From Niche to Centre - City Centres as Places of Circular Lifestyles

Programme 2021 - 2027 Interreg VI-B Central Europe

Date of latest update: 2026-06-08

Description

Description (EN):

European city centres are changing: In recent decades, they were resource-intensive centres of consumption. Currently, the online trade is growing, which increasingly shifts consumption from stationary trade to the digitalised sphere. In connection with the COVID19 pandemic, numerous shops had to close and supply chains were interrupted. In contrast, alternative and sustainable consumption models leading to more circularity and sufficiency increase. However, due to the current framework conditions these models usually only remain in their niche and are only seen by "interested parties" at most. Consumers therefore lack a central and easily accessible offer of alternative forms of consumption. NiCE brings these two challenges together: a transformation of central places in cities that make it easy for their inhabitants to implement sustainable lifestyles and at the same time to (re)animate centres in a more circular way. We want to show various practical approaches in different settings that consciously strengthen these new forms of consumption, make them visible in urban centres and bring all relevant actors together. One such setting is for example a "multifunctional resource centre", where several services and offers (such as different repair services) are accessible at one central spot. NiCE partners will prepare, document and evaluate these approaches in transnational teams to develop viable, transferable models and approaches: How to use empty spaces for circular offers? How to run and economically sustain central resource centres? How to combine transnational online trade with local circular services? Educational, inspirational, and exchange formats at transnational, national and regional level will transfer our results to municipalities, regions, providers of alternative consumption and business models, citizen associations and policymakers and invites for further joint activities to establish circular city centres throughout Central Europe.

Actual Achievements (EN):

In work package 1, the assessments of political measures supporting circular lifestyles and a needs analysis of the relevant city stakeholders were conducted across all eight NiCE partner countries, resulting in the finalization of various deliverables and activities. As result, the strategy framework (to enable circular lifestyles in cities) and the monitoring tool (assess circular lifestyles incities) are particularly worth highlighting. All the results of the analyses carried out in the eight partner countries were incorporated into these two documents. A document like the strategy framework of this scope would not have been possible without the transnational cooperation in the project. We presented the strategy framework at a hybrid Think Tank Workshop in Košice (March 2024). Stakeholders were able to give their feedback here, showing that the strategy framework met with a lot of interest. The implementation of work package 2 began with a session at the partner meeting in Bologna (Nov 2023). Each partner introduced their pilot project and current status. Initial tandem discussions identified specific characteristics and potential joint activities. Through the feedback from other partners with different experiences, backgrounds and the way of thinking each pilot concept could be enhanced. Between the end of 2023 and mid-2024, the methodology and pilot concepts were developed and finalised in a framework that can also serve as a template for other projects in the future. First Pilots started in May 2024. Work package 3 focused on finalizing the format, goals, target groups, and content of NiCE capacity-building measures and networking offers. The consortium defined four types of measures: study visits, webinars, transnational workshops, and national trickle-down events. First study visit with the topic “using empty spaces for circular community centers” has been conducted back-to-back with the partner meeting in Kosice in March 2024. We also finalized the NiCE Communication and Dissemination Strategy and ensured regular social media updates and newsletters to spread our ideas. The project made significant progress in promoting sustainable and circular lifestyles in cities across Central Europe. It started by gathering insights from citizens, businesses, and institutions through workshops and interviews, leading to the creation of a monitoring tool that helps cities assess their readiness for circular living and improve their strategies. A Virtual Exhibition was developed, showcasing 30 inspiring European examples of sustainable practices across four themes: circular economy, participatory methods, sustainable business models, and urban regeneration. This accessible online gallery was widely shared through social media to raise awareness. One major achievement was the Strategy Framework, a practical guide for city governments aiming to foster circular lifestyles and revitalize urban centers. Developed through research and consultation, it was published as a downloadable book to reach a broad audience. Local pilot projects were launched in eight cities, testing innovative solutions tailored to specific local needs. These include among others circular pop-up stores, reuse centres or circular water activities. The pilots were organized into transnational tandems, allowing teams to visit each other’s pilots, share experiences, and learn from different contexts. Feedback was gathered through surveys and workshops to understand what worked well and what challenges arose. A common method was created to compare results across the pilots. The lessons learned will be compiled into a practical “Solution Box,” offering step-by-step guidance for city planners, governments, and community groups. The Solution Box covers Kits and Guides to stakeholder engagement, resource centers, sustainable online commerce, and water management. The project is also developing a Knowledge Platform to share experiences and resources related to circular lifestyles in cities. Designed with input from partners and experts, the platform will include of course the Solution box, pilot blogs and videos, scientific papers, and other useful materials, creating a space for ongoing collaboration and learning. The project organized various capacity-building and networking activities aimed at raising awareness and fostering cooperation among local and regional authorities, policymakers, and the public. These activities included study visits, online seminars, transnational workshops, and national events. Study visits took place in Košice (Slovakia), Ptuj (Slovenia), and Jihlava (Czech Republic), showcasing regional circular economy practices, reuse centers, and community initiatives, offering opportunities for participants to learn from local examples and exchange ideas. 4 online seminars were held on topics such as sustainable consumption, living labs, and circular lifestyles in urban settings, attracting diverse audiences and featuring experts and project partners. Additionally, 2 networking workshops coinciding with Art&Tech Days in Košice, Slovakia (November 2024) and SCORAI Europe Conference in Lund, Sweden, (April 2025) facilitated discussions on urban prototyping and circular lifestyles of cities, with international participants from research and policy backgrounds. These efforts aimed to share knowledge, encourage collaboration, and support the development of practical solutions for circular lifestyles in cities. A scientific research article titled “Transition to Circular Economy of Urban Areas and Communities with Special Attention to Lifestyles” was published by NiCE project partners in the journal Discover Sustainability in December 2024. As the article gains recognition, it has recently been cited in a prestigious publication: “Mapping the Intellectual Landscape of Circular Economy and SDG 12: A Bibliometric Analysis of Research Evolution, Thematic Structure, and Geographical Disparities (2015–2024)” in the journal Sustainable Development. This citation highlights that insights from interregional cooperation projects are contributing meaningfully to the global knowledge base on circular economy transitions.

