We are pleased to invite you to the hybrid conference:
Turning Circular Ideas into Successful Business Models – Experiences from the Danube Region
on 13 May 2026 from 11:00 to 15:00 (CET).
Participants can attend in person at the multimedia hall of Technology Innovation Centre Međimurje Ltd, in Čakovec, Croatia, or join online via livestream.
The conference is organised as a joint event of the project DECIDE – Digital Services for Circular Economy: a Toolbox for Regional Developers and SMEs and the EU Strategy for the Danube Region Priority Area 8 Working Group Circular Economy and Bioeconomy.
The event explores how circular ideas can be transformed 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 while highlighting the role of digital tools, policy frameworks and regional cooperation in enabling sustainable economic transformation across the Danube Region.
As an Interreg Danube Region flagship project, DECIDE highlights the role of digital tools in supporting SMEs and regional developers in sectors such as food, packaging, batteries, smart cities and textiles. Real-world examples from pilot projects demonstrate practical implementation and new forms of cooperation between businesses, innovation actors and regional development organisations.
Participants will also gain insight into the DECIDE toolbox – a set of digital services and practical methods designed to support SMEs, start-ups and regional development organisations in identifying and implementing circular economy opportunities.
The conference is organised in connection with the meeting and study visit of the Circular Economy and Bioeconomy Working Group of the EU Strategy for the Danube Region to Croatia.
By combining policy dialogue, project results and real-world examples, the event aims to strengthen transnational cooperation and knowledge exchange across the Danube Region.
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?
12:30 – Keynotes
- Interreg Danube Region Programme – National Contact Point Germany
- Danube Region Strategy – Priority Area 8 Competitiveness of Enterprises Coordinator
- Representatives from the Ministry of Economy, Croatia, Directory of Industry
13:30 – Panel discussion
Impact, scaling opportunities and the importance of transnational cooperation
14:30 – Closing remarks
We warmly invite policymakers, researchers, entrepreneurs, regional development organisations and all stakeholders interested in circular economy solutions to join this important event and contribute to shaping a more sustainable and circular future for the Danube Region.
For registration, please visit the announcement on the DECIDE project website!
About DECIDE
DECIDE is a transnational project co-funded by the Interreg Danube Region Programme. It supports the transition towards a circular economy by developing practical tools, digital solutions and policy recommendations for businesses and public authorities. The project focuses on key sectors including food, textiles, batteries, smart cities and packaging. By fostering collaboration across the Danube Region, DECIDE contributes to more resource-efficient and sustainable economic systems. The project runs from 1st January 2024 to 30th June 2026. For more information visit: https://interreg-danube.eu/projects/decide
About the Lead Partner
The Centre for Digitalisation Böblingen District – ZD.BB GmbH is the lead partner of the DECIDE project and is responsible for the overall coordination and implementation. ZD.BB is the central advice centre for companies and start-ups from the Böblingen district and the Stuttgart region on all aspects of digitalisation. ZD.BB supports small and medium-sized companies in mastering the digital transformation. This includes the development of digital business models for all sectors, the qualification of skilled workers and the promotion of a digital corporate culture. As a regional digital hub, ZD.BB is supported by the Baden-Württemberg Ministry of Economic Affairs, Labour and Tourism. For more information please visit: https://zd-bb.de/
About TICM
Technology Innovation Centre Međimurje Ltd. (TICM) is responsible for communication and dissemination within the DECIDE project. The organisation ensures effective outreach, stakeholder engagement and visibility of project results across the Danube Region. TICM is a key business support organisation established to foster the development of a knowledge-based and high value-added economy in the region. It provides incubation services, infrastructure, mentoring, and educational programmes to support start-ups and growing companies. Through its activities, TICM not only helps entrepreneurs in their early stages but also builds a strong business community, encouraging innovation, networking, and long-term economic development.
Press Contact
Igor Kovačić
Technology Innovation Centre Međimurje Ltd.
Igor.kovacic@ticm.hr
Funding
DECIDE is co-funded by the European Union under the Interreg Danube Region Programme.
Circular Economy Conference in Târgu Mureș, Romania in May 2025. Photo: Igor Kovačić/TICM.
