The LIAISE COST Action (CA22110) held a dynamic and productive joint meeting of Working Groups 3 and 4 on 27–28 May 2025 at the University of Pardubice, Czech Republic, in a hybrid format. Over the course of two days, experts, researchers, and practitioners gathered to collaborate on the advancement of stakeholder mapping, database development, and future strategies for promoting industrial symbiosis across Europe.
The meeting opened with a warm welcome from Almudena Muñoz (Action Chair), Viktor Prokop (local host), and Jan Stejskal (Dean of the Faculty of Economics and Administration), who set the tone for two days of intensive dialogue and collaborative work. A joint update from WG3 and WG4 leaders, Merim Dzinunic and Jiří Strouhal, provided a clear overview of the progress and interlinkages between the groups.
A highlight of the event was the in-depth presentation and discussion surrounding Deliverable D4.5—an evolving database of key stakeholders connected to the field of Industrial Symbiosis. This session sparked meaningful contributions during breakout group work, where participants explored both the methodological aspects of stakeholder identification and the practical design of the stakeholder database.
The afternoon of the first day featured a hands-on stakeholder mapping workshop led by WG4, followed by discussions on how to pursue collaborative research efforts, joint scientific publications and upcoming funding opportunities. The day closed with a summary session, gathering key reflections and setting out action points for the months ahead.
On the second day, participants reconvened for a series of high-level keynote speeches by Czech experts, including Viktor Prokop on circular economy research trends in Central Europe, Eva Jaderná on national waste management practices, representatives from P-Pink on circular hub initiatives, and Edward Someus on the practical application of Industrial Symbiosis from an industrial perspective. These contributions enriched the conversation and connected national insights with the broader European agenda.
The plenary session that followed featured several LIAISE members sharing perspectives on urban sustainability, regional challenges, environmental responsibility, and the theoretical-to-practical evolution of industrial symbiosis. These talks by Besa Shahini, Vicky Skoulou, Lara Jóhannsdóttir, and Gizay Daver provided inspiration and practical considerations for future work within the Action.
The meeting concluded with an overview of upcoming LIAISE events and opportunities for engagement across working groups. It was clear that the joint efforts of WG3 and WG4 are not only strengthening stakeholder engagement strategies but are also driving the development of a vibrant research and policy community committed to a greener and more circular future.
We extend our sincere thanks to the University of Pardubice for hosting us and to all participants—onsite and online—for their contributions, insights, and commitment to the mission of LIAISE.