Project outputs: Formalising the partnership(EN)
Joint development of strategy framework(EN)
Pilot cases to establish circular lifestyle offers at central places in cities by re-using local space and resources(EN)
Solution Box to establish circular lifestyles at central places in cities and re-use local space and resources(EN)
Jointly developed action plans(EN)

Thematic information

Urban development

Priority: (VI-B_CE_2) Cooperating for a greener central Europe

Priority specific objective: RSO2.6. Promoting the transition to a circular and resource efficient economy

Priority policy objective (Interreg specific objective): PO2 A greener, low-carbon transitioning towards a net zero carbon economy and resilient Europe by promoting clean and fair energy transition, green and blue investment, the circular economy, climate change mitigation and adaptation, risk prevention and management, and sustainable urban mobility

Type of intervention: 069 Commercial, industrial waste management: prevention, minimisation, sorting, reuse, recycling measures

Partners (9)

Lead Partner: Umweltbundesamt

PIC (Participant Identification Code): 998575910

Partner’s ID if not PIC: DE811317238

Department: Department III 1 - Sustainable Products and Sustainable Consumption, Circular Economy

Address: Wörlitzer Platz, 06844 Dessau-Roßlau, Germany

Department address: Wörlitzer Platz, 06844 Dessau-Roßlau, Germany

Legal status: public

Organisation type: Sectoral agency

Website: http://www.umweltbundesamt.de/en

Total budget: EUR 386 016.34

Partner’s programme co-financing: EUR 308 813.07

Partner’s programme co-financing rate: 80.00%

Partner contribution: EUR 77 203.27

Contractors:

Name: Thomas Beer
VAT registration or tax identification number: 207/203/ 80081
Name: ]init[ AG
VAT registration or tax identification number: DE812816783
Name: blue! advancing
VAT registration or tax identification number: DE 215 440 964
Name: accura audit GmbH
VAT registration or tax identification number: DE 815572770
Name: Wuppertal Institut
VAT registration or tax identification number: DE 121 091 633

