its Hubs for Circularity (H4C) initiative, strategically located in industrial areas across Germany, the Netherlands, Spain and Türkiye. By integrating cutting-edge sustainable technologies and fostering collaboration among societal, governmental and business stakeholders, IS2H4C aims to transform these areas into vibrant, circular ecosystems. The project also leverages a digital version of H4C for resource and information sharing to reduce energy consumption, waste and carbon emissions by at least 10%, 20% and 30% respectively. (https://is2h4c-project.eu/)
Grant agreement ID: 101138473
C2C NGO
As a donation-funded nonprofit, Cradle to Cradle NGO brings the Cradle to Cradle approach into everyday life — through education, hands-on projects, and networks that connect business, science, education, politics, and civil society. Together, we show what becomes possible when products and systems are designed for continuous cycles and positive impact. Across German-speaking countries, around 1,000 volunteers help carry this idea forward. Each year, the C2C Congress brings the community together: the world’s first and largest platform for C2C, with more than 1,000 participants and leading voices from science, business, and politics. In Berlin, the C2C LAB shows what C2C looks like in practice — the world’s first renovation of an existing commercial unit based on C2C criteria. And with Labor Tempelhof, we explored C2C at scale: six large-scale concerts by Die Ärzte and Die Toten Hosen, all optimized according to C2C. Everyone who wants to contribute to positive ecological impact can get involved. (https://c2c.ngo/en/cradle-to-cradle/)
