Transforming companies sustainably

The aim of the project is to support small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and small midcaps in developing sustainable products and circular business models. Innovative and collaborative approaches will be used to promote the introduction of environmentally friendly practices in order to reduce environmental impact, increase resource efficiency and encourage the reuse of materials.

Project goals + activities

The CURIOST project provides targeted support to small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and small midcaps in integrating sustainable practices into their everyday business activities while tapping into new market opportunities. Experts from various fields are on hand to advise them. The project focuses on four key industries in which targeted activities take place:

• Mechanical engineering and mechatronics: promoting innovation in the field of sustainable technologies
• Packaging: developing environmentally friendly packaging solutions
• Plastics: using sustainable materials and practices
• Construction: supporting environmentally conscious construction and the development of sustainable infrastructure

Participation in the CURIOST project offers numerous advantages for companies: they receive support in developing environmentally friendly products and circular business models, can take part in "meet-the-expert" events with international partners, and benefit from transnational networking and cooperation. In addition, the skills of employees are strengthened through targeted training and awareness-raising measures in the field of sustainability.

Transnational collaboration

CURIOST brings together a network of 11 partners from 7 different countries, who contribute complementary expertise in the areas of product development, business innovation, circular economy, energy and environmental issues. This diverse collaboration ensures a holistic approach to tackling complex challenges and promotes knowledge exchange and shared growth across borders. A complete list of all project partners can be found below.

Strategic framework in Austria

Austria has important guidelines for circular economy, including the Austrian Circular Economy Strategy and Vision Upper Austria 2030. These strategies contain targets and concrete measures to transform the Austrian economy and society into a climate-neutral and circular economy by 2050. The success of the Austrian approach lies in the comprehensive integration of regional and national guidelines, supported by concrete action plans and monitoring systems.

Interreg CENTRAL EUROPE

Interreg CENTRAL EUROPE is a European Union funding programme that strengthens transnational cooperation. For over 25 years, it has been promoting cross-border cooperation to enable regions to find fair and effective solutions for their citizens together. With more than 100 projects, Interreg CENTRAL EUROPE aims to create a smarter, greener, better connected and more integrated Central Europe.

Contact + partner-organisations

For further information, please contact Natascha Effenberger, Minea Tatić or Harald Grill. Visit the CURIOST project website and follow us on LinkedIn for the latest updates.

The cooperation partners in this international project include:
Austria: Business Upper Austria, ConPlusUltra
Slovakia: University of Economics in Bratislava
Hungary: Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Pecs- Baranya
Poland: South Poland Cleantech Cluster
Croatia: STEP RI Science and Technology Park of the University of Rijeka, Metal Centre Čakovec – Development and Training Centre for the Metal Industry
Italy: ENVIRONMENT PARK Sicence and Technology Park, MESAP Innovation Cluster
Germany: Umweltcluster Bayern, Bayern Innovativ GmbH

Link: https://www.interreg-central.eu/projects/curiost/
Contact: harald.grill@conplusultra.com