Sub-Contractors:

Name: adelphi consult GmbH
VAT registration or tax identification number: DE813485763

Gmina Brzeg Dolny

Name: Gmina Brzeg Dolny

PIC (Participant Identification Code): 925947354

Partner’s ID if not PIC: PL9880157743

Address: Kolejowa, 56-120 Brzeg Dolny, Poland

Legal status: public

Organisation type: Local public authority

Website: http://www.brzegdolny.pl/

Total budget: EUR 200 000.00

Partner’s programme co-financing: EUR 160 000.00

Partner’s programme co-financing rate: 80.00%

Partner contribution: EUR 40 000.00

Contractors:

Name: WKB Sp. z o.o.
VAT registration or tax identification number: 8952043972

Creative Industry Košice, n.o.

Name: Creative Industry Košice, n.o.

PIC (Participant Identification Code): 986600193

Partner’s ID if not PIC: SK2022737871

Address: Kukucinova, 040 01 Košice, Slovakia

Legal status: public

Organisation type: Interest groups including NGOs

Website: https://www.cike.sk/en/

Total budget: EUR 264 769.00

Partner’s programme co-financing: EUR 211 815.20

Partner’s programme co-financing rate: 80.00%

Partner contribution: EUR 52 953.80

Contractors:

Name: Grindstone, s.r.o.
VAT registration or tax identification number: 48258121

Budapesti Műszaki és Gazdaságtudományi Egyetem

Name: Budapesti Műszaki és Gazdaságtudományi Egyetem

Department: BME Department of Environmental Economics and Sustainability

PIC (Participant Identification Code): 999904228

Partner’s ID if not PIC: HU17783305

Address: Műegyetm rkp., H-1111 Budapest, Hungary

Department address: Magyar tudósok körútja, H-1117 Budapest, Hungary

Legal status: public

Organisation type: Higher education and research organisations

Website: http://www.bme.hu/?language=en

Total budget: EUR 247 943.01

Partner’s programme co-financing: EUR 198 354.40

Partner’s programme co-financing rate: 80.00%

Partner contribution: EUR 49 588.61

Centrum Badań i Innowacji Pro-Akademia

Name: Centrum Badań i Innowacji Pro-Akademia

PIC (Participant Identification Code): 955416342

Partner’s ID if not PIC: PL7281919068

Address: Innowacyjna, 95-050 Konstantynów Łódzki, Poland

Legal status: public

Organisation type: Higher education and research organisations

Website: https://www.proakademia.eu/en/

Total budget: EUR 242 617.20

Partner’s programme co-financing: EUR 194 093.76

Partner’s programme co-financing rate: 80.00%

Partner contribution: EUR 48 523.44

GBER schemes / de minimis: General de minimis

Agenzia nazionale per le nuove tecnologie, l'energia e lo sviluppo economico sostenibile

Name: Agenzia nazionale per le nuove tecnologie, l'energia e lo sviluppo economico sostenibile

Department: ENEA-SSPT (Department for Sustainability)

PIC (Participant Identification Code): 999988521

Partner’s ID if not PIC: IT00985801000

Address: Lungotevere Grande Ammiraglio Thaon Di Revel, 00196 Rome, Italy

Department address: Via Martiri Monte Sole, 40129 Bologna, Italy

Legal status: public

Organisation type: Sectoral agency

Website: https://www.enea.it/en

Total budget: EUR 192 168.80

Partner’s programme co-financing: EUR 153 735.04

Partner’s programme co-financing rate: 80.00%

Partner contribution: EUR 38 433.76

Contractors:

Name: Claudia Pinna (Mun. of Genoa)
VAT registration or tax identification number: 00856930102
Name: RIA GRANT THORNTON SPA
VAT registration or tax identification number: IT00985801000
Name: COMUNITAZIONE ASSOCIAZIONE ETS
VAT registration or tax identification number: 2465470744
Name: CITY RED BUS srl
VAT registration or tax identification number: IT02971591207
Name: GACRES
VAT registration or tax identification number: IT02863611204

