Final Conference announcement: Turning Circular Ideas into Successful Business Models – Experiences from the Danube Region

The Joint Conference of the Interreg Danube Region Project DECIDE “Digital Services for Circular Economy – a Toolbox for Regional Developers & SME” and the EU Strategy for the Danube Region, Priority Area 8, Working Group Circular Economy and Bioeconomy, focuses on how circular ideas can be turned into economically viable, environmentally effective, and socially beneficial business models under real-world conditions. It brings together strategic, operational, and systemic perspectives on the circular economy and bioeconomy.

As an Interreg Danube Region Flagship Project, DECIDE highlights the role of digital tools in supporting SMEs and Regional Developers in the areas of food, packaging, batteries, smart cities, and textiles. Real-world examples from pilot projects showcase practical implementation and new forms of collaboration.

Programme overview

11:00 – Opening session
Welcome addresses by hosts and esteemed guests

11:15 – DECIDE project results presentation
How does a circular idea become a successful business model?

12:15 – Keynotes

Interreg Danube Region Programme - National Contact Point Germany
Danube Region Strategy - Priority Area 8 Competitiveness of Enterprises Coordinator
Representatives from Ministry of Economy Croatia, Directory of Industry

13:15 – Panel discussion
Impact, scaling opportunities and the importance of transnational cooperation

14:15 – Closing remarks

Key notes, DECIDE project key results, interactive sessions and a panel discussion will explore impact, scaling, and the importance of transnational cooperation.

Date: 13 May 2026

Time: 11:00–14:15

Language: English

Format: hybrid conference (online and on-site)

Venue: Multimedia Hall, Technology Innovation Centre Međimurje, Bana Josipa Jelačića 22b, Čakovec, Croatia

Costs: Participation is free of charge

Please note: The number of on-site participants is limited!

Registration: https://b24-t59w6z.bitrix24.site/crm_form_uousp

If you have any questions, please contact DECIDE@zd-bb.de.