Seventy experts from 27 different countries, led by CETEM, meet in Yecla to promote Industrial Symbiosis strategies.

The LIAISE action is an extensive network of experts sharing their knowledge in order to generate relevant approaches and synergies between the different actors of the quadruple helix model (academia, industry, policy makers, technology transfer institutions, end users, etc.). The aim of this action is to lay the foundations for a solid and broad development of knowledge on Industrial Symbiosis, as well as to promote a commitment to future results-oriented R&D in this field. The strategies that emerge from the joint work of the network members can and should be used by the administrations to establish policies to support the implementation of Industrial Symbiosis processes in the different productive sectors of the economy.

Currently, this network has almost 200 experts from a total of 45 countries who for 4 years will share knowledge and proposals around Industrial Symbiosis, one of the most efficient strategies in the circular economy, as its objective is to establish mechanisms so that waste generated in one sector can become, directly or with small transformations, raw materials for other sectors, thus obtaining their elimination by incorporating them into other materials and products.

As a prelude to the plenary meeting, on 23 April, in Alicante, the core group meeting was held, where the results obtained in the first six months of the project were evaluated and the next actions to be taken were defined. Subsequently, in the afternoon session of the Management Committee, crucial management issues such as budget consumption and the integration of new members into the action were addressed.

For the working day of the 24th, held at the facilities of the Technological Centre of Furniture and Wood (CETEM) in Yecla, the most dense and important, was the institutional opening by the Regional Secretary for Energy, Sustainability and Climate Action of the regional government, María Cruz Ferreira, the Mayoress of Yecla, María Remedios Lajara, and the director of CETEM, José Francisco Puche. Throughout the day, working group sessions were held between the project partners and leading experts in the subjects to be discussed. During these sessions, in-depth discussions were held on the technical objectives of each group, highlighting the progress achieved.

The event concluded on 25 April with the second session of the working groups at the Alicante Science Park, attracting almost a hundred attendees from companies working in the field of sustainability. The day explored the sustainable and symbiotic potential of industry and the scientific community, identifying synergies and opportunities with international LIAISE stakeholders. It also addressed the barriers and future challenges of Industrial Symbiosis, looking for solutions based on the results of the LIAISE action.

CETEM is proud to have hosted this event and to be the initiator and leader of this transnational network, which has further consolidated the centre’s commitment to sustainability and international collaboration. We continue to work tirelessly to drive the development of innovative solutions that promote a more sustainable future for the industry.

For more information, please visit: https://www.liaise-action.eu/