Znanstveno-raziskovalno središče Bistra Ptuj

Name: Znanstveno-raziskovalno središče Bistra Ptuj

PIC (Participant Identification Code): 940021472

Partner’s ID if not PIC: SI55581218

Address: Slovenski trg, 2250 Ptuj, Slovenia

Legal status: public

Organisation type: Sectoral agency

Website: https://bistra.si/en/

Total budget: EUR 228 900.00

Partner’s programme co-financing: EUR 183 120.00

Partner’s programme co-financing rate: 80.00%

Partner contribution: EUR 45 780.00

StadtLABOR Innovationen für urbane Lebensqualität GmbH

Name: StadtLABOR Innovationen für urbane Lebensqualität GmbH

PIC (Participant Identification Code): 907870046

Partner’s ID if not PIC: ATU72950407

Address: Griesgasse, 8020 Graz, Austria

Legal status: private

Organisation type: SME

Website: https://www.stadtlaborgraz.at/en

Total budget: EUR 267 509.03

Partner’s programme co-financing: EUR 214 007.22

Partner’s programme co-financing rate: 80.00%

Partner contribution: EUR 53 501.81

GBER schemes / de minimis: GBER Article 20

ENVIROS

Name: ENVIROS

PIC (Participant Identification Code): 997911169

Partner’s ID if not PIC: CZ61503240

Address: Dykova, 101 00 Prague, Czech Republic

Legal status: private

Organisation type: SME

Website: https://en.enviros.cz/

Total budget: EUR 190 844.00

Partner’s programme co-financing: EUR 152 675.20

Partner’s programme co-financing rate: 80.00%

Partner contribution: EUR 38 168.80

GBER schemes / de minimis: GBER Article 20

Contractors:

Name: Brána Jihlavy, příspěvková org
VAT registration or tax identification number: 09718044
Name: Hana Nováková
VAT registration or tax identification number: 6954154350
Name: Silo Jihlava, z.s.
VAT registration or tax identification number: 19622287
Name: HUSTÁK CZ, s.r.o.
VAT registration or tax identification number: CZ24230154
Name: EuroAgentur Hotels & Travel
VAT registration or tax identification number: CZ27361861
Name: VEED LIMITED
VAT registration or tax identification number: GB354412222
Name: Česká federace nábytkových ban
VAT registration or tax identification number: 10873074

Partners map

Partners and Projects info

Municipality of Brzeg Dolny

From Niche to Centre - City Centres as Places of Circular Lifestyles

Partners and Projects info

Creative Industry Košice, n.o.

From Niche to Centre - City Centres as Places of Circular Lifestyles

Partners and Projects info

Budapesti Műszaki és Gazdaságtudományi Egyetem

From Niche to Centre - City Centres as Places of Circular Lifestyles

Partners and Projects info

Research and Innovation Centre Pro-Akademia

From Niche to Centre - City Centres as Places of Circular Lifestyles

Partners and Projects info

Italian National Agency for New Technologies, Energy and Sustainable Economic Development

From Niche to Centre - City Centres as Places of Circular Lifestyles

Partners and Projects info

Scientific research centre Bistra Ptuj

From Niche to Centre - City Centres as Places of Circular Lifestyles

Partners and Projects info

CityLAB Innovations for urban quality of life

From Niche to Centre - City Centres as Places of Circular Lifestyles

Partners and Projects info

ENVIROS

From Niche to Centre - City Centres as Places of Circular Lifestyles

Partners and Projects info

German Environment Agency

From Niche to Centre - City Centres as Places of Circular Lifestyles

Lead partner

Project partner

Summary

Project name (EN): From Niche to Centre - City Centres as Places of Circular Lifestyles

Project acronym: NiCE

Project ID: CE0100312

Project start date: 2023-05-01

Project end date: 2026-04-30

Project status: closed

Relevant linked projects:

