As the world embraces the principles of the circular economy, the "Circular spaces" consortium is taking a significant step forward with the release of a new guide designed to transform makerspaces into circular innovation hubs. The guide “Transformation into Circular Makerspaces: A Practical Step-by-Step Guide for Makerspaces,” aims to assist makerspaces across the region in adopting circular economy practices, aligning with regional ambitions for sustainability and economic resilience.
This guide has been developed as part of the Interreg Baltic Sea Region project “Circular Spaces” and comes at a pivotal time as the European Union accelerates its efforts toward sustainability, particularly through the Circular Economy Action Plan under the European Green Deal. The guide offers a comprehensive roadmap for makerspaces, covering ten essential aspects for transitioning to circularity. It addresses critical areas such as strategy and culture for circularity, assessment and planning, education and training, and material management. Each section is accompanied by practical checklists and tools designed to facilitate the transformation process for makerspaces.
The guide places a strong emphasis on the unique environmental challenges and economic landscape of the Baltic Sea Region, highlighting the importance of circular economy principles as a pathway to reduce environmental pressures, enhance resource efficiency, and unlock new opportunities for innovation and growth. It also includes various tools and templates, such as a circular maturity test, SWOT analysis canvas, and strategy map, all designed to assist makerspaces in their journey toward circularity.
Makerspaces are positioned as key players in fostering community engagement, supporting local businesses, and promoting sustainable practices. The guide underscores the role of makerspaces as innovation hubs, educational centers, and promoters of economic growth in the region. Developed with input from experts and makerspaces across the Baltic Sea Region, the guide reflects the collaborative spirit of the maker movement and serves as a resource for makerspaces, entrepreneurs, and communities committed to advancing the circular economy.
“This guide is not just a manual; it’s a call to action for makerspaces to lead the way in the circular economy. By adopting these practices, makerspaces can play a crucial role in building a sustainable future for the Baltic Sea Region,” said Evija Nagle, "Circular spaces" project manager.
The guide “Transformation into Circular Makerspaces: A Practical Step-by-Step Guide for Makerspaces” is now available under the section 'Solutions'.