Scoping the Socio-economic Performance of the EU Proximity Economy

The general objective of this study is to assess the socio-economic weight of the “Proximity Economy” as an industrial ecosystem and its contribution as a sustainable, innovative, and resilient ecosystem. More specifically, the objective is to define the concept of proximity, assess how it adds value and analyse how it impacts various sectors. Further, it is to develop an understanding of how the concept is implemented across the EU and define how it could be measured. Finally, it is to position the findings of the study within the context of wider EU policies and global challenges. The specific objectives of the study are the following: - refine the concept of proximity economy, and delineate the types and business models of organisations operating within it, - analyse interlinkages with other concepts such as circular/sharing/collaborative economy and social economy, - map different policy approaches to the proximity economy across the EU, - identify the impact of proximity on relevant sectors such as retail, food, construction, manufacturing etc, - develop a model for measuring and scoping the proximity economy in cities and rural areas, through the creation of a monitoring framework with concrete KPIs, and - align the work completed on the proximity economy with EU policy priorities and global challenges.