NEWTRENDS (Horizon2020) (EN) | The NEWTRENDS Project (2020-2023) aims at identifying and quantifying how New Societal Trends affect energy demand (its structure and patterns, including cross-sectoral interdependencies).
New Societal Trends have potentially a large (increasing or decreasing) impact on energy consumption and might lead to cross-sectoral demand shifts that go beyond extrapolation of presently observed trends (continuous trends) and may speed up when they are embraced by larger parts of the society (disruptive trends). Such trends include in particular: digitalisation of the economy and of private lives, Circular Economy and Low-carbon industry, and Shared Economy, which will be the main focus of the present project.
In the NiCE project, we take up these societal trends and bring them into the mainstream as new circular consumption alternatives. In the process, the practices will also be evaluated and assessed. The approach of the NEWTREND project can help to assess ecological and climate impacts. PP6 is a partner in both projects and ensures the exchange. (EN), DEUS (ERASMUS+) (EN) | DEUS is an ERASMUS+ Vocational Educational Training project lead by materahub from Italy. The project partners developed a tailored methodology and capacity building programme for CCSI based on a participatory co-creation process and the real needs of actors from the sector. On of the results is the Living Lab Methodology – a methodology to use in participatory, co-creation process that include multi-stakeholders that want to meet strategic decisions.
NiCE will use / build on the Living Lab Methodology to discuss strategic decisions or best solutions for circular economy / sustainable consumption implementation activities, basically before pilots of the NicE project will start. PP8 as project partner both in DEUS and in NiCE will be the bridge between these projects.
https://deuscci.eu/
(EN), ARCS - Artistic Research & the City Space (Creative Europe) (EN) | ARCS is a planned transnational project (Mid 2022 - Mid 2025) that connects artistic research, architecture and urban research in order to contribute radically novel models for the transformation of city spaces into socially, environmentally, and economically sustainable urban habitats.
ARCS aims to incite new social practices in our common urban lives. The project focus on building capacities and create social and economic models in the cultural and creative sectors.
We strive for an exchange and possibly also a cooperation (in our events) with this project, as we pursue similar approaches and objectives. We both want to transform city spaces into socially, environmentally, and economically sustainable areas. NiCE focuses more on the consumption side and possible business models. Nevertheless, approaches from both projects can flow into each other's work. (EN), City Loops (Horizon 2020) (EN) | Within the framework of the Horizon project "City Loops" (2019 - 2023), the European Circular Cities Declaration was developed. It is designed to help accelerate the transition from a linear to a circular economy in Europe.
With our project, we can build on the existing network of circular cities, share our project content and results, and stimulate new collaborations. We can also build on the commitments in the decleration and support cities in making city centres circular and sustainable with new social innovations and business models. For example, our project pays off on commitment 2: Raising awareness of circular practices across our administration and among local citizens and businesses.
https://cityloops.eu/ (EN), Trans-PED - Transforming Cities throug Positive Energy Districts (JPI Urban Europe) (EN) | Trans-PED is a 2-year pilot project (2021- 2022) to develop a governance approach for Positive Energy District (PED) stakeholders to better realise deep changes to their cities.
Positive Energy Districts are urban neighbourhoods with annual net zero energy import and net zero CO2 emissions.
With NiCE, we can take up the governance approaches for a transformation and, if necessary, develop them further and transfer them to our ideas. In addition, the social innovations and circular business and consumption models we have developed and tested are part of energy reduction.
Furthermore TransPED provides access to a transnational learning network in the field of Positive Energy Districts. In a broader sense, questions of the urban circular economy are also addressed here. And it provides access to actors, dissemination and networking.
https://trans-ped.eu/ (EN), FRONTSH1P (Horizon 2020) (EN) | The project FRONTSH1P (2021 - 2025) aims among others at ensuring green and just transition of the Polish Łódzkie Region towards decarbonisation and territorial regeneration through demonstration of highly replicable circular systemic models in operational conditions. The aim is to create a territorial cluster of circular initiatives to accelerate the transition to a more green, resilient economy, able to provide sustainable responses to the need of the involved regions. The NiCE project can on one hand use FRONTSH1P models for the circular approach for plastic waste and also circularity assessment tools that could be used in WP1. On the other hand, the NiCE output of policy recommendations will be presented to the Lodz Region representatives, that are working on the regional circular economy strategy under the FRONTSH1P project.
https://frontsh1p.eu/ (EN), SmartFood (Norway Grants) (EN) | The project (2021-2024) aims at the development of a socio-technological framework of sustainable food production and consumption towards the sustainable smart city of the future. NiCE project can use the experience of the SmartFood project in methods for engaging citizens towards sustainable activities, self-sufficiency, and ecological development. PP6
https://eeagrants.org/archive/2014-2021/projects/PL-Applied%20Research-0076 (EN), REFLOW - Co-creating circular and regenerative resource flows in cities (Horizon 2020) (EN) | The REFLOW Project (2019 - 2022) aims to develop circular and regenerative cities through enabling active citizen involvement and systemic change to re-think the current approach to material flows in cities.
Both projects are working for more circularity and resource efficiency.
In addition, there are synergies with NiCE, especially in addressing and involving local people and in the development and pilots.
https://reflowproject.eu/ (EN), Pop-Machina (Horizon 2020) (EN) | The Pop-Machina (2019 - 2023) Circular Maker Accelerator Programme aims to offer to makers the knowledge and skills required to scale-up their project into viable circular business models.
Content from Pop-Machina's Makers trainings can be included in NiCE and incorporated into the continuation strategies. The project may provide inputs for our pilots related to DIY and Do-it-together activities in "resource centres" and regarding circular business models.
https://pop-machina.eu/ (EN), Right to Repair Europe - Campaign (EN) | Right to Repair is an EU-wide campaign. It consists of several European organisations representing repair initiatives, social economy actors, self-repair and all citizens who want to stand up for their right to repair. The campaign advocates for a universal right to repair and ambitious policies to achieve it. Repair is an integral part of a functioning circular economy and is actively addressed in our NiCE-project through several pilots in order to use products longer and conserve resources. Our AP "Round Table Repair Germany" is part of the campaign and will ensure that the demands (e.g. "We demand access to repair information and spare parts for all - not only for professionals") are included in our activities.
https://repair.eu/ (EN)

