CirculAlps activities: networking, knowledge exchange, discussion with experts, have an infor- mation stand / CirculAlps folder (within the Action Group 2 info point), bilateral discussion

CirculAlps aims at promoting circular & bio-economies in the Alpine timber sector. Bio-based innovation & circular economy in wood supply chains have been recently and repeatedly identified as key for mountain regions by institutions such Alpine Convention and Agricultural European Innovation Partnership. Timber value chains can benefit from these approaches e.g. in the management of discarded wood by adding further stages to wood life before biomass and in using waste products as raw materials e.g. bark as insulator. Interesting best practices within and outside EUSALP region exist, but are still rare. The wood value chain, bio-based innovation and circular economy in the forestry sector were analysed and the specific potential for innovative circular and bio-economy value chains in the EUSALP region were evaluated. These findings will be collected in a feasibility study. Furthermore, the outputs of the project will develop in a participative way, will investigate missing elements for forestry entrepreneurs to start this new value chain and set concrete actions and tools to facilitate them. This will set a solid basis for the spread of circular and bio-economy in the EUSALP area forestry sector. The main results will increase effectiveness of collaborative research and innovation activities, leading to the emergence of new cross-sectoral value chains primarily in the selected areas. Furthermore, the innovation management capacities will be enhanced in relevant intermediary organizations such as clusters. The international approach will provide a transnational strategy of the development of the forest-based sector. These results will be highly replicable and provide valuable inputs for policy makers on a regional, national and European level.