Our Action marks a successful first year since its launch on 24th October 2023 in Brussels. Under the leadership of Almudena Muñoz Puche from CETEM, the initiative has grown to include 245 members from 49 countries, with 70% of participants coming from Inclusiveness Target Countries (ITC). The Action is characterized by a strong commitment to gender balance (52% of members are women) and significant involvement of young researchers (45%).
The Action is divided into four working groups (WGs) focusing on various aspects of Industrial Symbiosis:
- WG1 Industrial Symbiosis: Technical Synergies, led by Prof. Aleksandar Erceg (Croatia), with 101 members.
- WG2 Industrial Symbiosis: Business Models, led by Dr. Hasan Volkan Oral (Türkiye), with 140 members.
- WG3 Enhancing Awareness and Acceptance of Industrial Symbiosis, led by Prof. Merim Kasumovic (Bosnia and Herzegovina), with 137 members.
- WG4 Dissemination and Exploitation, led by Mr. Jiri Strouhal (Czech Republic), with 94 members.
Highlights Meetings from the First Year
- Alicante Meeting (April 2024): LIAISE organized its first face-to-face gathering in Alicante, Spain. Participants had the opportunity to visit CETEM’s headquarters in Yecla, a local furniture producer showcasing Industrial Symbiosis practices. The event concluded with an active participation in an innovation forum in Alicante.
- Brussels Workshop (September 2024): Led by Prof. Erceg, WG1 hosted a workshop in Brussels, bringing experts from across Europe to discuss technological solutions and challenges related to Industrial Symbiosis.
- WG2 and WG3 Workshops: In September and October, WGs leaders hosted successful workshops in Istanbul and Riga, respectively, contributing to the dialogue on business models and stakeholder engagement in Industrial Symbiosis.
LIAISE has also been proactive in engaging stakeholders through thematic workshops in Lithuania, Serbia, Armenia, Slovenia, and Croatia, organized in collaboration with local stakeholders. These events have helped promote the Action’s results and foster dialogue among key actors.
To support knowledge exchange and networking, the Action funded five short-term scientific missions, three virtual mobilities, one dissemination grant, and four ITC grants during its first year.
Looking Ahead: Year Two and Beyond
The second year of the LIAISE COST Action promises continued progress on both technical and dissemination fronts. Key upcoming events include:
- November 2024: Core Group and Management Committee meeting in Zagreb, Croatia.
- February 2025: Joint WG1 and WG2 meeting in Skopje, North Macedonia, to coordinate research on by-products, waste, and ICT tools.
- May 2025: WG2 workshop in Istanbul to discuss business perspectives and challenges in Industrial Symbiosis.
- September 2025: Joint WG3 and WG4 meeting in Korce, Albania, focusing on stakeholder engagement and WG task progress.
LIAISE will also co-organize two training schools in collaboration with ECO4ALL in Athens (February 2025) and host a dedicated training school in Tirana (March 2025), covering key aspects of Industrial Symbiosis and sustainability.
Furthermore, the Action will continue supporting short-term scientific missions, virtual mobilities, ITC conferences, and dissemination activities, offering numerous opportunities for those looking to contribute to and benefit from this growing network.
LIAISE remains open to new participants eager to contribute their expertise and help advance Industrial Symbiosis across industries. Join us in shaping a more sustainable future!