Total budget/expenditure: EUR 2 220 767.38

Total EU funding (amount): EUR 1 776 613.89

Total EU funding (co-financing rate): 80.00%

Co-financing sources:

ERDF: Amount, EUR 1 776 613.89. Co-financing rate, 80.00%.

Investments, deliverables, policy contributions

(bullets are inserted automatically and may be incorrectly placed)

Infrastructure investments:

I2.1 - Multicentre for zero waste ideas - EUR 25 000.00 - country: Polska (PL), town: Brzeg Dolny, street: Zwycięstwa, 8, postal_code: 56-120, Dolnośląskie (PL51), Wrocławski (PL518)

Deliverables:

Circular lifestyle monitor tool for cities
Synthesis report
Longlist of transnational examples and selection criteria
Virtual reality exhibition presenting 30 selected inspiring cases + 15 helpful tools.
Social media campaign to promote the exhibition and the good cases
Short synthesis report
Transnational think tank workshop for the strategy framework
Strategy framework to enable circular lifestyles in cities
Framing concepts for our offers (pilots/ solutions and transfer formats) including the M&E concept
Status quo reports of all pilot cities
Pilot implementation concepts and methodology set
Peer review to all eight pilot sites
Documentation report for each pilot
Eight Pilot blogs and eight documentary videos about each pilot site
Pilot evaluation report including lessons learnt and recommendations for further development
Solution Box
Knowledge Platform "From Niche to Centre" with interactive elements
Educational materials adressing the behaviour of citizens
4 transnational study visits back-to-back to partner meetings
8 transnational webinars for local/ regional authorities and multipliers
4 transnational networking workshops
8 national trickle down events
Two local action plans that take up the circular lifestyle offers to city centres
A policy position paper
"Transferability conference" (closure conference)
Final press kit and media campaign for dissemination of our project's achievements
Continuation Plan

Contribution to wider strategies and policies:

