DECIDE PARTNERSHIP MEETING IN BÖBLINGEN: KNOWLEDGE SHARING, COLLABORATION AND CIRCULAR ACTION

From 21 to 23 July 2025, the DECIDE project partners gathered in Böblingen, Germany, for a dynamic programme of strategic discussions, hands-on workshops, and collaborative sessions focused on supporting circular economy transformation across the Danube region.

DECIDE partners reunited in Böblingen for hands-on collaboration and knowledge sharing., Copyright: Bianca Gottwald, ZD.BB

The meeting opened with an inspiring field visit to the “Rethinking Circular Economy” pop-up store in Stuttgart. The interactive exhibition presented real-life examples of circular economy business models (CEBMs) and consumer innovations. Accompanied by a guided city tour and on-site workshop, the visit provided a tangible connection between DECIDE tools and their real-world application. In addition to exploring the exhibition, partners exchanged ideas on how to engage local stakeholders in their own regions, drawing inspiration from regional practices and initiatives.

DECIDE project partners visit the “Rethinking Circular Economy” pop-up store in Stuttgart. Copyright: Diana Schwarz Dermann, ZD.BB

The exhibit offered great examples of CEBMs, Copyright: Diana Schwarz Dermann, ZD.BB

A highlight of the second day was the Train the Trainer Workshop, aimed at strengthening partners’ skills in using the DECIDE tools and transferring knowledge to key target groups. Partners worked through a hands-on case involving the production of protein from whey, applying multiple methods and tools:

Business Model Canvas
e3value
BPMN
and an introduction to System Dynamics modelling

The Train the Trainer Workshop, aimed at strengthening partners’ skills in using the DECIDE tools and transferring knowledge to key target groups, Copyright: TICM

The interactive session supported mutual learning and ensured a common understanding of how each method contributes to designing and evaluating circular economy business models.

Following the workshop, a complementary World Café workshop was organised, split into two 60-minute rounds. The first round focused on experiences with using the DECIDE tools, while the second invited discussion around project outputs and how they will be implemented and transferred to external stakeholders.

Partners were very active during the World Café workshop. Copyright: Diana Schwarz-Dermann, ZD.BB

Presenting the Tandem work on the CEBM, Copyright: TICM

Another important part of the meeting was the presentation of Tandem Case Studies, where partner tandems shared the outcomes of their collaborative work applying DECIDE tools to real-world circular economy scenarios. These case presentations, developed across sectors such as food, textiles, packaging, batteries, and smart cities, showcased practical applications of tools like Business Model Canvas, e3value, BPMN and more.

Presenting the Tandem work on the CEBM, Copyright: TICM

Based on these presentations, the Steering Committee held a voting session to select the most promising pilot cases—those that will be further developed, documented, and promoted in the next phase of the project. The decision followed a structured evaluation process grounded in pre-defined criteria.

In addition, the meeting featured updates on key deliverables, work package progress, stakeholder engagement plans, and internal coordination. The SCOM session concluded with important decisions on project timelines and partners’ plans and responsibilities.

Once again, the DECIDE partnership demonstrated the power of collaboration, cross-sector dialogue and shared tools in accelerating the shift to circular economy models in the Danube Region.

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