Innovation for sustainability: digital tools for circular makerpaces and communities
Trends show that the dramatic increase in the use of natural resources over the last 50 years and the EU's increasingly stringent environmental requirements are driving the search for innovative, less resource-intensive solutions. The circular economy is becoming inevitable, where innovation, responsible consumption and long-term value are key drivers. Experts say that makerspaces are becoming one of the drivers of innovation, experimenting with recycling secondary raw materials, developing durable products, and testing sustainable production models.
Makerspaces become laboratories for sustainability
According to Živilė Paužaitė, Quality Manager coordinating sustainability activities at Tech-Park Kaunas and one of the representatives of the Circular Spaces project of the Interreg Baltic Sea Region (Interreg BSR) program in Lithuania, the traditional "make, consume, throw away" model is becoming less and less attractive for promising developers and growth-oriented startups.
"In the open workshops, we meet not only makers, and community members, but also startup teams and artists experimenting with innovation. Increasingly, recycled materials are being used, long-lasting products are being developed and waste is being transformed into new production materials. These practices not only promote environmental sustainability but also create new economic models based on the principles of sharing and cooperation," says Ž. Paužaitė.
These creative spaces are becoming hubs for engineering prototypes, sustainable innovation and design solutions. They not only promote responsible use of resources but also provide opportunities for experimentation, combining technology with circular economy principles.
New tools for makers: A guide to circular manufacturing
"For those who want to create more sustainably, we have developed digital tools and methodological materials to help you operate effectively in spaces that are in line with the circular economy. "The Circular Spaces resources provide clear guidance, practical tools and collaboration opportunities to enable makers, startups and small and medium enterprises to move towards more sustainable production models. These tools help sustainability-minded businesses to grow and innovate," says Živilė Paužaitė, one of the representatives of the Interreg BSR Circular Spaces program in Lithuania.
One of the most important parts of the initiative is the Circular Maker Spaces training program, which covers nine key topics related to sustainable production and innovation. The program covers key areas such as circular business models, the application of design-thinking methodologies and sustainable production principles, and the application of circular manufacturing principles. It provides developers with the tools and knowledge they need to successfully integrate circular economy approaches into their operations.
Find out more about the tools: techpark.lt/explore-the-circular
The Circular Spaces project No C024 by the Interreg Baltic Sea Region Program.