EUStrategyAdriaticIonianRegion The pilots tested in the project offer new approaches for alternative and sustainable business models. These support smart, sustainable and inclusive development in the region and offer new options for strengthening SMEs. By processing the scientific evaluation of the pilots, numerous actors can benefit from the experiences of the project and more easily finance and implement their own ideas. The project also promotes the democratisation of and participation in cooperation processes involving various forms of engagement. This leads to a change in the roles and responsibilities of actors and socio-economic structures in local communities. Facilitating circulation between research and business communities and increasing their networking and clustering capacity is an integral part of the EUSAIR
EUStrategyAlpineRegion The project actively promotes social innovations and alternative business models that contribute to a sustainable economy and sustainable consumption. In doing so, cooperation between science, business, civil actors and other stakeholders is strengthened. Through new, alternative business models and consumption practices, the quality of life in the regions is increased on the one hand, and economic independence and resilience are strengthened on the other. Through a knowledge platform that will be developed during the project, the lessons learned during the pilots and already functioning activities will be collected and made transferable for all and thus supports the development of innovations and initiatives on the local level. The pilots will be carried out in locations of different scales and thus also take into account different socio-economic conditions. New economic and participation forms also offer the possibility of new employment.
EUStrategyBalticSeaRegion In February 2021 the new revised action plan of the EUSBSR was released. The NiCE-Project contributes in particular to the PA INNO, especially Action 1, of the action plan. The project develops innovative ideas and strategies for sustainable and circular city centres, such as alternative business models. These provide sustainable economic growth, resilient city centres, stimulate further innovation and offer new opportunities for jobs. Grand challenges in the Baltic Sea region like climate change, resource efficiency, healthy living and inclusive societies will be addressed. In the implementation of the pilots, different stakeholders and citizens are directly involved and supported in the ambition of social innovation and sustainable living. Through the implementation of new consumption models, influence is taken on the consumption patterns of the consumers and the sensitivity for sustainability is strengthened. Due to the transnational implementation and realisation, a knowledge exchange is given over the entire duration of the project.
EUStrategyDanubeRegion The NiCE project supports several Priority Areas (PA) and their sub-goals as defined in the EUSDR Action Plan 2020. Through the approach of pilot implementation of innovative business ideas and their scientific support, research and innovation infrastructures, capacities and skills are promoted, and thus PA 7 knowledge society is supported. Six Project Partners originate from the Danube Region, so that networking between different stakeholders (e.g. business, municipalities, research and academia) is actively strengthened within the framework of the project. Explicit networking events and online seminars on various topics are planned. The new tested business pilot models for circular city centres also have a positive effect on the competitivness of enterprises of the region and promote its sustainability, resilience and new employment options. The Knowledge Platform developed on the basis of the pilot implementations offers best practice solutions and collects good strategies for a continuation of new business models. Based on the nowledge platform, action plans or new innovative funding instruments with a particular focus on needs of local actors and civil society can be developed (PA 10).
EuropeanGreenDeal The NiCE-Project directly addresses fundamental objectives of the EU Green Deal: Together with the PPs, viable, sustainable and resilient business concepts are being developed, which at the same time offer the opportunity for new employment relationships and the learning of new skills. Through the participation of the PPs from different countries, different circumstances and local needs can be taken into account.
In particular, the objectives of the Circular Economy Action Plan are addressed. The alternative business models tested through the pilots (e.g. renting, borrowing, sharing) promote long use and better reuse of products as well as access to repair. Thus, the models also pay off in terms of improved resource efficiency. Through the scientific monitoring and evaluation of the pilots, statements can then be made about their use, financial viability and structural sustainability. Overall, with this approach, the project promotes a climate-neutral and circular economy that remains competitive through the new concepts.
By placing the pilots in central locations in the cities and offer an dialogue, local citizens are actively involved in the change and the development of new structures. With this approach, the project also ties in with the "New European Bauhaus" initiative. The project has an impact on the shaping of our future lifestyles and the design of our cities. The implementation of the pilots offers an initial experimental laboratory with the aim of adopting these approaches in other places.
TerritorialAgenda2030 In the Territorial Agenda 2030, which was adopted on 01 December 2020, we address especially the objectives of Functional Regions, a health environment and a circular economy. Furtermore we support with our project the place-based approach as an important principle of change in the centre.
Through our practice-based approach, we specifically promote the local economy in a globalised world. Through the implementation of the pilots, transformation processes are initiated locally. Regional value chains are taken into account and the importance of consumption practices such as maintenance, repair, reuse, recycling, refurbishment and recovery are particularly strengthened. Based on our practical findings, we develop local, regional, but also supra-regional generalisable strategies for circular business models and lifestyles in city centres. This results in a resilient local economy and environmental benefits are created.
Our approach is based on the active involvement of local people. On the one hand, they are part of the transformation and can help shape it through cultural, creative and social capacities. On the other hand, they can benefit from a sustainable transformation. New business models create new employment opportunities. In addition, the quality of life can be strengthened through good accessibility, proximity, affordability and quality of public services in the city centre.
Through our digital knowledge platform, interested stakeholders and decision-makers can view inspiration and templates for new policy frameworks and adopt them as needed.
Other "The New Leipzig Charter 2020" puts cities at the centre of an ecological and social transformation. This is also where the NiCE project comes in: New and alternative business models are to be created and tested in city centres that benefit both the environment and local people. The common good and quality of life are promoted by the new offerings. (Inner) city areas thus become multifunctional spaces with diverse opportunities for cultural and social exchange, thus strengthening social cohesion. The pilots also aim to fundamentally change consumer behaviour in order to ensure the sustainable use of resources.
Other On 30 March, the "EU Strategy on sustainable textiles" will be published. UBA has participated previously in the consultation. The strategy aims to make the textile sector circular and resilient. In addition, new circular and sustainable business models are to be promoted, which will set the sector for the future.
The textile/fashion sector is an important sector for consumption in city centres. Therefore, it will play a major role for our project. Our project provides important impulses for how new business models can be designed and how they can be made permanent.

