BOOST-IN: Boosting the uptake of innovative solutions in the context of water and circular economy

BOOSTING WATER SOLUTIONS FOR A CIRCULAR SUSTAINABLE FUTURE 

Droughts and water scarcity are growing concerns in Europe, affecting nearly 20% of the European territory and impacting 30% of the population due to factors such as climate change, tourism, agriculture, and population density. This threat is expected to intensify, particularly in Southern and Western Central Europe, as global warming continues.  

The consequences of the altered water cycle extend to energy production, food security, health, economic development, and poverty reduction, presenting challenges for sustainable growth under changing climate conditions. 

The prevailing linear model of water systems in most EU member states, involving the exploitation of non-renewable water resources, is deemed unsustainable.  

Traditional adaptation strategies, focused on water conservation and efficiency, may prove inadequate to address the escalating demand amid reduced water availability caused by climate change. In response to these challenges, the concept of a Circular Economy (CE) has emerged, aiming to shift from the linear model of “take, make, consume, and waste” toward a more sustainable approach. 

The BOOST-IN project aims to implement an effective strategy for the water sector to embrace a circular economy, promoting technological advancements, governance changes, mindset shifts, and organizational restructuring. The project seeks to achieve this by facilitating the transfer of innovative Water Circular Economy Solutions (WACES) and initiatives, promoting water cycle closure, water reuse, and the recovery of energy, nutrients, and by-products from wastewater based on real-life experiences in the circular economy. 

This ambitious approach requires multidisciplinary efforts at both the EU and regional levels, with a focus on Regions of Opportunity (ROp). The goal is to facilitate knowledge exchange, capacity building, entrepreneurship support, policy advocacy, and the creation of an active network of stakeholders collaborating synergistically.