Programme Common Output Indicator:

RCO 084 - Pilot actions developed jointly and implemented in projects, Measurement unit:
RCO 116 - Jointly developed solutions, Measurement unit:
RCO 083 - Strategies and action plans jointly developed, Measurement unit:
RCO 087 - Organisations cooperating across borders, Measurement unit:

Delivered output indicator(s):

(RCO87) Organisations cooperating across borders: 22.0
(RCO83) Strategies and action plans jointly developed: 1.0

Programme Common Result Indicator:

RCR 104 - Solutions taken up or up-scaled by organisations, Measurement unit:
RCR 079 - Joint strategies and action plans taken up by organisations, Measurement unit:
RCR 084 - Organisations cooperating across borders after project completion, Measurement unit:

Project part of European Union Macro-Regional or Sea Basin Strategy: EUSBSR

EUSBSR Priority (Policy) area / Horizontal action:

EUSBSR Degree of compliance:

Project part of European Union Macro-Regional or Sea Basin Strategy: EUSALP

EUSALP Priority (Policy) area / Horizontal action:

EUSALP Degree of compliance:

Project part of European Union Macro-Regional or Sea Basin Strategy: EUSDR

Project part of European Union Macro-Regional or Sea Basin Strategy: EUSAIR

EUSAIR Priority (Policy) area / Horizontal action:

EUSAIR Degree of compliance:

Information regarding the data in keep.eu on the programme financing this project

Financing programme

2021 - 2027 Interreg VI-B Central Europe

Latest month of project-partner-call data publication

2026-06

No. of projects in keep.eu / Total no. of projects (% of projects in keep.eu)

125 / 125 (100%)

No. of project partnerships in keep.eu / Total no. of project partnerships (% of project partnerships in keep.eu)

1 181 / 1 181 (100%)

Notes on the data

Languages

Contact Form

From Niche to Centre - City Centres as Places of Circular Lifestyles

Description

Thematic information

Partners (9)

Partners map

Summary

Investments, deliverables, policy contributions

Information regarding the data in keep.eu on the programme financing this project

Disclaimer